When shopping for a new horse, it’s easy to daydream about living together on the first viewing. In fact, it’s hard not to imagine the future from the very first swipe. Before you get too carried away, however, it’s important to make sure that the horse’s body and temperament are suitable for its new home, and this is where pre-purchase verification becomes important.
Pre-purchase reviews take into account the horse’s intended use and are therefore tailored to the individual buyer. The purpose of the inspection is for the veterinarian to give his or her opinion on whether the horse is suitable for the task.
This means that a horse may “fail” a subject test – eg. High level triathlon or hard hunting, but suitable for amateur affiliated show jumping or riding club dressage. This information can guide the buyer’s decision and may also require obtaining an insurance policy.
Ask an independent veterinarian for an examination
As a buyer, you can ask your own veterinarian to check it out, or, if the horse is not in your travel area, ask for an independent practice. If you can avoid it, do not use the seller’s veterinarian. Ideally, you’ll also take the exam because it’s easier for a vet to show you the problem than to describe it over the phone or email.
Five different stages of validation
The review consists of five stages, providing a full five-step review or a two-step review omitting the last three stages. Fees vary by practice, but our online research found that two-tier verification costs anywhere from £75 to £180, and five-tier verification costs around £250. The costs of owning a horse are high—if you manage a sick horse, those costs can skyrocket. Sometimes the upfront cost of a review can save you even more.
The type of verification depends on many factors, but be aware that if you choose 2-step verification, you may be asked to sign a disclaimer acknowledging that it’s not thorough. The reason for choosing the two-stage test may be that you are getting a young animal that cannot be ridden, a foal, or a purely actuarial examination, and only need two-stage testing.
Here’s an overview of the five stages:
Stage One
The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of the horse, examining the eyes, cardiovascular system and palpating the body for any abnormalities. Teeth are checked to determine age, and veterinarians also compare horses to descriptions in passports, scan microchips and review vaccination records.
Stage Two
Check the horse for signs of lameness or abnormal gait while walking, trotting, circling, inversions, and lunges. A flexion test can be performed, but not all veterinarians can.
Stage Three
Horseback riding – usually in the square. The goal is to get vigorous exercise to spot any underlying cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal problems.
Stage Four
The horse cools down from level three! The veterinarian may draw a sketch of the horse to confirm which animal is being examined.
Stage Five
Repeat the second stage to determine if the third and fourth stages make the horse stiff or lame. In addition to the two- and five-step safety inspections, some buyers add additional testing and inspections to their pre-sale inspections.
Blood sample
Blood samples are the most common – kept for six months, and if the horse is having problems, the blood is checked for substances that may cause changes in behavior or performance (such as sedatives and pain relievers).
Blood testing
Blood tests done for health reasons at the time of review are less common, but are usually addressed by potential buyers. Because it’s not a routine part of the test, there’s no set schedule for testing, but a general blood test checks for various markers that can reveal health problems, such as a complete blood count (which shows the number and characteristic cells of red and white blood) and protein levels. It is best to discuss blood tests with your veterinarian and they can advise which tests (if any) are appropriate.
X-rays
X-rays are often required by insurance companies when insuring high value animals (often over £10,000) against loss of use. A veterinarian may recommend an x-ray, and some buyers may request an x-ray if the standard exam highlights a problem with a particular joint.
For example, someone wants to buy an item to resell it, or someone is buying a horse to race at the highest level. A guy from the Whickr team requested an X-ray when purchasing a thoroughbred horse that had had bone chips removed during his racing career.
Further supplements to the examination can be pregnancy diagnosis, breeding suitability testing, size measurement and dental examination with gag. It is best to discuss with your veterinarian what works for the horse you are looking at and your intended use.
Vetting and Insurance
For many riders, checking their future horse serves two purposes; checking that it fits their needs and that it meets the requirements of their insurance company. Different insurance companies have different security check policies, and you should check yours before making an appointment. Some companies do not require verification for low-value horses that require veterinary fee coverage, and permanent loss of use policies typically require five tiers of verification.
As mentioned above, valuable animals may also need X-rays before purchase – insurance companies should have guidelines that you can provide to your veterinarian. Keep in mind that inspections may need to take place within a certain number of days after coverage begins, and if the horse has already been inspected, the insurance company may require a certificate of inspection, even if the certificate is not actually required to show coverage levels. Review reports are used when insurance companies decide what your policy can and cannot cover.
To wrap up
It’s a good decision to double-check your future purchases — not only for the insurance implications, but because it can give you peace of mind that your new friend is objectively fit for the future with you. The type of examination you choose and the additional tests you perform will depend greatly on your individual situation and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
If you need to use an independent veterinarian for geographic reasons, you can consult your veterinarian for the necessary examinations and recommendations regarding appropriate practices in the area.
