Help with pre purchase vetting

ChestnutConvert

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 September 2010
Messages
1,135
Location
Hertfordshire
Visit site
When getting a horse vetted i know it is best to get a 5 stage done but is there a great risk with getting a 2 stage?
I remember being told that horses under £3000 should just get a 2 stage but wouldn't this compromise on info that you could need?
 
I always get a full vetting done as I like to know if I am buying any problems. (2 stage is more suitable for foals that can not be ridden). I always attend the vetting so that I can ask the vet any questions.
 
I would always get a stage 5 with bloods. In the grand scheme of things it's not that much money really compared to a lifetime of potential problems or vet bills, and in my opinion it's worth it to have the peace of mind!

And if something crops up in the vetting then you can make an informed decision on whether you can manage it.

So yes I would say definitely get a stage 5!
 
If you're going to insure them then the policy I have been looking at (petplan) said they do not need a vetting certificate for under £2500, but I'm going to get one anyway for my own info (the fact I am doing this has made a lot of sellers mysteriously stop emailing me which says it all!), also someone told me that if you do get a vetting but insurance doesn't ask for it, you should still give a copy to them anyway because otherwise it is withholding information or something :-)
 
Check with the vet your going to use as i had a 2 stage done and they lunged,flexion tests and did bloods,they were extremley thourough and i dont think i would of got a lot more for a 5 stage ;)
 
My understanding of the vetting process is that the difference between a 2 stage and a 5 stage is the ridden/excercise stage. All the basic checks and flexion test are carried out. But maybe I am wrong?

I had 2 of my horses pass 5 stage vettings only for them to go wrong within a very short space of time after purchase.

I too am on the look out for another horse and haven't got a fortune to spend so will only be having a 2 stage done this time round.
 
Just a quick question, what is the cost difference between a 2 stage and a 5 stage vetting. I am considering having our mare re-vetted for insurance purposes and am looking at the cost implications. Some of the insurance companies want a fresh vetting as she has not been insured for a period of time, but one or two will consider having the vet records sent to them.
 
I'm not sure how much a two stage vetting is, but last summer I had a five stage with x-rays and bloods, which was around the £500 mark.

One thing I would say is that if you have bloods taken, the vet will only test if you instruct them to. If you don't they will store it - and since most vets do not have infinite space they will dispose after a period of time.
 
My horse had a stage 5 at the end of March and it was around the £220 mark including call out. It also included bloods which are stored at the surgery for 6 months. The bloods are really only in case the horse becomes lame or there is a reason to think the seller had used drugs to conceal an injury or temperament issue. Xrays are not routinely done at a stage 5 unless requested and that costs extra. It also depends on the value of the horse. My insurance company NFU needed the certificate
 
Top