Page 1060 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

joint disease or other orthopaedic problems.

• Trotting in a circle on a firm surface may be carried out if it is appropriate and safe to do
VetBooks.ir so.

If all is well up to this point, stage 3 is commenced.

Stage 3 – exercise phase

The amount of exercise depends on the age and fitness of the horse, its anticipated use and
the facilities available. The aims of this part of the examination are:

• to make the horse breathe deeply and rapidly so any unusual breathing sounds are heard

• to increase the heart rate so abnormalities can be detected
• to allow assessment of the horses gait at walk, trot, canter and if appropriate, gallop

• to work the horse sufficiently hard that undetected strains and injuries show up during the

examination or as lameness or stiffness following a period of rest.

The horse is worked, but not exhausted. Individual examinations vary, but a riding horse is

usually observed at walk and trot on a 20 m circle. A couple of 10 m circles are included at
trot on both reins. The horse is then asked to canter for 5–10 minutes, passing close to the vet
on each circuit. Any unusual respiratory noises are noted. The speed is then increased to a

controlled gallop if facilities allow. The heart rate and rhythm and the rate and depth of
breathing are recorded immediately the horse is pulled up. The horse is then untacked and

returned to the stable.
Young, unbroken horses or tiny ponies may be lunged. Pregnant mares are excluded from

this part of the examination. If for any reason a horse is lunged rather than ridden, this is
noted on the certificate.

Stage 4 – a period of rest and re-examination

The horse is allowed to rest in the stable for 20–30 minutes. The slowing of the heart and
respiratory rates are monitored. During this time, the vet will record the horse’s details for

identification purposes, scan the microchip and check documentation such as the passport,
and breeding papers which should be made available. A blood sample may be taken at this

point or at the end of the examination.

Stage 5 – second trot up