Vetting a horse for sale in the UK

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If you are thinking about buying a horse or pony, there are literally thousands of horses for sale in the UK for you to choose from. When looking at horses for sale the ability of the rider and the type of equestrian activities planned are important considerations. Is it is equally important that before making any commitment to purchase a horse for sale you satisfy yourself as to the horse's health and suitabiity for the type and amount of riding planned.

When looking at horses for sale in the UK we strongly recommend that you arrange for a 5-stage, pre-purchase examination by an equine vet, before you agree to purchase the horse or pony. The cost of a standard vetting is around �250.00. Taking a chance and purchasing a horse for sale without an independent assessment though can be extremely expensive and even heartbreaking. You may also find that your insurance company insists on the horse having a valid 5 stage veterinary certificate before they will provide you with cover for loss of use.

If the seller offers to arrange for the horse for sale to be assessed by their own vet, do not agree to this. Instructing your own vet and paying them directly will ensure you get an independent and accurate assessment of the horse for sale. A database of veterinary practices that carry out vetting of horses for sale is available at www.findavet.org.uk. It is important that you discuss the type of equestrian activities, frequency and ability of the rider, with the vet so they can give an accurate opinion on the horse for sale's suitability based on its health and condition.

Code of practice for vetting assessment of horses for sale

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association have issued a code of practice to vets, setting out 5 stages of assessment which must be carried out in a pre-purchase examination of a horse for sale. The examination takes between 2 to 3 hours and allows for the vet to examine the horse for sale at both rest and strenuous exercise.

Stage 1 - Preliminary examination

The horse for sale is examined in its stable. The vet will inspect the whole of the horse, note it's general condition and any behavioral problems or signs of unsuitable temperament. They will listen to the horse's lungs and heart whilst it is resting. The vet will inspect horse's eyes, nostrils, lymph glands, muscular development, spine and limbs. They will look for wounds, scars and any abnormal swellings or heat. The mouth and teeth will be checked for signs of any problems that may effect the horse's eating, or the way the horse responds to the bit. They will also give the horse an approximate age.

Next, the vet will examine the horse outside the stable on level ground to ensure the horse stands straight and its weight is evenly distributed. The horse's shoeing will also be checked to ensure correct foot balance.

Stage 2 - In hand examination

The horse for sale will be walked in-hand and then trotted up a flat, hard surface of at least 25 metres. The vet will watch the horse from the front, rear and both sides, assessing action and soundness and looking for regular, straight movement without restriction, signs of pain or lameness.

Stage 3 - Strenuous exercise

The horse for sale will then be put through a range of strenuous exercises whilst the vet looks on. The horse's respiration and heart rate will be monitored as well as its respiratory tract. Recovery time will also be assessed and any heart abnormalities noted.

Stage 4 - Rest and recovery period

The horse will be returned to its stable and assessed during its recovery period for approximately 30 minutes. The horse's heart and lungs will be monitored and the vet will re-inspect body, limbs, feet and mouth to identify any abnormalities that may have occurred during the ride. Blood tests will also be taken at this stage.

Stage 5 - Trotting and foot examination

The final stage in the horse for sale's assessment will be another trot to ensure that it is still in sound condition following the strenuous exercise.

Results

Once the 5 stage assessment has been completed the vet will write up his conclusions, noting any abnormalities and signs of ill-health. The vet will then either pass or fail the horse for sale.

You may request further tests to establish the extent and possible effect of any problems or potential problems with the horse for sale that have been identified in the assessment.

The final choice of whether to buy the horse for sale lies with the purchaser. The vet can only give a professional opinion as to the health of the horse so an informed decision can be made whether to proceed with the purchase.

If you are looking for a horse for sale in the UK see the Dogwood Horses for Sale Guide for a comprehensive list of horses and ponies for sale in the UK.

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