Pre-purchase examination

The full 5 stage examination is divided into five parts following a standard format as laid down by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association.
  • Preliminary examination
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Trotting up
  • Period of rest
  • Second trot up and final examination
There is also a shorter, 2 stage examination which covers only parts 1 and 2. This is only suitable for mortality insurance and is NOT a suitable examination prior to purchase

1. Preliminary Examination
This is carried out in the stable and consists of examination of the heart at rest, the eyes and mouth for ageing and any dental abnormalities. The owner, or their agent, is questioned regarding any vices or allergies the horse may have and what it is like to clip, box, ride in traffic or being shod. We may ask whether it is suitable for a novice, nervous or inexperienced rider.

These questions are not technically the responsibility of the veterinary surgeon but we feel it in our clients interest to ask. It is however the responsibility of the prospective purchaser to acquire their own warranty in writing, about these matters for legal reasons. Breeding papers, passport if available and vaccination certificates should also be inspected.

2. Strenuous Exercise
Horses should be vetted on the condition that they are appropriate for their purpose.

If the horse is broken, it is ridden, but if it is a young horse it is either lunged or loose-schooled in the ménage. The intention is to see how an animal responds to exertion, with special reference to gait abnormalities, action, heart and respiratory function.

The horse will be examined on both hard and 'soft surface' such as riding school or field. We start at the trot with both large and small circles, collected and 'going long', figures of eight etc. The horse is then cantered on both reins for the examination of 'the wind'.

Competition horses will be worked harder according to their intended discipline. Eventers and racehorses will require to be galloped, while advanced dressage horses will be examined doing lateral work, time changes etc.

3. Trotting Up and External Examination etc.
At this stage the horse is examined externally noting conformation, asymmetry, swellings and limb abnormalities. The horse will also be subject to a walk and trot examination studying the action in detail. Flexion tests may be performed on all legs at this time.

4. Period of Rest
After the exercise blood samples are taken and the horse is allowed to cool down, but more importantly to see if there is any stiffening up.

If the purchaser intends to shoe the horse it should be done at this stage.

5. Second Trot Up From Cold
This is to ensure that the horse's action is still fluid and correct with no sign of stiffness. At this time some examiners will carry out a second flexion test on the limbs. If necessary the horse may be lunged again on both hard and soft surfaces.

Markings will be taken and the horse checked for the presence of a microchip. A blood sample will be taken for masking drugs and either held or submitted for analysis at the purchaser's request.

Examination Findings
At the end of the examination the prospective purchaser is immediately informed of the results. We do very much welcome the purchaser to be present during the examination whenever possible, allowing potential problem areas to be discussed as they arise.

It is important to discuss the findings as soon as possible. Subsequently, an official certificate of veterinary examination is forwarded to the prospective purchaser, confirming the findings of the examiner.