Pre-Purchase Examinations

What is a Pre-Purchase Examination?

A pre-purchase examination, or ‘vetting,’ is a thorough clinical assessment of a horse before purchase. Conducted on behalf of the prospective buyer, it is equivalent to a “Warrant of Fitness.” The goal is to identify abnormalities visible at the time of exam, and assess their severity, rather than to pass or fail the horse. This examination provides a snapshot of the horse’s health on a specific day and is not a guarantee or insurance policy. The purchaser will need to ascertain whether any identified concerns will influence their decision based on their own desired purpose for the horse.

The Examination Process

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination

• A comprehensive clinical examination of the horse at rest, including musculoskeletal system, heart, lungs and eye exam.

Stage 2: Examination During Movement

• The horse is walked and trotted on a hard, level surface to detect gait abnormalities. Flexion tests of all four limbs are performed to highlight potential joint issues. If possible, the horse may also be observed on a lunge.

Stage 3: Examination During and After Exercise

• The horse is usually ridden at walk, trot, and canter to elevate heart and respiratory rates, checking for abnormalities.

Stage 4: Post-Exercise Examination

• After exercise, the horse stands quietly while vital signs are monitored for recovery.

Stage 5: Final Examination

• The horse is trotted again to check for lameness induced by exercise. Flexion tests may be repeated.

Additional Tests

You can request additional tests such as radiographs, endoscopy, ultrasonography of tendons, ECG, reproductive exams, or blood tests for prohibited substances (e.g: phenylbutazone/other anti-inflammatories).

Paperwork

Before the examination, we require statements from both the buyer and the current owner. These will be emailed to you upon booking. Please complete and return them before the appointment, filling in all blank spaces. If unsure of an answer, write ‘unknown’.

Contact us at Vets North for any further questions or to book your pre-purchase examination.