Pre Purchase Examinations

Two stage 

We will undertake a thorough examination, including the eyes, heart and lungs, as well as observation of the horse walking and trotting in hand and on a circle if possible. Flexion tests may be performed if it is safe to do so. Two-stage vettings are usually reserved for youngsters that are not yet in work, older horses and broodmares. Two stage vettings don't include a strenuous exercise phase, therefore, they may not reveal subtle lameness, some airway issues and certain heart conditions, among other things.

Five stage 

This has everything included in a two stage vetting, with the additional exercise phase where the horse is observed under saddle at walk, trot, canter and, if appropriate, gallop. This also allows assessment of the horse when it has an increased breathing effort and an increased heart rate. This is followed by observation of the recovery phase and reassessment of respiratory and cardiovascular parameters as they return to resting levels. The trot up is then repeated to assess the effects of a period of exercise on the horse's soundness.

We recommend a Five stage vetting for all riding horses and especially competition horses. 

Additional Vetting Services

We would recommend a blood sampling with ALL Pre-Purchase examinations. These samples would then be securely stored for 6 months following the examination, for testing in the event of a problem arising later on.

Other additional services that can be included in the process (although we would only recommend them if undertaking a Five Stage vetting) include:-

• Radiology - X-rays can be taken to assess any bony changes.
• Endoscopy - to further assess the horse's airway.
• Ultrasound - to examine a horse's tendons or soft-tissue structures.

Both of the above are generally requested for high value horses, or if you have a particular concern about the prospective purchase, or if changes are found during the vetting that require further investigation.