Pre-purchase Examinations

We have years of experience of vetting horses for a range of intended uses.

We realise the importance of choosing the right horse and will carefully assess the veterinary suitability of the horse by following the steps set out in the British Equine Veterinary Association and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons guidelines.

PPEs consist of the following stages:

STAGE ONE: CLINICAL EXAMINATION
During this stage, usually carried out in the stable, the vet will undertake a thorough examination of the horse from head to toe. This will include assessment of the horse’s conformation.

STAGE TWO: WALK AND TROT IN HAND
The horse is walked and trotted on hard, level ground as well as viewed circling and reversing. Flexion tests are performed on all four limbs in turn. If facilities are available horses are trotted, using a lunge line, in a tight circle on a firm surface.

STAGE THREE: EXERCISE PHASE
The horse is usually ridden and given sufficient exercise to:
– Allow assessment of the horse when it has an increased breathing and heart rate.
– Allow assessment of the horse’s gait at walk, trot, canter and, if appropriate, gallop.
– Allow stage five to be carried out.

STAGE FOUR: PERIOD OF REST AND RE-EXAMINATION
The horse is allowed to stand quietly for a period. During this time the respiratory and cardiovascular systems may be monitored as they return to their resting levels.

STAGE FIVE: SECOND TROT UP
The horse is trotted in hand again to look for any signs of strains or injuries made evident by the exercise and rest stages. Other tests performed at stage two, such as flexion tests, may be repeated if indicated.