Examination Prior to Purchase

This information sheet has been compiled by us in order to explain the procedure and what you can expect when you have a horse ”vetted”. The tests and examinations performed are laid down by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association. Every horse examined for a purchaser will be subjected to all of these tests, and in the order which they appear on the certificate.

What is detected.  The horse will be examined visually for blemishes,  its hearing and sight will be assessed,  its bones and tendons will be palpated,  it will be exercised to assess its cardio-pulmonary function,  its age will be assessed as to an approximate age group,  and it will be observed when walking,  trotting and galloping for any detectable lameness.

What is not detectable.  Subtle bony changes of horses limbs are often not detectable in the stable environment,  either visually or palpably.  Similarly, if a horse had had painkillers administered,  lameness may not be detected at the time of examination,  and may emerge after three or more days in the new stable.
It has been recommended that all horses being so examined should have blood samples taken in case of dispute at a later date.  This will certainly detect the so-called NSAID drugs,  but will not detect corticosteroids,  or whether the horse has been rested for a while until any lameness has resolved !

What is not performed.  Many of the early bone changes associated with certain diseases  (e.g. Navicular disease,  side-bone,  ring-bone, and diseases of the hock and carpus)  are simply not detectable in this examination,  either by palpation or observation. 
Radiographs will be the only way to detect some of these changes if they are not causing lameness at the time of examination.  This will raise the costs considerably, but should be borne in mind if you intend using the horse for more than light exercise,  or if it is particularly valuable.
Similarly,  the horse’s chest will be listened to during the various tests,  and although no audible signs of allergy be found,  it may develop signs in a new environment.

What the certificate means.  It will certify that at the time of examination the horse was examined for lameness,  cardio-pulmonary function,  obvious disease or blemish,  and any athletic injury or joint disorder.  Any faults found will be listed and a recommendation made.

What the certificate does NOT mean.  It cannot imply that the horse is completely disease free,  nor that it will not show any of the disorders discussed above,  and should not be taken as a warranty.  It is a certificate stating that it was examined and found free of certain disorders at the time of examination.  It will not specify an age for the horse,  current opinion holds that it is only possible to give an approximate age-group since ageing by teeth is a very inexact science.  It will not certify the horse is free of vices.

If an examination is NOT completed because the horse in question is found unsuitable for purchase,  for whatever reason,  a certificate stating the fact can be supplied.

What it will cost.  The time taken to perform the tests is usually at least one to two hours,  to which traveling time will be added and charged for.

If you make an inquiry by phone post or email we will send you a letter in the post with charges for your proposed 'vetting'.

Recommended course of action.

Arrange to have the horse on 10-14 days trial,

During which time it should be stabled and worked daily just as you intend to stable and work it when it is yours.

Decide whether you want to have the horse worked vigorously every day.

Remember that the certificate relates to defects detectable at the time of the examination.

Warranty

If you as the purchaser wish to obtain a warranty covering such matters as height,  freedom from vices,  temperament,  the non-administration of drugs prior to examination,  or the animal’s existing  performance as a hunter,  show-jumper,  riding pony,  eventer,  etc.,  you are advised to seek such warranty in writing from the vendor,  as these are matters between vendor and purchaser and are not the responsibility of the veterinary surgeon.

Below is an example of a Warranty to be obtained by you from the vendor regarding medications :

“I hereby certify as owner/agent of the above-mentioned horse, that it has not received or being affected by any medication that may affect its performance,  temperament or behaviour during the pre-purchase examination.”