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Thoughts on Vetting (Horses)
by Jane Friend

I think I can truthfully say I must have done hundreds of presentations. Experience and competition has taught me how to employ techniques which ‘help’ to get a horse through which is a bit iffy, BUT NEVER NEVER should this jeopardize the welfare of the horse. The welfare of the dog and the horse as far as I am concerned are paramount, but yes, to be vetted out is disappointing and often can lead to agro. whether justifiable or not. If you are vetted out try to accept graciously and do not take it out on vets organizers and look after the culprit be it dog or horse.

A favourite expression of a very experienced vet was “he knows he has been” the horse was invariably fine, not lame, but sure as heck didn’t have the spring in his stride which had been there at the start of the day. We all knew he wasn’t going to be asked to carry on rather be tucked up in his nice warm stable with some good grub, water and rest, next morning, probably like his rider, he would be a bit stiff all round but after a few minutes walk he would have the good memories of an exciting yesterday and neither horse nor rider would consider their welfare violated.

The end of competition vetting will ensure that a horse is treated promptly for any potential problems that may have arisen as a consequence of competition. If the horse was ill or unsound within hours of being vetted sound, then, somewhere something has gone wrong. Not only are we going to risk the health of our animals but also we will give sport a bad name.

Sometimes controversially, the vetting is as much part of the competition as is the obedience section. Most dogs and horses can do the distance we are asking but can they do it without distress? Should it matter to the end result if, despite the fact that both may be quite sound, if one animal is in a better condition than another? But as long as it is, it will be to everyone's advantage to have a smooth efficient vet gate. The aim will be to have everyone happy, a happy vet, happy rider/whip and happy horse equals maximum chance of   success – equals smiling faces all round. Each little happy smile interlinks with each other, talking of smiles remember the old Chinese proverb “smile and the world smiles with you.”

A comment I heard more than once in 05 was I cannot trot my horse up, well if you have to detour around the odd dustbin, strolling bystander, or overgrown weed, you are quite likely never to make it. The vetting area should be clearly fenced/marked and kept clear of all natural and unnatural obstacles. Do not expect a vet to examine a horse in a howling gale, on the side of a mountain, with rocks and thistles impeding all natural movement. OK, I exaggerate a bit but if this description seems ridiculous then surely we must try to find the opposite for perfection. If the vet is able to observe your horse the first time you will not be asked to repeat the exercise. If you do struggle with trotting up then at least you will only need to perform once. Next time I will chat about learning how to trot your horse up, there is no excuse! If you can train a Dalmatian I’m sure you could train a horse!

A novice competition vet said to me at one ride he had never realized how many variations of ‘normal’ gait -there are horses, which ‘float’ others, have a ‘cobby’ action. But whatever the movement it should be regular and not destructive. Examining for lameness requires the horse to move away from the examiner (hind leg examination) and to return (fore leg examination) usually at a trot. The trot up distance (25mtrs is recommended) should be clearly marked with cones, NO! NOT, “Oh! Go to that clump of nettles” or “STOP! That’s far enough” as you are disappearing into the next field. The ground should be clear firm and level if a horse trips down a rabbit hole, stands on a stone or strikes into itself whilst avoiding a Dalmatian having a late breakfast hamburger, after 20 miles, then the vet has little option but to confirm unsoundness. A purist vet has said heartbeats can only be heard in perfect quiet but even lesser mortals will also find it easier to listen to heartbeat with a reasonable degree of quiet. This includes shelter from both the elements the environment and your voice!

The vet may also consider ‘lumps and bumps’ that is overreach brushing and sore mouths plus of course any saddle/harness sores including those caused by protective leg wear – all of which should be removed for vetting. Particularly in hot weather the pinch test will demonstrate the degree of dehydration. Core temperature is often measured by use of thermometer although this might be a bit OTT doing just 40k but again it will highlight metabolic problems which might otherwise go undetected.

Think about how the horse and groom should be dressed for the presentation (Harness/saddle bridle head collar and so forth.) The best I’ve ever done was my friend trotted my horse up, twenty something, legs to die for, and a face and body to match in a pair of short shorts on a hot summers day- for a panel of five male vets, we won best condition!!!!!!!!!