Buying a Horse – Pre-Purchase Exam

About – Pre-Purchase Examinations

Kinvara Bay Veterinary Clinic offers expert five-stage pre-purchase examinations and attends both thoroughbred and sport horse sales.

Our vetting includes a thorough general examination covering eyes, heart, and lungs, along with observing the horse’s movement at walk, trot, and possibly on a circle, and conducting flexion tests if deemed safe.

Additionally, our examination involves an exercise phase where the horse is assessed under saddle at walk, trot, canter, and, if applicable, gallop. This phase allows evaluation of the horse’s performance, respiratory, and cardiovascular parameters during exercise, followed by a reassessment during the recovery phase.

We recommend five-stage vettings for all riding horses, particularly competition horses. Blood sampling is also recommended and stored for six months post-vetting for potential testing in case of issues post-purchase.

For high-value horses or specific client concerns, additional imaging such as x-rays and endoscopy may be included to further assess the horse’s condition.

At Kinvara Bay Veterinary Clinic, we prioritize thorough discussion with the purchaser to understand their intentions for the horse and address any concerns, ensuring suitability for the intended purpose and a successful future together.

We also provide assessment for insurance purposes and offer breeding soundness examinations for broodmares and stallions. Please note that two-stage pre-purchase examinations are available for certain circumstances, and appointments can be made by contacting our office at 091 399 213

Notes relating to the Pre-Purchase Examination

Purchasing a horse involves inherent risks, and at Kinvara Bay Veterinary Clinic, we understand the importance of mitigating these risks through a thorough pre-purchase examination (PPE). Our goal during the PPE is to evaluate the horse’s health and suitability for its intended use, providing you with vital information to make an informed decision.

Before scheduling the PPE, you’ve likely already chosen the horse based on factors like color, type, temperament, and experience. Our role is to assess the horse’s suitability from a veterinary standpoint, focusing on its ability to meet your equestrian needs.

We avoid simplistic labels like ‘sound’ or ‘unsound,’ opting instead to provide nuanced advice based on whether identified issues are likely to affect the horse’s intended use. We encourage you to discuss your requirements with us before the examination and consider being present during the process for a comprehensive understanding.

5-Stage Vetting

For a comprehensive evaluation of your horse, opt for the five-stage examination, which provides a complete picture. Shorter two-stage vettings omit certain assessments, potentially limiting the analysis of your horse.

The five-stage vetting is conducted in a single session, providing insights specific to that day. However, it doesn’t offer long-term assurances about the horse’s future health.

STAGE 1: Preliminary examination both inside the stable and outside on a hard level surface, which includes identification of the horse in conjunction with its passport, examination of the eyes using an opthalmoscope, auscultation of the heart and lungs and visual examination and palpation of the horse for the identification of any abnormal lumps, bumps, swellings or anything else that may impact on the horse’s ability to perform its chosen job.

STAGE 2: Trotting up – walking, trotting, turning, backing and flexion tests, and lunging on hard and soft surfaces (dependent on available facilities and temperament of the horse).

STAGE 3: Strenuous exercise – walking, trotting, cantering and possibly galloping depending on the type and fitness of the horse and available facilities. Also includes

STAGE 4: Examination during and after a period of rest.

STAGE 5: A second trot up and possibly additional lunging or flexion tests depending on the veterinary surgeon’s previous observations within the vetting.

Additional Procedures

Radiography (X-Ray)

If requested, radiography of specific joints will be performed after the conclusion of the pre-purchase examination. If the horse is to be insured, it is recommended that the radiographs are sent to the insurance company for examination by their veterinary advisor, prior to purchase of the horse.

Ultrasound

An ultrasonographic examination of the tendons and ligaments of the lower limb may be requested.

Endoscopy

Examination of the upper airways of the horse may be performed using an endoscope, after the horse has been exercised.

Blood

Blood is routinely taken from the horse using a kit provided by the Veterinary Defence Society, and then subsequently sent to an independent laboratory near Newmarket. The blood is available to be tested for the presence of various substances which may indicate the presence of sedatives, painkillers, anti-inflammatories and other drugs within the horse at the time of the examination. The blood is typically stored (and is thus available for testing) for 6 months post vetting, or immediate testing may be requested at the time of the examination.

Additional blood tests are available to determine the horse’s status with regard to infectious diseases and general health. If you require these, select them in the form and the veterinary surgeon will contact you to discuss your requirements.

Oral Exam

The veterinary surgeon will examine the incisors and palpate for the presence of wolf teeth. Palpation of the first cheek teeth may also be possible, but a more detailed examination of the dentition of the horse requires sedation of the horse, and use of a speculum (gag), plus additional equipment, and does not form part of the pre-purchase examination.

Pre-Purchase Examination Form