Buying a horse is always fraught with difficulties and risk. The pre-purchase examination is an essential part of the process which will help to reduce and quantify some of that risk. This examination gives piece of mind that the horse you are buying is suitable for the purposes you intend to use it for.

The normal pre-purchase examination ("vetting") lasts between 1 and 2 hours and involves 5 stages.

• Stage 1: A full clinical examination, including an assessment of the horse's age.
• Stage 2: The trot up, an examination of the horse's gait, carried out by looking at the horse in walk and in trot. Flexion tests are generally carried out at this point.
• Stage 3: The strenuous exercise stage. This is preferably carried out ridden, although unbroken horses can be examined on the lunge.
• Stage 4: A period of rest, including monitoring the horse's recovery rate.
• Stage 5: A second trot up and final assessment.

A limited pre-purchase examination involving only stages 1 and 2 of the procedure outlined above may be carried out. However, this can be done after discussion with one of our equine veterinary team who can discuss the limitations of this shortened procedure.

Radiographs may be used as part of the pre-purchase examination, often as an insurance company requirement for higher value horses. The examining vet may also recommend radiographs of certain joints or lumps, ultrasound scans of tendons or endoscopy of the larynx if the vet has concerns over particular areas or health issues.

All the Ardene House equine vets are experienced in carrying out pre-purchase examinations. Please call us and speak to one of the team before you purchase. Even if you decide against the pre-purchase examination, a short discussion will give you a better understanding all the relevant risks, including potential insurance and resale problems.