Pre-purchase Examinations
We offer a thorough pre-purchase examination service, carried out by highly experienced veterinary surgeons. Each year, we assess a wide range of horses ranging from children’s ponies to high-value competition horses.
The process of vetting a horse or pony is a standardised 5-stage procedure following outlines from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and BEVA. Pre-purchase examinations are always carried out on the behalf of the purchaser with the aim of assessing factors of a veterinary nature that could prejudice the horse’s suitability for its intended use. The vet acts wholly in the interest of the purchaser and the opinion provided is tailored to the individual buyer’s needs and intended use for the horse. The pre-purchase examination provides an assessment of the horse at the time of the examination to help the potential purchaser make an informed decision on the purchase. It is not a guarantee of the horse’s suitability for its intended purpose nor a safeguard against future ailments or injuries.
If you are buying a horse, we strongly recommend that a full five stage pre-purchase examination (vetting) is carried out by an experienced veterinary surgeon to give you a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the horse’s suitability for purpose.
Five-Stage Pre-Purchase Examination
Our standard examination follows the recognised five-stage format:
- Clinical Examination at Rest
Includes assessment of the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin, as well as palpation of the limbs and back and evaluation of conformation. - Movement Assessment
Walk and trot in hand, flexion tests, and lunging on both soft and firm surfaces to detect lameness and assess dynamic conformation. - Ridden Exercise
For unbroken horses, this may be substituted with loose schooling or extended lunging. This stage helps identify issues such as back pain, subtle lameness, headshaking, and respiratory concerns. - Rest and Recovery Period
The horse rests in a stable while recovery is monitored. During this time, the passport is checked, identification confirmed, and a blood sample is taken. - Final Trot-Up
Includes a repeat of flexion tests if needed, to confirm or clarify earlier findings.
Following the examination, the vet provides a detailed report and discusses their findings and professional opinion on the horse’s suitability with the potential buyer.
Additional Diagnostics
Buyers may choose to include further diagnostics such as radiography, ultrasonography, or endoscopy. These can be discussed in advance or recommended by the vet if needed to clarify findings.
Two-Stage Examinations
Occasionally we are asked to do a limited two stage examination e.g. if the horse or pony is relatively inexpensive or unbroken. A two-stage examination omits stages 3-5 of the vetting and as such is a limited examination. Because of this, we require the purchaser to sign a disclaimer prior to the vetting being undertaken.
Client Support and Transparency
We perform vettings for both registered and non-registered clients. If the horse is known to us, we will request the vendor’s permission to disclose its clinical history. If permission is denied, we will decline to proceed with the vetting to ensure we act in the best interest of the purchaser.
