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Examination of Horses Prior to Purchase (Vetting)

This page 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 these tests and in the order that they appear on the certificate unless stated otherwise.

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 cardiopulmonary 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 DETECTED.

Subtle bony changes of horses limbs are often not detectable in the stable environment, either visually or palpably. Similarly, if a horse has 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or 'NSAID's' such as phenylbutazone ('bute') , 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. X-rays 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 horses chest will be listened to during the various tests, and although no audible signs of allergy may 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, cardiopulmonary 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 free of vices.

If an examination is NOT completed because the horse in question is found unsuitable for purchase, for whatever reason, a certificate will not be supplied but the reasons will be explained to the would-be-purchaser.

WHAT WE REQUIRE TO CARRY OUT THE EXAMINATION.

  • A dark stable - to examine the eyes.
  • A hard surface to trot the horse on.
  • A field to gallop the horse in and a rider.

WHAT IT WILL COST.

The time taken to perform the tests is usually at least an hour, to which travelling time will be added and charged for. The fee is payable when the certificate is completed.

RECOMMENDED COURSE OF ACTION.

  1. Arrange to have the horse on 10-14 day trial, during which time it should be stabled and worked daily just as you intend to stable and work it when it is yours.
  2. Decide whether you want to have the normal official examination or an in-depth radiological survey and/or a blood test for N.S.A.I.D. drugs
  3. Arrange for the veterinary examination to be performed at the end of the trial period, and ensure that the horse is exercised vigorously every day.
  4. Remember that the certificate relates to defects detectable at the time of examination.
  5. If you required any warranty, this must be obtained from the seller.