Pre Purchase Veterinary Examination | The British Horse Society

What is a pre-purchase equine examination?

The purpose of a pre-purchase equine examination, commonly known as a vetting, is to assess a horse for any pre-existing health conditions which may affect their ability to participate in your preferred activities. It’s important to be aware that vettings aren’t a guarantee for future health.

Why vetting a horse before buying matters

A vetting might seem like a big additional cost, but it could save you money in the long run. If you’re buying a horse with a relatively modest purchase price, the cost of a vetting might seem especially hard to justify. Vettings can be an investment as the cost of caring for a horse with underlying health problems can potentially add up to a much bigger figure.

Types of pre-purchase vetting

There are two types of pre-purchase vetting that can be completed. These are a Stage 2 or 5 examination. It’s important to:

Explain the purpose of your purchase to your vet. Are you buying the horse to compete at a specific level in a certain discipline, or are you looking for a horse to enjoy for hacking?
Avoid conflicts of interest by making sure you arrange the vetting yourself and use your own, or an independent vet. It’s strongly advised not to use the seller’s vet.
Be aware that your vet can only assess the condition of the horse on the day of the vetting. However, the vetting is likely to flag up any major issues that you might otherwise miss.
Know that a blood sample is usually stored for six months. If any complaints arise, the sample can be tested to detect any substances that may have been used on the day to hide any health or temperament issues¹.
Understand that your vet is unlikely to ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ a horse, but will discuss the likelihood of the horse being suitable for your desired use.

2-stage vetting for horses

A 2-stage vetting will include:

· A physical examination at rest to identify any signs of injury, disease or physical abnormality

· Assessment at walk and trot, including flexion tests and lungeing, on a hard and soft surface (where safe to do so)

· Examination of passport and microchip

· Blood sample.

5-Stage vetting for horses

A 5-stage vetting will include:

· Full physical examination at rest to identify any signs of injury, disease or physical abnormality

· Assessment at walk and trot, including flexion tests and lungeing on a hard and soft surface (where safe to do so)

· Ridden exercise — to raise the horse’s heart and breathing rate

· A period of rest followed by an assessment of the horse’s recovery

· Final trot up and re-evaluation

· Examination of passport and microchip

Blood sample.

Optional extras during a pre-purchase vetting

X-rays aren’t included in the Stage 2 or 5 vetting, but these are a consideration for buyers, including factors such as the price of the horse and the activities you’d like to complete.

Horse insurance and vetting requirements

If you’re planning to purchase veterinary insurance cover for your new horse, insurance companies will often ask for a Stage 2 or 5 vetting dependant on the purchase price of your horse. Usually, they’ll ask for a copy of the vetting certificate within a specific timeframe of the insurance being taken out. It’s important to do your research with different companies to double check their requirements.

Pre-purchase vet check costs

A Stage 2 vetting generally costs between £250 and £300, while a Stage 5 vetting typically ranges from £350 to over £450. This price often excludes travel/visit fees. Costs vary by vet practice, location and the experience of the vet.

Helpful resources

We’ve supported the British Equine Veterinary Association to create a seller declaration. The buyer of the horse should request for the seller to complete the form before the formal process of a vetting takes place. Sellers can easily input all the information required in one go, while buyers have peace of mind that they’re making an informed decision. If a buyer decides to proceed with a vetting, the information will also help to provide your vet with the details they’ll need before carrying out the vetting.

Top tips to prepare for a pre-purchase horse exam

Here’s our top tips to help you prepare if you’re selling or buying a horse.

The seller

Make sure your horse is microchipped and that the passport is registered to the current owner
If you’re selling a horse on behalf of an owner, make this clear to the buyer
Make sure your horse has been rested for around three hours before the vetting2
Your horse should be presented well groomed, feet picked out and having not been exercised that day
Disclose the facilities available to the vet, as your horse will need to be trotted up in a straight line, lunged on hard and soft ground, and a dark area will be needed to check their eyes
If your horse is sensitive in any particular areas, let the vet know
Be respectful to the vet, they’re unable to inform you of any findings without the buyer’s consent.

The buyer

Before booking a vetting make sure you’ve viewed the horse taking part in all activities you’re wanting to complete.
If the horse has recently had a vetting and the previous sale then fell though, ask for the reason this happened.
Make sure to find a vet that’s independent of the seller, to prevent any conflict of interest.
Speak to your vet carrying out the vetting before it begins. Discuss any conditions you would consider a deal breaker for example, sarcoids or a heart murmur.
If a horse is offered for sale with a recent vetting, it’s worth noting that certificates can’t be used this way and won’t be accepted by insurance companies.
If the horse is being sold through a third party, it’s worth contacting the owner directly to verify reasons for the sale and previous history of the horse.
Additional diagnostics such as X-rays and ultrasound may be recommended dependant on your vet’s findings.
If you’re happy with the findings, make sure to get proof of purchase by way of sales receipt and a transfer of ownership statement.
You’ll have 30 days to update the ownership details within the horse’s passport

References

Royal Veterinary College. Pre-Purchase Examinations
British Equine Veterinary Association. Pre-purchase examination guide for vets.

Pre-purchase horse veterinary examination and vetting stages