Is a 2 stage adequate for a 3 year old?

[shadowboy]

My potential purchace is only three and I want him vetted- but hes only been very very lightly backed- so I presume he cant do the 3rd stage of a 5 stage vetting as he hasnt been worked strenuously for 30min yet- only been used to doing a 'fun' session of about 15-20 min of walk and trot. So- is a 2 stage adequate for a horse of his age? He's not expensive, but is well bred and I want to ride and drive him and do some shows/dressage in about 5 years or so...

 

[dianchi]

Most vets are unlkey to allow a 5 stage vetting.
2 stage is prob adequant and vet will advise you as far as possible

 

[KatB]

Yes, it is IMHO. However, would ask for flexions etc to be done ontop, and depending what level of work you want the horse for, would Xray legs aswell, just to be 100%

 

[SAMgirl]

It is allowed, because you can lunged the horse rather than see it ridden.
If you have a sensible vet conducting the vetting. I got a 2yo vetted (athough obviously wasn't broken so couldn't do your standard 5 stage, but they did what they could more extensive than a 2 stage). It included the flexions, but like i said, needs to be a sensible vet. You can find a problem with any horse if you look hard enough.

 

[pinktiger]

i would have a chat with the vet himself and see what he can do for you, flexion test should come into it @ 2 stage but i would also want to see it under some kind of strenuous exersise (loose schooled)? so i could hear lung function and wind, also 2nd flexion after and trot up,,,, think thats my home made version of a 4.5 stage, no matter what you are paying for the horse, you are paying the vet the same, so would make the most of having the vet there!!!!!!

 

[irishdraught]

You could have it scoped instead of the heavier exercise.

 

[Bosworth]

I would ensure it was scoped if you can't do the strenuous exercise - my 3 year old passed a 2 stage and a year later I had to have a hobday and tie back. He was a bad roarer = an endoscopy would have picked it up.

 

[pinktiger]

that happened to me, last year bought horse had two stage vetting, wish i had just ran it loose just for a miniute, vet would have picked up roaring straight away!! no endoscope needed just good ears much cheaper!!!!