Vettings - 2 or 5 stage?

[Benjamin]

What is the difference?

And what would you go for?

And how much do you pay?

 

[Shipley]

I always have a 5 stage. I was always tols 2 stages were designed for foels etc. 5 stage they are riden and is much more thorough i pazyed £180 for my last one

 

[AmyMay]

5 stage for me Benjamin every time. I feel I have neither the expertise or the money to risk otherwise.....

I paid £190 ish for mine on Thumper.

 

[LCobby]

No pointin having just a 2 stage for a horse in wrk
the amont of examination and information with 5 stage is a lotmor for a relatively samll amount extra.

2 stage for youngstock who cannot be worked, as its just the examination in the stable and a trot up.

The ridden test, the rest and re-eamination is worth having done if the horse can be lunged or ridden to test wind and limbs after work.

 

[saskia295]

I ALWAYS go 5 stage. Yes it's a bit more expensive but definitely beneficial spending a bit more now, than (potentially) a LOT more later.

 

[crabbymare]

5 stage vetting is

1. Initial examination, in a stable in a stable of heart and lungs/head/eyes/teeth etc. and general look at condition.

2. Outside walk and trot in hand in a straight line. turning in a short circle and stepping backwards, flexion tests

3. Under saddle. walking, trotting, cantering depending on the type and fitness of horse but enough to exert it so that the heart and lungs can be tested.

4. After exercise looking at feet + legs for changes after excercise noting and assessing any abnormalities, checking the recovery rate from excercise.

5. When the heart rate has returned to normal a final trot up
and taking a blood sample if you want one in case anything goes wrong later.

A 2 stage just does the first 2 bits, and to be honest for the difference in price its well worth the 5 stage, I would not buy anything without one as there are far too many things that can be hidden. Its only the opinion of the vet of the horse at that time but its suprising the things that are found.

 

[Gorgeous George]

I had a 5 stage vetting done on George last year and it cost me £200 including bloods.

 

[jumpthemoon]

I had a 5 stage vetting done and it cost me just over £300 - I did request one of the partners though and he rode the horse himself as well as watched it ridden. I would always have a 5 stage, unless I wanted a field ornament

 

[fairhill]

I took a huge chance with Meg and didn't get her vetted

I'd normally go for a 5 stage though, and have been prevented from making costly mistakes with a couple of horses.
One lovely vet stopped the vetting half way as the horse was just collecting a catalogue of faults. He then only charged me call out

 

[jesterfaerie]

I never had my pony vetted and he was fine, I have just been wondering about vetting myself as I am going to veiw one. I think I may get this one vetted to be on the safe side, the prices you HHOers have listed so far does that include call out?

 

[jenmac_85]

Would tend to go for 5 stage vetting if the horse was to be in work. If it was companion pony/horse, then probably a 2 stage.

I paid £180 for a 5 stage vetting including call out charge and bloods

 

[AnnaandStella]

I paid £230 for a 5 stage with blood tests 2 months ago.
Stella was vetted by the (very reputable) dealer's vet which i was a little apprehensive about but Dad's fiancee did the same thing 18 months ago + has a very healthy, happy horse.

The cost of the vetting is tiny compared to the cost of vet's bills; it's just too risky to have a 2 stage.

 

[Benjamin]

Thank you all for your input.

Would you use your own vet, someone you know, or a vet closer to the vendor?

Thanks

 

[LCobby]

If you own vet is
an equine specialist
within travelling distance
use own

If out of area,then ask for receommendations for an equine vet who is not the vendors vet.

 

[Law]

Sorry to semi hijack but i've just had a 2 stage done on a youngster and I was wondering how much I can expect it to cost? Waiting for the bill to come so a little forewarning would be nice!

 

[AmyMay]

Aren;t they around the £90 mark??

 

[S_N]

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry to semi hijack but i've just had a 2 stage done on a youngster and I was wondering how much I can expect it to cost? Waiting for the bill to come so a little forewarning would be nice!

[/ QUOTE ]

A leading practice in Newmarket charge £63 + Vat + mileage for 2 stage - I asked this am!

 

[pinktiger]

having been stung on a 2stage vetting ( long story) i would always now have as much as i could afford!!!! and while on young unbroken horses u obv cant ride them, they still need to be loose schooled and put under exhersion so u can hear ne wind/lung difficulties ect!! N wud always use my own vet(or one he recommends (without doubt) and b prepared to walk away!!!

 

[Law]

I had put aside £100 which I thought would cover it but that was before Darcy went down with choke

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
I had put aside £100 which I thought would cover it but that was before Darcy went down with choke

[/ QUOTE ]

Naughty Mr D.

 

[star]

i'm getting a horse vetted tomorrow and it's costing £205 for the vetting, £45 for the callout and £25 for the bloods. That's for a 5 stage. It's not worth the risk just having a 2 stage and that's coming from me and I am a vet, but I only do small animals and I dont trust myself not to miss something important.

 

[SO1]

I would always go for a 5 stage unless its a companion or perhaps you are just looking for a light hack.

I think I paid about £300 back in September. A good equine vet will also be able to tell you if the horse has the correct conformation for the job you want to him to do as well as if he is sound or not.