Pre-purchase Examinations
At Central Equine Vets we carry out pre-purchase examinations on all types of horses and ponies, ranging from the family pony to elite performance horses, including those being sold abroad. Our vets are happy to carry out PPEs on behalf of registered and non-registered clients.
What is a pre-purchase examination?
The pre-purchase examination (P.P.E. or vetting) is a thorough and detailed clinical exam of the horse on behalf of the prospective purchaser to assess veterinary factors which may affect the horse’s suitability for its intended purpose.
The process of vetting a horse or pony is a standardised 5-stage procedure following guidelines from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Equine Veterinary Association (B.E.V.A.). P.P.E’s are always carried out on behalf of the purchaser with the aim of assessing factors of a veterinary nature, which could prejudice the horse's suitability for its intended use. The vet acts on behalf of the purchaser and the opinion provided is tailored to the individual purchaser’s needs and intended use of the horse. The P.P.E. provides an assessment of the horse at the time of the examination to help the potential purchaser make an informed decision on the purchase. It is not a guarantee of the horse’s suitability for its intended purpose nor a safeguard against future ailments or injuries. Points of concern raised at the time of the P.P.E. may also have bearing on future insurance policies for the horse, and this should also be considered prior to purchasing the horse.
Prior to conducting a P.P.E. it is important to make sure that the premises have a stable which can have doors closed to make it dark (to allow for the eye examination), an even flat surface where the horse can be walked and trotted, an area where the horse can be lunged (both soft and hard surfaces are required) and an area where the horse can be properly exercised e.g. a school.
The P.P.E consists of the following 5 stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary examination
This is a thorough clinical examination of the horse at rest, including performing an identification sketch, checking the horse’s passport and microchip.
Stage 2: Walk and trot in-hand
This is to detect abnormalities of gait and action. Flexion tests of all four limbs and lunging on a firm surface may be performed. The horse is also turned sharply in each direction and backed up for a few paces.
Stage 3: Exercise phase
The horse is usually ridden for this phase, but it may be conducted on a lunge if ridden exercise is not possible (e.g. an unbroken horse). This allows assessment of the horse when breathing with more effort and when the heart rate is increased.
Stage 4: Period of rest and re-examination
The horse is allowed to stand quietly for a period. During this time the horse’s heart and lungs will be listened to again, and the horses “recovery” from exercise is assessed.
Stage 5: 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. Flexion tests may be repeated at this stage as may assessment on a circle.
Veterinary surgeon completing vetting examination paperwork | Examination of the eyes
Any findings and the opinion of the veterinary surgeon will be verbally discussed with the purchaser at the end of the examination and documented in a certificate. Central Equine Vets recommend that a full 5-stage examination is carried out prior to purchase.
We also offer a limited examination comprising of only the first 2 stages if specifically requested to do so. This is known as a 2-stage PPE / vetting. As part of the 2-stage vetting the potential purchaser must sign a disclaimer letter, stating that they understand the limitations of a 2-stage vetting.
Flexion tests being carried out | Lunging of the horse on a soft surface
Additional Testing / Investigation
For several reasons, the purchaser may wish for further investigations to be completed (e.g. radiography) before a final decision is reached. Our portable X-ray machine can be taken to the yard with radiographs completed at the time of the P.P.E, should these be required.
We are also able to complete pre-movement blood testing and endoscopy for purchasers following the P.P.E, should they decide to proceed with their purchase on the day. (This must be booked in advance)
We always advise that appropriate insurance is taken out before purchase is made.
Blood Sample
As part of both the 2-stage and 5-stage P.P.E’s, a blood sample is included in our price. Once taken, these bloods are stored at an external laboratory for 6 months should the purchaser require these to be tested (e.g. for medication analysis) at a later date.