• A = No issues – OK
• B = Minor Issues – be aware
• C = Major Issues – caution
• D = Eliminated

This section is used to notate comments such as ‘FTC’ [Fit to continue] or ‘V/O ‘reason’ [Vetted out – HR (heart rate)]. It should also be used to notate any unusual or worrying aspects of the inspection parameters including gait.

• At any time during the ride a veterinarian may request a re-examination of the horse, within 15 minutes of their departure time for the next loop
• This examination is usually called due to a concern in the parameters observed at the veterinary inspection (often metabolic parameters)
• Compulsory re-examination is usually required on the 3rd or 4th leg of a 120km or 160km ride
• The re-examination is a complete re-examination of the horse including, pulse, metabolic parameters, girth, back and legs and gait

• Vet-gate-into-hold is a slightly different veterinary procedure, generally used at championship rides, or FEI rides
• Riding time doesn’t stop off each loop (except finish) until the horse has presented to the vet ring and passes the heart rate parameter
• The heart rate must be below 60 (except if in conjunction with FEI ride and the head vet opts for 64BPM) and the CRI parameter is used
  • CRI (Cardiac Recovery Index) provides an extra parameter to assess a horses recovery and metabolic status
  • The first heart rate is taken immediately when the horse presents and if under 60 the horse is allowed to trot
  • The veterinarian restarts the stopwatch and the handler trots the horse 40 metres out and 40 metres back for the gait assessment
  • 60 seconds after the horse began to trot, the second heart rate is taken and is compared to the first

• Prepare, prepare, prepare
• Be organised
• Pack wet weather gear
• Keep well hydrated and fed and events can go into the wee small hours

• Prepare, prepare, prepare
• Be organised
• Pack wet weather gear
• Keep well hydrated and fed and events can go into the wee small hours