I can't attend the vetting

[abbijay]

Hi All,
I haven't been on for ages so brief update - my Cumbrian Heavy Horses' loan has ended up staying for 18 months but is returning imminently. I have been keeping an eye out for our new best friend but it was looking decreasingly less likely since prices are rocketing and the type of horse I want are selling for the asking price unseen, which I'm not willing to do.
I spotted something that went up at 10pm on Saturday night and decided to abandon my plans to go showing on Sunday morning and make the almost 200 mile round trip to see him. It was great, he is JUST what I want so we've paid the deposit and the vetting is booked.
The day of the vetting is just not going to be possible for me to make; I have a number of high level meetings already in the diary and I can't rearrange them and I don't want to postpone the vetting if I don't have to. It's my non-horsey husband's wfh/admin day so he could go on my behalf. He can spot a horse that is on 3 legs and has been around mine for 12 years now but is it a waste of his time driving all that way? For me the only thing he would spot is that the horse is not as I described him (quiet, placid, easy going but alert) and see what the vet is doing.
I don't know the vet going but the practice has been recommended to me by an equine vet and a friend who used to break in horses in the area and I have used them for a referral treatment previously.
WWYD if you were me? (Aside from crossing everything that he is sound and healthy)

 

[Michen]

I’d say pointless your partner going.

Can you be free at the time of the actual vetting so the vet can call you to discuss findings , if any, as he goes through the process?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Have you got a trusted horsey mate that could go with/instead of your other half? To be honest, as you seem to have some knowledge of the practice I wouldn’t be too worried. As above, get them to ring and discuss it all with you if possible

 

[Annagain]

Could you video call the seller while it's happening? I couldn't go when Charlie was vetted but the vet spoke to me beforehand asked if I had any particular concerns (melanomas as he was grey!) and promised to phone straight away if there was anything that was a problem. There was a slight issue with a cyst in his eye (it's impossible to tell if it's a melanoma or just a cyst without a scan) so he had to have that scanned a day or two later. That was also done without me there but I video called the seller while the vet was doing it so I could see - it was fascinating as well as reassuring!

 

[popcorn1]

As you aren't using the sellers vet, I wouldn't be concerned.

Just ask your vet to check the microchip to be sure it's the right one ?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would ask your OH to go, not to work out if the horse is sound, that's the vet's job but to listen to and observe the owner's demeanour. He is likely to be able to spot any inconsistencies/ awkwardness on the part of the owner, which could be a red flag and something to discuss with the vet.

 

[HeyMich]

I haven't been to the last 2 vettings I've had done, but both were done by reputable vets and both called me to discuss all findings during and after. The photos/video call is a great idea!

Good luck, and let us know how you get on x

 

[RHM]

I couldn’t be at my horses vetting, no way was I doing that 10 hour round trip again! Just asked the vet to give me a call immediately afterwards. She gave me a very comprehensive view of the horse and a detailed written email too. Bought horse and no issues!

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I couldn't attend my horses vetting with my vet. As soon as he passed his owner rang in tears telling me his passed. About an hour later the vet rang and talked me through it.

 

[webble]

I recently found that not being at the vetting was a good thing. If there is a problem the vet can call you to discuss and you have some breathing space. If you are there and there is an issue you will feel pressured to make a decision and it's harder to walk away if the horse is in front of you

 

[Kat]

Get your OH to go. Get him to video the flexions and anything that is of concern. Tell him to put you on the phone to the vet if there are any uncertainties.

I found it really useful to be present for vettings if there are any question marks over the horse. One we walked away, she failed the flexions but it was pretty obvious and seeing it helped us to be sure. The other we bought despite what the vet said and it was absolutely the best thing we could have done. 10 years later the horse has been perfect in every way, but the vet was very vocal that she was unsuitable, being there enabled us to see that actually the vet wasn't confident handling an anxious youngster rather than the horse being a problem.

 

[paddy555]

Get your OH to go. Get him to video the flexions and anything that is of concern. Tell him to put you on the phone to the vet if there are any uncertainties.

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this. Give OH a list of points to check, passport and ID is one example, get OH on video phone and get him to talk you round as the vetting continues. Speak to the vet if you are concerned as he progresses. Watch the demeanour of the horse as it is mounted etc and ridden.
So many horror stories on here I would think it very important to participate even if only via video phone.

