Stage 2 or stage 5 vetting?

[Loonieponyo]

Afternoon all , I’m new to the forum so hiya! Just wanting some advice… I’m looking to purchase a 5 year old unbroken mare. Viewed her once, and she’s just what I’m after. But im stuck on if I get a stage 2 or 5 vetting ? I’ve never bothered in the past but that’s because I’ve always had ex racers for next to nothing / new their full history etc.

She’s only cheapie , just shy of 2k.. she wouldn’t be doing anything major just low level all rounder. Insurance doesn’t require a vetting at all - mainly for my peace of mind.

so just wanting some 2nd opinions please

 

[bonny]

2 stage as long as you are happy with the reason why she’s unbacked at five ?

 

[Caol Ila]

One of mine was unbacked and the other barely backed. Both got two-stage.

 

[Tiddlypom]

2 stage as long as you are happy with the reason why she’s unbacked at five ?

This. Are you certain that she is genuinely unbacked? All too often a slightly older horse is sold as unbacked whereas in reality someone has tried to back it and has messed it up .

 

[maya2008]

Unless the horse is unhandled or you know its full history, I would be very careful about buying an unbacked 5 year old. Easy to chuck an injured/‘difficult’ horse back in the field and say it’s unbacked.

In terms of vettings, a 5 stage would require the horse to be able to be lunged/free schooled in order to satisfy the exercise portion of the vetting.

 

[Bobthecob15]

I would always say stage 5, its not a lot more expense and the vetting is more extensive. Make sure the vet is aware of what you want to use the horse for as this will be part of their assessment in a stage 5.