Yes, the rider should pay the treatment vet for their knowledge and for
tools and medicines used. In my opinion (& the way I've run rides in
the past), the treatment vet is paid a moderate retainer for showing up
and the rider is expected to pay for services rendered. The vet & the
rider are to agree upon fees and method of payment. The ride management
is in no way responsible for the individual treatments' costs.
Flat fee and donations of time probably won't work. The number of
horses and severity of problems are unknowns and may run up very costly
tabs. Were I the vet, I'd have <ZERO> incentive to come and help. I
would at least expect to break even.
I've yet to ever need a treatment vet, but I'm always glad that they're
there, just in case. (And just in case, I always have a check book
with me!)
Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Ranch
Bruceton Mills, WV