Pre-Purchase Vettings

The horse world is sadly notorious for its rogues – so be aware! If possible enlist help from a knowledgeable friend or your riding instructor if you are inexperienced and just starting out.

Try to see your potential purchase in different situations and handle the horse or pony as much as possible yourself. If turned out – ask if you can catch and lead the horse or pony in from the field. Observe reactions to grooming, tacking up, and be confident to handle the animal on the ground before getting on board!

Ride the horse for enough time to feel happy – don’t be put off by an audience!
When you are happy that your ‘find’ is suitable – ring us to book in a pre-purchase examination or vetting.

There are two types of vettings available:

A 2 stage – involving a clinical examination and a trot up.
A 5 stage – involving a strenuous exercise phase and examination following a period of rest.

A 2 stage examination is a part vetting and should really only be used for young unbroken animals that cannot be exercised. It may also be suitable if the potential purchase has been on trial with you for a reasonable amount of time. This vetting requires a dark stable and flat trot up area.

A 5 stage examination is always the best option. It requires a dark stable, a flat trot up area, an exercise area and rider. The horse should also be reasonably shod – without loose shoes!

It is mandatory to take a blood sample at a pre purchase examination. This is generally to look for painkillers and sedatives and can be stored for 6 months at the Horse Racing Forensic Lab in Newmarket. The cost of this is included in our vettings.

We will advise on the probabilities of any clinical findings causing future problems and effectively report a risk assessment to you. You will receive a written report, which often is required by your insurance company. Insurance companies may exclude certain conditions if referred to on a certificate so it is often worth faxing them a copy before your final decision is made.