 

[Xmasha]

As long as you are using a reputable vet practice I wouldn’t worry about going . I tend to ask my vets if they know anyone in that particular area and go with that .

 

[abbijay]

@OrangeAndLemon (and anyone else who knows me IRL or on Facebook) please keep this quiet, I don't want to tell people until it's a done deal!

 

[Bernster]

As above, OH could do some useful stuff under instruction but I wouldn’t be as bothered as you’ve already seen the horse yourself. I’d have a call with vet beforehand and discuss and, given the wonders of tech now, I’d try and attend by video (although might be difficult if you’re in meetings!).

I haven’t always attend vetting since the past.

 

[McFluff]

I couldn't go to my vetting (400 mile round trip), but used a very well known equine vets in the area. They knew I couldn't be there, and were happy with that - I spoke to the vet beforehand, then she called (from the yard) and talked me through her findings. It was all good, vet was very thorough and he's been the best horse ever for me.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I wasn't able to attend the last two vettings of horses that ended up passing and which I subsequently bought. Reputable vets both times and reputable sellers.

In light of what soon transpired with both horses, I wish that I had been there . I would never miss a vetting in future.

 

[hopscotch bandit]

I've bought six horses in my life and I've never attended any of the vettings, my Dad attended 4 of them, the vet we used was always very appreciative of the slice of barabrith and mug of steaming tea my Mum used to send Dad away with.

We didn't have mobiles in those days so it was always as anxious wait as Dad drove like 'Miss Daisy' home to ring me at work with the outcome of the vetting.

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

@OrangeAndLemon (and anyone else who knows me IRL or on Facebook) please keep this quiet, I don't want to tell people until it's a done deal!

Of course, I've got my fingers crossed for you.

Does the OH want to go? Did he meet the pony at the weekend with you?

The risk would be that the vet speaks to your OH instead of you (instead of calling you) I'm sure the OH could be suitably trained with phrases such as "sorry, I'm just the camera man", or similar.

 

[HobleytheTB]

I didn't attend the vetting for my current horse as it wasn't feasible to get there and back for it. As long as you can speak to the vet on the phone beforehand to highlight any problems and discuss what you want the horse for, and the vet can call you afterwards to discuss any issues, I don't see too much problem. If your OH wants to go then that's a bonus!

 

[maya2008]

Could OH video the vetting and you watch it back after?

 

[Leandy]

I have never been able to attend the vetting when purchasing. Send a vet you trust and then get them to call you if at any stage they have a concern to discuss. Hopefully you can be available on the phone?

 

[fredflop]

I’ve never been to a vetting, it’s hard to try and arrange a day off at such short notice.

Is your OH actually meant to be working on his WFH day? If so then he could risk being in trouble at work if he goes to the vetting

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Is your OH actually meant to be working on his WFH day? If so then he could risk being in trouble at work if he goes to the vetting

I assumed an admin / WFH day meant flexible working so as long as his hours are completed, it doesn't really matter if he takes a 4hr lunchbreak in the middle of the day.

 

[abbijay]

Is your OH actually meant to be working on his WFH day? If so then he could risk being in trouble at work if he goes to the vetting

As a self employed dentist he's not exactly looking into mouths, he does his admin and training so could do that across evenings. He is happy to go if needed but based on these responses I'm erring on the side of not bothering.

 

[Goldenstar]

I rarely attend a vetting I do talk to the vet about the horse and my thoughts about it beforehand and make sure the vet understands the job it’s going to do .

 

[spacefaer]

I haven't been to a vetting in decades.
The last time I did, I tempted fate massively by going with the cash and my trailer. Horse failled with a bone chip in his knee.
I'd trust the vet to do his job, with instructions to ring you mid examination if there's an issue which raises doubt about whether to proceed - otherwise, to ring afterwards with his findings.
If there's anything you need to discuss with him, it gives you time before you go back to the vendor. Then you can say yes, no or " can we negotiate price"

 

[Ceriann]

If you’re using a reputable independent vet then I wouldn’t bother, especially as you’ve seen the horse yourself. I didn’t for mine but vet did call and gave me a very full same day de brief.

 

[Flyermc]

As mentioned above, ive get your hubby to video it.

 

[LegOn]

I would definitely get my OH to go and video it and call me immediately if anything of concern came up - my OH would be the same, wouldnt know much but would get a feel if something wasnt right!