Help Viewing a Horse tomorrow

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Fancyfree

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Hi

I am viewing a horse tomorrow but not sure what questions to ask? He is a 16.2 IDxTB 13yrs old. I have had horses in the past but this is the first time going it alone without my family so a bit nervous.

Another question is what is difference between a two stage and five stage vetting?

Any help much appreciated.
 
Just what I found online:

Two Stage Vettings

The limited pre-purchase examination will take 35-45 minutes and although this will be less expensive, it is important to understand it's limitations in fully assessing a horse prior to purchase. You will be asked to sign a letter to this effect if you would choose a stage 2 vetting only.

Stage One is observation and thorough clinical examination of the horse. The horse should ideally be rested in a stable for 3 hours prior to the examination.
Using an ophthalmoscope to check the eye Identification of the horse is confirmed by comparison to its passport & scanning for the presence of a microchip. The vaccination status is checked & advice given where necessary.
The horse's demeanor and temperament is assessed before & throughout the examination, paying particular attention to vices or behavioural abnormalities.
The head & mouth are examined including assessment of the horse’s age, condition of the incisors & a brief assessment on the front cheek teeth, including the presence of wolf teeth.

In addition to the standard examination we offer a detailed dental inspection. This will involve the use of a full mouth speculum to accurately assess abnormalities of the molar teeth or hard palate. Prior to the vetting you will be asked if you wish this additional service to be performed.
The horse is palpated all over in order to identify any abnormalities, such as signs of old injuries, scars, lumps or bumps. This will also include an assessment of spinal reflexes and mobility.
The lungs and heart will be assessed with a stethoscope.
With the horse in a dark area, the eyes are examined with an ophthalmoscope.
The horse is then taken outside and stood square. This allows assessment of conformation and observation of any visible problems.
Stage Two involves a lameness and foot examination. It should be carried out on a hard, level surface and involves walking and trotting up the horse in a straight line, looking for signs of lameness or gait abnormality.
The feet are assessed for conformation faults, balance and horn quality. The style and type of shoeing is noted.
The horse will be turned in a tight circle ('turned short') and reined back.
Flexion tests will be carried out on all 4 legs.
In addition the horse may be lunge or trotted on a hard circle. This can help identify subtle problems.


Five Stage Vettings

The full pre-purchase examination entails the stages below on top of those included in the limited pre-purchase examination.

Stage Three requires strenuous exercise, preferably ridden (but can be lunged). Unbroken horses may be loose-schooled.
Using a stethoscope to assess the heartThe horse will be assessed for a dipped or cold back during saddling and mounting. The horse is observed while tacking up for behavioural abnormalities.
The horse is assessed for soundness and co-ordination once mounted and during ridden exercise at walk, trot and canter. Depending on the prospective use of the horse gallop may be required.
The wind is assessed with the horse in canter.The heart and respiration is assessed immediately after this strenuous exercise.


Stage Four is a period of rest until the heart and respiratory rate return to normal. This may elicit any stiffness when the horse is re-examined at stage five.
During this time the heart rate and rhythm is assessed during recovery from exercise.
Stage Five involves a final trot up and assessment.stage 3 - ridden assessment
Walk, trot, circles on both reins and reining back are required.
Flexion tests or lunging on a hard surface may be used if any lameness if suspected.
A blood sample will also be taken and stored for 6 months; alternatively this can be tested immediately if desired. This is to identify any drugs such as sedatives, steroids or anti-inflammatory painkillers (e.g. ’bute).
 
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I would strongly recommend that you have blood pulled. This can be done in a 2 Stage if requested but I always have a 5 stage done on any horse I buy. The blood can then be tested if problems show up after you get the horse home.
 
Me being the cynical person that I am.....

Check in the horses stable to see the surfaces are not chewed indicating its a crib biter. Watch to see if it windsucks in the stable.

Check to see it has water whether its in the field or stable (if there is no water this is a trick to used by unscrupilous people to sedate horses).

Ask the vendor (preferably when you have a camera/camcorder filming the horse with the vendor next to you) if the horse has any vices and then list each one separately. You can use this evidence in court if the vendor is dodgy.

Get a five stage vetting with bloods.

Try the horse over jumps if this is what you want to do. Try it out hacking if this is what you want to do. Watch it load (if you will be travelling it to shows). Don't take their word for anything. Ask to see it caught.

Watch its reaction when you walk towards it with tack and when you tack it up.
 
Take someone else horsey with you close friend/yo/instructor, they may think of questions if and a 2nd opion stops your heart overruling your head. Ask full medical history, ask to see the horses passport too it should corroborate their history of the horse, where it's been etc. Good luck!
 
Fancyfree said:
Hi

I am viewing a horse tomorrow but not sure what questions to ask? He is a 16.2 IDxTB 13yrs old. I have had horses in the past but this is the first time going it alone without my family so a bit nervous.

Another question is what is difference between a two stage and five stage vetting?

Any help much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Give yourself plenty of travelling time and try to arrive early, you can always apologise if needed. On the other hand you might just find the horse being cleaned up after having done a good session of work before you get on him. No doubt plenty of posters will slate me for this comment, but I have tried a lot of horses over the years and seen all the tricks and used one or two of them myself.

As for questions, I would be asking which pack of hounds the horse has been out with if they claim he is a good hunter. You can always ask the secretary if the horse has been out. Ask to see competition records/results if they claim he has competed. I always ask why the horse is for sale, especially if they are spinning the hard decision to sell and the horse is perfect yarn.

