Vettings

The purchase of any horse is a risk but one way of minimising (but not eliminating) that risk is to subject any potential purchase to a prepurchase examination ("a vetting"). Before considering getting a horse examined it is best to gain as much information about the horse as possible. We recommend that if practicable you see and ride the horse at least twice, and if possible, performing the type of work you expect from your new horse. Taking a knowledgeable friend or trainer along is also a good idea. Once you are satisfied that the horse you are considering is suitable the next stage would be to consider a prepurchase examination.

What does a prepurchase examination involve?

A full examination is made up of five stages. The first stage is a detailed clinical examination of the resting horse. Here the entire horse is observed and palpated and an assessment made of the conformation, heart, lungs and eyes. The second stage is an assessment of soundness at the walk and the trot in a straight line. Limb flexion tests are commonly performed at this stage. The third stage is the observation of the horse when ridden. Two key elements are assessed at this stage: soundness under saddle and an assessment of the competence of the upper airway ("wind"). The heart is also re-assessed here to evaluate its function when working hard. The fourth stage is simply resting the horse for some minutes. At this stage the horse is identified and any papers belonging to the horse examined. The fifth stage involves the horse being trotted in a straight line for a second time, being backed-up a few steps and turned in a tight circle. At the end of this stage the horse is lunged on a level, preferably hard, surface.

If the horse is of a certain value or if concerns have been expressed during any of the five stages further investigations can be made. Radiographs of the joints are commonly performed and sometimes an endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract may be appropriate.

Under some circumstances a limited prepurchase examinaion is appropriate. The most common of these limited examinations is a two stage examination. Here the first two stages of a five stage examination are performed. Horses that are not broken to the saddle, or are of limited value may benefit from a two stage examination. It must be noted that some lameness, heart conditions and respiratory conditions would not be found during a two stage examination. For this reason we ask that a disclaimer be signed acknowledging the limitations of a two stage examination.

Most examinations are made at the yard where the horse is currently kept; however, some yards do not have the appropriate facilities for a five stage examination and we can provide, at the surgery, the facilities and surfaces required for a full assessment of your potential purchase. A further advantage to having the examination performed at the surgery is that if radiographs or endoscopy are required we can provide these at the time of the examination.

We live in litigious times and as a sensible precaution we recommend that a blood sample be taken from any potential purchase. This blood sample is stored for 6 months and if a problem occurs with your new purchase such as a change in behaviour or lameness this sample can be analysed.

If you would like to discuss in more detail prepurchase examinations or have a question regarding a potential purchase please call the office and speak to one of the vets.

Examinations

If you would like to make an appointment for a pre-purchase examination please follow the link to our pre-purchase examination form. All the information our office staff require to make the appointment can be found on this form. You can either phone the office with the necessary information or e-mail the completed form. download the form here

email: vets@priorsfarm.co.uk Please note the office e-mail is only checked once a day