Disclosing vet history to buyer

[Cobrider]

I am the buyer, I am going to be vague as it would be quite identifying if I give how this situation has evolved in more detail.
Five stage vetting, vet has asked for previous record, owner refused, I am now suspicious.
I suspect that the vet knows there has been an issue and trying to force the owners hand.
Owner is friend of a friend, it’s quite an awkward situation.
I love the horse, just what I wanted, it is known locally for its good nature and eventing.
I probably should walk away or am I being too hard on the owner?

I call kissing spine. Seems to be everywhere these days.

Oh jeez, do you think so? Kissing spine would be my worst fear.

Kissing spines has crossed my mind too and wouldn't always be obvious straight away.

Vetting plus X-rays etc will be £1100, yes if over 10k insurance company want them but it’s just under.

It's no coincidence that the price is just under 10k then, is it? Sorry OP, they're hiding something.

Friend of mine had problems getting a horse vetted because the sellers refused to allow flexion tests. In the end she persuaded them to do the flexion tests. The horse passed that bit but I think the vet had some reservations.

The horse is now barely rideable because of a hip issue and I suspect the sellers knew problems would arise. Sorry OP - I would walk away. With that budget you'll have plenty of choice. Heck, I've just been given a lovely horse that's in need of a home and tlc. All right she won't event - but she'll dressage and show if that's what I want her to do.

You were right, it was something serious. Back to square one.

I'm sorry to hear that you've been disappointed, that sucks. You've got a good budget though, and there are lots of amazing horses out there, so I am sure you'll find something good soon!

Just out of interest how did you find out? Did they finally disclose the history.

It's disappointing now but you'll find a horse you love.

I'm sorry. Trust me it's better than taking on the horse, spending hours bonding and a fortune caring for it to have to witness it being PTS
(Not me. A close family member.)

For those saying it's suspicious that the owners vet won't do the vetting due to conflict of interests, that isn't how it works. It's actually correct for the vet of the current owners NOT to do the vetting - if you think about it, it's not right really - best to have a totally independent vet, who doesn't know the horse or the owner. Many vets will not vet horses belonging to their clients, for people who are not their clients.

Flexion tests - again, this isn't necessarily suspicious. Flexion tests can be vastly misleading. Vet only has to hold the leg the wrong way or for too long, and a 100% sound horse will trot off looking lame - I've seen this for myself. I am always a bit wary of flexion tests. I do allow them on my equines, but only trust them if I see they've been done correctly, or done by a vet I know & trust.

As far as vet records go, I have done some breeding & selling in the past, and have always laid my vet records open to anyone interested in the equines - I have nothing to hide. For me, this would be hugely suspicious. I cannot imagine why someone with nothing to hide would refuse access to those records.

I'm sorry to hear this sale fell through - I hope you find the right horse soon.

Glad you found out now OP

Thanks all for your comments and support.

I sent you a PM blankscreen as the vets involved said it was a very unusual situation.
I agree about flexion tests as exactly that situation happened to a horse being vetted on our yard, went temporarily lame as it was a small pony that got yanked.
I feel very sad for the horse as it should be pts really.
I keep looking on the dodgy dealer page on FB and getting paranoid about everyone now.
Mostly it’s just so awful for these horses to be treated like this.

So what was the problem? Kissing spine, something neurological, or tendon / ligament issues would be my best guess.
So sorry you've been through this, glad that you didn't go through with the purchase.
There are plenty of lovely people out there selling, but I hate buying so much, as there are also enough people who will lie.
Good luck!

I cannot believe that seller tried to take ten grand off you if they knew and were hiding a serious issue deliberately. Disgraceful.

I had no idea people might use two vets. Presumably the one being used fir problems would ask about the vaccines though? And suspect something when excuses came. I guess I am very naive.

Mine flew a five star vetting and 6 weeks later had one of the worst cases of kissing spine the RVI had seen.

I use 2 vets - mostly because the more local one, who I use for vaccinations as it works out far cheaper, are a more general large animal vet - for anything else I use the specialist horse vets, but, being further away, they take longer to come out and cost a lot more. However, I'd be happy to give details of both vets to any prospective buyers. I think quite a few people do this, so it's not always to hide things!

That makes sense to use a local general one for basic care.
I have a vetting on another one tomorrow, really not enjoying this as lost my faith in people.
It’s just a massive risk, not told dd about it, if he passes, I will surprise her.
This one is through a dealer.

Good luck. If you're checking out the Dodgy Dealers page on FB it's a great source of info.

Not all private owners are honest. Not all dealers are dodgy. You're getting this new horse vetted OP. Hope you're going along to the vetting so you can talk to the vet as it's being done. Good luck.

Yeah walk away from anyone who won't disclose vet records or wants to use a specific vet. I mean on that last one, it could be that it's the only vet they can use. There's only 3 horse vets in my area and my horse is registered with 2 of them, meaning neither will do a vetting as its a conflict of interest. But I would disclose records as well from both vets to the potential owner. They would run away though as soon as they saw the records.

How did the vetting go OP?