Pre-Purchase Examinations

A pre-purchase examination (PPE) is carried out at the request of a buyer in order to ensure, as far as possible, that your potential new horse is suitable for its intended use. A pre-purchase examination will always take into account the individual requirements and future intentions of your possible new partnership. We will always recommend a 5 stage pre-purchase examination wherever possible.

A five stage clinical examination will be performed under the guidelines set out by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).

After the examination has been completed the attending vet will discuss the findings, and help you understand the potential risks associated with each. They will assist you in making a decision as to whether this is a suitable purchase for you.

Alternatively you may choose to have a two stage vetting which is a limited version of the five stage vetting.

At the time of the PPE a VDS blood sample can be taken which is stored for 6 months at an external accredited lab. This can be tested to see if there was any medication in the horse’s system at the time of the examination.

It is important to bear in mind what stipulations your future insurance company may have with regards to the stage of vetting required (i.e. only a 2 stage is necessary or whether a 5 stage is essential) or whether radiographs are required.

We are happy to travel outside our practice area (within the UK and Europe) in order to thoroughly assess your dream horse for a pre-purchase examination.

What do I need to do prior to a pre-examination?

At the time of booking a member of the team will advise you on what requirements are needed to complete your pre-purchase examination such as required facilities and conditions the horse needs to be kept in prior to the vet arriving. These have been detailed below but some are not required for a two stage exam.

• The horse should not be exercised on the day of the vetting and should be stabled at least two hours prior to the appointment. The horse should also be clean and well groomed.
• The passport must be present for the vetting and available for inspection.
• A clean, dark/light restricted stable to enable the veterinary surgeon to complete the eye examination.
• A hard, level area long enough to see the horse trot up. This must be a safe area for both the handler and the horse.
• An exercise arena where the horse can be ridden.
• The horse should be recently shod or trimmed (ideally not within 7 days). Hoof oil must not be used.
• A hard surface lunging area.

We are happy to carry out pre purchase examinations at the clinic should you have any concerns in regards to the facilities available.