The examination of Horses prior to purchase (Vettings)
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The purchase of a horse involves the taking of a risk. No horse is risk free. As veterinary surgeons we aim to identify, assess and quantify the risk to give you, the purchaser, the information to decide whether or not to proceed with your chosen purchase.
Prior to engaging a vet to carry out an examination, considerations such as colour, height and type of horse should already have been decided upon. The horse must be suitable for the purpose intended and ideally you should have ridden/driven the horse a few times and done everything that you would normally expect to do such as picking its feet out, grooming it, changing its rugs, tacking it up, taking it in traffic and, of course, using it for the intended purpose whether that be cross country, dressage or hacking etc.
Choose a veterinary surgeon either known to you or recommended to you. If that is not possible, ask your own vet for a recommendation of a vet in the area in which the horse is.
You must talk to the vet to discuss your requirements prior to the vetting. Ideally you should be present throughout the whole procedure. There will always be things to point out and discuss with you which is difficult do over the phone!
Please note that a horse is vetted for its suitability for a purpose. Thus, a fit, keen, energetic pony used to pony club eventing and hunting may well be deemed unsuitable as a bombproof child’s first pony!
Likewise an aged, very steady heavy horse may ‘pass a vetting’ as a ‘gentle hack for older person’ but would probably ‘fail’ for use as a show jumper!
Types of examinations
Full (Five Stage) vetting
This examination has evolved over many years. It is a cost effective, professional evaluation of a horse’s suitability for a particular purpose.. The certificate issued is for the examination carried out on a particular day at a particular time. The veterinary opinion relates to that day and time. No long term warranty or guarantee of health can be expected.
Veterinary surgeons no longer classify horses as sound or unsound, nor do we say that a horse has ‘passed’ or ‘failed’ a vetting. Nowadays we state ‘that the defects noted are/are not likely to prejudice this animal’s use for ………………’
Limited (Two Stage) vetting
The limited examination waiver can be downloaded here
You can ask for a limited examination involving the first two out of the five stages of the vetting procedure. You will be asked to complete and sign a legal waiver stating that you understand and accept that the limited examination will not give such comprehensive information as a five stage vetting and that some defects may not be discovered.
Requirements for the examination
- Daylight – this is very important. We cannot see a subtle lameness at dusk.
- A dark stable in which to examine the eyes.
- A hard level surface on which the horse may be walked and trotted in hand. It should ideally be concrete or tarmac.
- An area in which the horse may be ridden safely. This would include a hard canter or gallop.
- A competent rider.
The Examination
A more detailed description of the examination is contained in the 'Joint Memorandum prepared by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association (revised 1986)'
Stage 1
Initial inspection in a stable. The heart, lungs, eyes and teeth etc are examined and an assessment of condition made. The vet may feel the animal all over and flex the legs.
Stage 2
The horse is observed from all angles outside whilst standing square. It is then walked and trotted in hand in a straight line. Some vets may turn and back the animal or possibly lunge it in a circle.
Stage 3
Examination whilst being ridden. The vet will want to watch the horse being tacked up, mounted, walked, trotted, cantered and possibly galloped depending on the type and fitness of the horse. This is to assess the wind and the heart. It is usually carried out in circles on both reins.
Stage 4
A period of rest for the horse (and often the rider!). While the horse cools down a more detailed examination of the feet, legs and body may occur and the formal identification of the horse will probably now take place. If there is any skeletal problem that didn’t show up earlier the horse will stiffen up during this period. A lameness may manifest in the final trot up.
Stage 5
This involves a final trot up. The horse may be turned in a tight circle and backed. Flexion tests may be performed. A blood sample may be taken. It is usually sent to Newmarket for storage. It can be analysed for drugs at a later date if need be.
A discussion with the purchaser will then usually take place and a certificate will be given.
Warranty
An example warranty document can be downloaded by clicking here.
The veterinary examination for purchase does not cover things such as freedom from vices, past performance in competition or height. If you, as a purchaser wish to obtain a warranty covering such matters as height, freedom from vices, the non-administration of drugs prior to examination, or the animal’s existing performance as a hunter, show-jumper, riding pony, eventer, etc., you should seek the warranty in writing from the vendor, as these are matters between vendor and purchaser and are not the responsibility of the vet.
Taking a Horse or Pony on Loan
Having a horse or pony on loan can be either an alternative to owning or a useful way of assessing your potential purchase before finally committing yourself to the deal. It will allow you to get to know the horse better and test its suitability in real-life conditions. However loaning a horse or pony can be very traumatic experience for both the lender or the borrower if something goes wrong e.g. the horse gets injured whilst on loan or one of the parties decides to end the agreement early for some reason.
To avoid unnecessary arguments between the owner and the borrower it is strongly recommended that both parties sign a legally binding loan agreement (preferably checked with your solicitor first). This agreement should cover the horse and any tack or accessories supplied with it. It should state who is financially responsible for vet's fees, vaccinations, insurance and repair or replacement of damaged tack etc. It should also cover the circumstances under which the loan can be ended by one or both parties.
The British Horse Society have produced a sample loan agreement that can be used as the basis for writing a loan agreement tailored to your circumstances. To view the BHS sample click here.
