Vetting for an older horse

[JosieSmith]

Hi, I have a 20 year old arab on part-loan, you're probably all sick of hearing about it by now! But I'm taking her on full loan with a view to buy from Sept. My problem is, do I have her vetted or is it pointless at that age. She is not fit, but she loves her work and everyone reckons she's got another good few years in her (though they're not vets admittedly). I can't really afford big vet bills but my gut feeling says paying the money for a vetting now could save money in the long run. She's going to be a happy hack prety much, she's ex-endurance so we enjoy doing pleasure rides and she can definitely still handle it, and our yard holds about three shows during the year so we'd do a little bit of jumping there too. ould a vetting be a good idea? What if it throws up arthritis or something else serious that we didn't know about. I think I know what everyone's answer is going to be here but I thought I'd ask anyway

 

[marmalade76]

I have been told by a vet that if the purchase price is under a certain amount (in my case it was £1000) then it is not worth paying for a vetting. IME arabs live long and healthy lives and if the horse has stood up to endurance then she is probably tough as old boots! The chances are she will have a touch of athritis but most older horses will have it to some degree.

 

[AmyMay]

Personally I wouldn't bother. I'm sure you're not paying a lot for her - and pretty much know here inside out by now.

 

[JosieSmith]

They're not the replies I were expecting but thanks, that puts another perspective on it. I'm not paying a lot for her, and she is tough as old boots. I do think she's a bit stiff so I'm planning on riding 4 out of 7 days a week so she doesn't get any worse but other than that she seems fine. She is sluggish going out on her own but she lacks confidence so I think that's y. She's slowed down since I got her in november and even with other horses she's a bit sluggish but take her into a field and you can't hold her back. I figure if she wont nick on in a field that's when I'll start worrying

 

[monstermunch]

given her age it is highly likely that she has some form of arthritis which a vetting would probably pick up and she may well fail on it. If you aren't paying much for her and you know her well any way i really wouldn't bother getting her vetted. If she enjoys her work and you are aware she is stiff just enjoy her and don't worry about vetting.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Given that you know all about her - good and bad - I wouldn't bother either. When I bought Sunny (he was 19) I didn't know that much about him but he was so totally right for me that it didn't bother me one bit. But a few days after I'd bought him I arranged for my local vets to come up and give him a sort of "new owner's MOT" so I knew what to expect.

 

[shazza283]

I'll just give you the flip side of this coin!!!

You can have a 5 stage (full) or 2 stage vetting - I would not bother with 5 stage but 2 stage would check heart, lungs and eyes i would like to know where i was starting from with these and an older horse.

A walk and trot up +/- flexion tests (depending on vet) would give you a clear idea of what's going on in which joint(s) and a likely idea of progression of any problems.

Please bear in mind horses don't pass or fail a vetting, they are either suitable or not suitable for the purpose for which they are examined - in your case hacking 4 times per week.

If you need any vaccinations done they can be tied in with vetting, and teeth checked and done (if you use the vet to do this) plus if you use the same vet who does the vetting normally she will be on their books if you needed anything which doesn't require a visit (vets can't prescribe treatment unless they've seen the horse in the last 6-12 months -ish)

So I'd get a 2 stage vetting - if short of cash will often do 2 stage vettings at the surgery so no visit charge.

Forgot to say 2 stage way cheaper (I usually say under £1000 5 stage not worth it - but deffo 2 stage - checks the things you can't see!!

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