health certificates

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

Jonni <jonnij@earthlink.net>
I would just like to add that I was amazed at how different some vets do "health certificates" from other vets. When I am going to travel out of state, the vet comes to my house, checks the horse from one end to the other. Takes P&R, takes his temp., looks at all the vital signs, and marks down what vaccinations he has given. (a good reason for the vet to do vaccinations instead of your own is professional documentation)He looks at the horse and notes markings, brands etc. Even though he knows this horse well, he still looks at him as if it is the first time he has seen him. After discussing health certificates with someone in another state, they were bragging that their vet knew their horse so well, they just call them up, and the vet will send them a health certificate without looking at the horse. Now while some of you may say they have no problem with that, consider this. You arrive at an event that has horses that have traveled from many different states. These horses will be out on the trail, drinking out of the same water sources as your horse.  You know these other horses were required to have a health certificate to cross the border, but do you now know that they were actually checked by a vet and are indeed healthy? I do not trust some of these owners to judge if the horse is healthy when they will arrive at an event with a horse that is lame. 

I think health certificates are a good idea, but I think a more uniform requirement for inspection from state to state should be upheld. If we are trusting the word of the owners,relayed to the vet on the health of the horse, why have a certificate?

And yes, it can be costly if you go to a bunch of out of state events, but I think it is all the price of competing. My horses health is worth the money spent. Just wish others felt the same.

Jonni