Horse vetting - advice please?

L

Loubiepoo

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 April 2007
Messages
568
Visit site
Had a potential horse vetted today and unfortunatley it didn't pass the flexion test on one hind - no massive unsoundness just slightly unlevel, however - I have then been told by the owner (vet not phoned me yet) that the vet then did not carry on the rest of the vetting, no ridden work, respiratory stuff, blood test etc - will they expect me to pay the full price of the vetting? It seems a bit unfair if they do. And has anyone ever bought a horse that didn't pass its flexion test?
Thanks
x
 
I have no experience of a horse failing the flexion test, but I assume the vet (when he rings) will be strongly advising you not to buy as he didnt carry on. I would want them to charge me for a 2 stage vetting therefore instead of a 5 stage!!!!
 
They should have carried on with the test. I believe that if they fail on one thing then they are expected to ask whoever is paying if they want him to carry on. If you werent there then they should have done.

I have had one of my own horses fail on the flexion test (hinds, 1/10 and 2/10) when I was selling him, however it was crap! I got my own vet out the same day because I was so shocked and he passed him easily! Im now VERY wary of flexion tests. The horse that apparently failed competed every single weekend at BSJA etc. and had never been lame!

Personally, Id demand he was done again, especially as you would have wanted a FULL vetting. It is never up to the vet to advise if the buyer should buy, in fact they're not even meant to "pass" or "fail", just present their findings to the buyer and thats it.
 
The horse I wanted failed on a flexion test a few weeks ago. As I was there for the vetting I was able to discuss it with the vet and made the decision based on his advice not to proceed. Did the vet not have a contact number for you, I think he should have called you before stopping the examination. I was charged for a 2 stage vetting.
 
Do you know what with my past and recent experience with vets and vettings i am very very sceptical, my friend just bought a super horse which failed a flexion test, he is perfect, i have known horses fail on rediculous things, and go on to be perfect, personally i would ask about all his previous conditions etc and make your own judgment... I would also add that about 90% fail on flexion!!
 
My mare failed flexion tests when I was selling her and I was so shocked because she was 9 and had never been lame, I had no reason to suspect a problem so I was sorry for my buyer.She decided not to go ahead, I think that an exclusion would have been slapped on her insurance etc. I kept my mare, had the flexion tests redone by my vet and and was told that she did have the start of arthritic changes to her hocks. She went onto Cortaflex and I kept her for another 18 months, competing and SOUND! I then found a lovely buyer, was honest about her history, and she flew through a 2 stage vetting. She has had a fab home for the last 18 months but I did have to reduce her price. Flexion tests can be controversial, she had no lameness ever but at least she has a home that recognises a potential problem.
Does anyone think that these problems, which are apparently seen more and more, could be caused by deep areas??I would love to have some views.
 
I dont rate the flexion test very highly at all.
You imagine having your leg held up and then trying to run off? I know i would be lame!
 
Friend had her horse vetted it failed on flexion test badly so vet said he wouldn't carry on with vetting, as she was there. She ended up buying the horse for very little then it turned out to be constantly lame and cost her a fortune in vets bills! So there's a different story from everyone!

Thankfully my horse passed with flying colours, test was done on a hard surface though, or did you mean people riding on bad arenas which cause the problem???
 
There's plenty of stories both for and against flexion tests. Personally i know of several who have failed flexion and been found to have quite serious problems on further investigation ie proximal suspensory desmitis, OCD etc etc.

It is usual for the vet to discuss with the buyer whether to continue with the vetting or not and if the decision is made to end the vetting there then you would not be billed for the full amount.

I would imagine that the vet thought it was fairly bad if he made the decision without contacting you but he still should have discussed it with you at the time.
 
Well, its 2130pm now and still not heard from the vet, not very impressed at all, he had all my contact numbers and not heard a peep!
The owner is getting a second opinion from another impartial vet on monday, so we will wait and see what they think.
 
A girl at our yard had a horse vetted and this happened. Before she told me about it I didn't realise the vet might not complete the process.

I'm having a horse vetted on Tuesday and I have specified that the vet must complete a full vetting regardless of what comes up. I value the vets opinion but I need the whole picture not just a flexion test to make my decision.

My first horse failed a flexion test, I had his legs xrayed and bought him anyway, he never had a day lame in the 7 years I owned him.
 
the only thing that said my horse had a serious injury (PSD) was the fact he was crippled after flexion. Depending on how bad the reaction to flexion is, the vet is quite within their rights to stop the vetting if they feel carrying on would be to the detriment of the horse. they usually only then charge for a 2stage vetting.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top