Flextion tests...

[ROMANY 1959]

I have understood that a couple of slight off steps after a flextion test is nothing to worry about. 14 yr mare being vetted tomorrow , did most of the vetting Friday but then a blizzard came in and vet called off flextion tests cos yard was slippy and covered in snow. I would like your views on flex tests just in case anything shows up( lame steps ect) of course because mare is 14 she will not be as flexible as a youngster.
We really like this horse a previous horse I bought had slight lame step on a hind, and 2 yr later he never has any sign of lameness ect.

 

[justabob]

I would let the sale of my horse fall through rather than allow a vet to flexion test. Horrible practice and shows nothing of any merit.

 

[twobearsarthur]

^^^ this ^^^

 

[ROMANY 1959]

Yes, see your view but insurance insists on 2 stage with flextion tests. So have had to ask for them. I was happy with just 2 stage but vet asked did insurance stand without flextion.. And I called them and they won't insure vets fees without... So I am just asking opinions of tests.. I can get some movement on price for slight fail then insurance probably won't insure that leg, or they may... It depends on results..

 

[Quatrefoil]

A horse I had failed 3 separate vets on flexion texts. Just slightly lame for one or two steps for each and every one of them. I knew the horse was sound but eventually gave up and sold it for a hugely reduced amount, and of course its still competing at a high level with no unsoundness 3 years on. Sorry I just don't have a very high opinion of vetting for purchase procedures. On the other hand I know of several people who have bought expensive horses with a clean vets certificate which have proved seriously unsound within weeks of purchase.

 

[Marydoll]

A flexion test is not a stand alone test it is used as part of an overall evaluation of whether the horse you want to buy is fit for the job you want it to do.
The flexion does not need to be immense or held for long periods to show up any issues that might cause problems for what you want to do with the horse and most vets know this, and perform them with that in mind.
I would expect a vet to perform flexion tests as part of a 5 stage vetting and if the owner objected to it, but my vet felt, on balance of what he had seen in the examination they were warranted i wouldnt touch the horse with a barge pole if they werent carried out as part of the examination.