Vetting for a youngster

[Thornsett1]

It is quite awhile since we have purchased a horse so I am a bit out of touch . We are buying a three year old I want to have him him vetted . He will primarily be used for dressage he is not going to be a grand prix horse but we would like to think we could get him to med/adv med . What part of the vetting should I expect to be carried out or ask the vet to pay special attention to . Vets seem to take a different approach with youngsters as they obviously can't be ridden It has changed since we last had a vetting and I believe horses do not pass or fail . I just want to make an informed decision he is a lovely sweet boy but if he won't do the job we want then we have to walk away . All advice please !!!

 

[Amye]

I haven't had a youngster vetted, but you're right about the pass/fail. They basically give you advisories on what they notice on the horse. You tell them what your plans are/what you want the horse for and they tell you in their opinion if the horse is suitable. They may pick up on some issues but, depending on what you want the horse for, this could 'pass' or 'fail'.

I had one horse vetted and he 'failed', as in the vet advised that she didn't believe he would stay sound with his confirmation issues.

The horse I bought 'passed' even though he had a few niggles but nothing that should affect his ability to do low level stuff.


ETA: If there's anything you have concerns about then you should ask the vet to focus on those. If not then the vet will do the standard vetting (2 stage as not ridden). I'm not sure what's included in a 2 stage, I would assume a walk/trot up, check eyes and teeth...

 

[Andalucian]

What breed, what value. There are common issues in some dressage type breeds, if the value is significant I would want some X-rays of neck, back and hock stifle joints, even at this young age.