By getting there early you will, or should have the opportunity to observe the horse in the stables. What is it bedded on, if it is paper are the others on paper, if not I would be having a good listen to the wind when he does faster work. Have a look at the walls/door/window frame. If they are chewed have a look at his front teeth, you might just be looking at a windsucker/cribber. Does his door have a grill on - weaver possibly.

Always let the owner ride first. Ask to see the horse leave and re enter the yard on several occasions and when you ride it do the same. I would also drop the contact a few times to give every opportunity for any nappiness to emerge. If it is sold as traffic proof make sure you test it to the limit. If there are no busy roads to ride on I would be unhappy to accept the horse is good in traffic and I would be wanting to box the horse to see some traffic. Unless of course, your set up at home is traffic less.

After riding I personally always untack and handle the horse myself to get an idea of temperament on the ground. Ask to see it load and unload. Go over it to check for sarcoids/blemishes etc. If they claim it is well bred have a look at the passport. You have had a good post on vetting. Unless the horse was dirt cheap and you could afford to bin it if there is an health issue, I would always 5 stage vet.

Good luck, I hope he is a cracker for you.
 
AdorableAlice said:
Looks like Applecart and I have looked at a lot of horses !!
Click to expand...

Yes!

Well I am on my sixth horse as the previous four were sadly anxious to get through the pearly gates in record time. But I have looked at about 12 altogether over the years which isn't a huge amount as I was very strict on what I wanted and wouldn't veer away from colour/height/age.

The best tip by far is the questions you ask the vendor whilst filming the horse so you have their voice recorded.

I am just to cynical by far. And I would never buy of a private sale now, I always use one of two dealers who have really good reputations.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you for all your replies. I went and saw him today and he is perfect. Exactly what I want plus something my husband can ride. So going back again Friday for a second look providing as good as today he is mine and will sort money and paperwork.

Even better he is going to stay on the yard as a livery. So no stress of moving or change in routine. Even better he is shod by the farrier I have used for last 10 years so horse comes with a reference of sort.

So excited already looking on the horsey website for things to buy him.

Thank again for your help.
 
AdorableAlice said:
Give yourself plenty of travelling time and try to arrive early, you can always apologise if needed. On the other hand you might just find the horse being cleaned up after having done a good session of work before you get on him. No doubt plenty of posters will slate me for this comment, but I have tried a lot of horses over the years and seen all the tricks and used one or two of them myself.

As for questions, I would be asking which pack of hounds the horse has been out with if they claim he is a good hunter. You can always ask the secretary if the horse has been out. Ask to see competition records/results if they claim he has competed. I always ask why the horse is for sale, especially if they are spinning the hard decision to sell and the horse is perfect yarn.

By getting there early you will, or should have the opportunity to observe the horse in the stables. What is it bedded on, if it is paper are the others on paper, if not I would be having a good listen to the wind when he does faster work. Have a look at the walls/door/window frame. If they are chewed have a look at his front teeth, you might just be looking at a windsucker/cribber. Does his door have a grill on - weaver possibly.

Always let the owner ride first. Ask to see the horse leave and re enter the yard on several occasions and when you ride it do the same. I would also drop the contact a few times to give every opportunity for any nappiness to emerge. If it is sold as traffic proof make sure you test it to the limit. If there are no busy roads to ride on I would be unhappy to accept the horse is good in traffic and I would be wanting to box the horse to see some traffic. Unless of course, your set up at home is traffic less.

After riding I personally always untack and handle the horse myself to get an idea of temperament on the ground. Ask to see it load and unload. Go over it to check for sarcoids/blemishes etc. If they claim it is well bred have a look at the passport. You have had a good post on vetting. Unless the horse was dirt cheap and you could afford to bin it if there is an health issue, I would always 5 stage vet.

Good luck, I hope he is a cracker for you.
Click to expand...

This is all great advice. The only other thing I would add is if it doesn't feel right and you don't want to get on...don't get on! I over-rode my instincts once and ate dirt quite soon after!
 
Fancyfree said:
Thank you for all your replies. I went and saw him today and he is perfect. Exactly what I want plus something my husband can ride. So going back again Friday for a second look providing as good as today he is mine and will sort money and paperwork.

Even better he is going to stay on the yard as a livery. So no stress of moving or change in routine. Even better he is shod by the farrier I have used for last 10 years so horse comes with a reference of sort.

So excited already looking on the horsey website for things to buy him.

Thank again for your help.
Click to expand...

Please don't forget to have the horse vetted! Even if he seems perfect in every way, that doesn't mean their isn't an underlying condition that even the owners aren't aware of. A horse is a long term investment and it pays to invest wisely! ;)

Hope it all works out and you have lots of fun with him. :)
 
Have the horse vetted. Make sure bloods are taken.

Also, something that never gets mentioned on here... be honest with yourself and the seller about your abilities and ambitions. I know couple of people who insisted on going looking at super fit, sharp competition horses which were hunting fit, yet all they want to do is a bit of hacking and Prelim DR. What's the point? Waste of your time and the seller's time when you can't ride one side of it, and a seller who is a little unscrupulous won't mind selling you something unsuitable...
 
Im glad your viewing went well and that you like him :D
Hope Friday goes well!
Definitely do get him vetted, even if its only a 2 stage :)

Good luck!
 
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