Vetting experiences please!

J

J1993

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Ok so vetting tomorrow and I am nervous yet excited! I really hope she passes but I suppose you never know. A few questions...!
When viewing I noticed she had an old splint/ hard lump could this affect the vetting at all? In all 5 stage vettings is it routine to take bloods? Is there anything I need to do/ask?? Have you had a horse fail the vet but bought them anyway?
 
Ask for vet to check the lump- if it is an old 'cold' splint, should not affect the vetting.
I think it is routine to take bloods at 5 stage- it used to be. Check to make sure if you want it doing.
I have always been asked by vet if there is anything I particularly want looked at- so have a think if anything else is concerning you apart from the lump and, if so, be sure to let them know before the vetting takes place.
I have once had a horse fail the vetting. In this case I did not buy as it was a potentially serious problem. However, I do know of people who have bought after a ' failed' vetting. It all depends on the nature of the failure and weighed up against what you want the horse to be able to do.
You are entitled to be present at the vetting if you choose. This is a good option if doable as obviously you can ask questions.
Good luck and hope it all goes well!
 
The splint should not be a problem if it is settled.
Blood is routinely taken and sent off to be stored for 6 months.

Tell the vet what you plan on doing with the horse now and any plans for the future, it should be passed as fit for purpose which may mean you will be advised to overlook some minor issues if they are not going to cause problems for it doing the job you require it for but they may prevent it going on to a more ambitious life.

Yes I have purchased a failure, against vets advice based on my own judgement, the same horse flew through a 5 stage several years later when sold with the vet commenting on how sound and well he was for his age, 15 by then and never a day off lame despite failing flexion tests at the first vetting.
 
I think the vetting is more 'fit for purpose' than a clear line between a pass or a fail. If there is a small fault that is not a problem to you, you could try to negotiate on price? I have had maybe 4 to 5 horses fail vettings on something which I was not prepared to take a risk on. My current horse had a few little things, but nothing too serious, I did purchase him and it turned out to be a great move!
The vet might ask if there's anything in particular you'd like them to look at, you can mention the splint so they are extra cautious. I've had 2 horses pass vettings with cold splints, and they've not caused any problems! It is routine to take a blood sample at 5 stage, you do have the option not too though I think.
Good luck, I hope it works out well for you!
 
I agree, be clear with the vet about what you want to do with the horse. A 4* eventer has to be in a much better state of health than a happy hacker, for example, and it's a shame for a horse that would be perfect to fail the vetting simply because the bar has been set too high.

We've had a ridiculous number of horses vetted over the years, so plenty of experience.

The oldie's vetting says something along the lines of "suitable for hacking and jumping up to 2'6", because that was all we wanted him for. It picked up on some slight conformation issues. He passed though, and was actually quite successful at novice dressage and jumping about 3', though we did always take care to remember that his hocks and back weren't ideal for show-jumping.

Eight years ago, I had one pass a 5* and he was lame from day one with bog spavins! I was too trusting at the time and let the dealer I bought him from's own vet do the vetting. Learnt from that mistake!

Only had a 2 stage with Pip, but he was very cheap. And I'd probably have had him even if he failed. ;) He has some superficial blemishes (capped hock, haematoma) which were picked up on, but he passed. So I imagine they will point out the splint, but not fail him for it so long as he's sound. It's standard for bloods to be taken at 5 stage, though you have to request them within a certain time frame because they don't hold onto them.
 
Thanks, the horse will be used as an all rounder who will hack out, school, jump courses up to a metre, fun rides like the beach, xc schooling etc. I am excited but nervous, the horse hasn't really done much over the last few years so I have been told. Has lightly hunted a few times a year. Never competed. Only jumped at home by an incapable rider which is where I think the splint have come from and he has turned her a little sour jumping but was a gem when I rode her.
 
i will never waste my money on a 5 stage vetting again. theyre too subjective - ive had 2 horses now pass vettings with lameness missed and one vet miss a massive heart murmur, and a horse i sold 'fail' a vetting in the morning with one vet, but pass with my vet the very same day - and my vet had never seen the horse before! i would get a 2 stage and lunge it on the circle on the hard myself.
 
The key things about vetting is to brief the vet clearly about what you want the horse for .
I would never buy without vetting it's thebest shot you have of getting a sound horse.
I have bought vet failures but I am experianced and able to afford and withstand vets bills and disasters .
 
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