People also ask
How long does it take to do 5 stage vetting?
The five stage test may take a couple of hours to complete and someone will need to be available to ride the horse. A dark stable, a hard level trot up area and a suitable area to work the horse are also required. Some vets will choose to lunge the horse so facilities and equipment should be made available.
What can a horse fail a vetting on?
The purpose of the vetting is for the vet to give their opinion as to whether or not the horse is suitable for that use. This means that a horse could “fail” a vetting for one discipline – e.g. high level eventing or hard hunting, but pass for amateur affiliated showjumping or Riding Club dressage.
What do they do in a 5 stage vetting?
It includes an examination of the incisor teeth, a thorough examination of the horse’s eyes in a darkened area and auscultation of the horse’s heart and lungs at rest. Examination of the eyes does not include dilating the pupil but will include examination of internal and external structures.
What is the difference between a 2 and 5 stage vetting?
A two-stage vetting is limited to a standing examination of the horse, plus a minimal assessment of soundness (straight line trot up) whereas a five-stage vetting is the two-stage plus a thorough dynamic assessment of all-round health, including soundness, respiratory, ridden exercise and soundness post-exercise.
Do I need a 5 stage vetting to insure my horse?
In most cases a five-stage vetting will be required if you intend to insure the horse. When having a potential horse vetted: Ideally use your own vet or, at least, an independent vet.
What is included in a 5 star horse vetting?
The facilities required for a 5 stage vetting are a dark stable to examine the eyes, a firm, level surface for trotting and lunging and a suitable arena to exercise the horse.
What is a 2 stage horse vetting?
A stage 2 vetting includes a thorough examination of the horse at rest, which includes eyes, heart, lungs, conformation, teeth and skin. This is followed by seeing the horse walk and trot in hand on a straight hard surface, flexion tests of all 4 legs, backing up and turning on a tight circle.
How much is a PPE for a horse?
The price of a basic pre-purchase exam will vary from one veterinary practice to another, but in general you can expect to pay from $250 to $500. It’s a good idea to ask the veterinarian the base cost up front.
How much does it cost to have a horse vet checked?
$200-$300 should cover a thorough, basic exam, with lots of scribbled notes and numbers written down by the vet throughout the exam.
Would sarcoidosis fail a vetting?
In general, any sarcoid near an area of tack would be a cause to fail a vetting, as would a sarcoid near the eyes or muzzle (these can be notoriously difficult to treat).
How much is a vet check for a horse UK?
between £75 and £250
You should have the horse checked by a vet. A vet check will probably cost you between £75 and £250 depending on the extent to which the vet examines the horse. There are 5 levels of check: the more you have, the more expensive the fee.
How do you treat a horse’s kissing spine?
How are kissing spines treated? Treatment for kissing spines begins with making the horse more comfortable. This may be achieved through pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and exercises to stretch and strengthen back and abdominal muscles, stabilize posture, and improve mobility.
What is being vetted?
Vetting is the process of thoroughly investigating an individual, company, or other entity before making a decision to go forward with a joint project. A background review is an example of a vetting process for a potential employee. Once the vetting process is concluded, a well-informed hiring decision can be made.
Do I need to insure my horse?
Do I need horse insurance? Although it is not a legal requirement to hold horse insurance, owning a horse is a large financial commitment. It is key to insure your horse before it suffers an illness or injury, which may be expensive to treat and will be excluded from any future horse insurance policy.
What is a pre purchase exam on a horse?
Prepurchase examinations are often requested by a potential buyer of a horse. The objective is to reduce the buyer’s risks in relationship to the general health and athletic soundness of the horse for sale.
What is the best age of horse to buy?
The best age to buy a horse is typically between 5-16 years old, as this is when a horse will be in its prime. Typically, younger horses are not a good match for first-time owners as they generally are not experienced enough yet.
How much is a 2 stage vetting UK?
Two stage pre purchase examinations: £150.76 +VAT The price includes a telephone consultation before the vetting takes place.
What does a vet do for a PPE horse?
A PPE is a health exam performed by a vet when the buyer and usually the seller are both present. It is done to assess current soundness, to help determine the suitability of a horse for the buyer’s intended use and to help provide the buyer with the information they need to make an informed purchase decision.
Should I do a PPE on a horse?
A pre-purchase exam (PPE) is a standard practice where an equine veterinarian examines a horse for overall soundness and wellness. Regardless of if you are buying a pasture pet or a performance horse that will be in hard work, you should have a pre-purchase exam performed on any horse you are looking to bring home.
What does a pre-purchase exam include?
Every veterinarian has his or her own “order of events.” However, many will start with the basic physical evaluation, including listening to heart and lungs; examining the eyes, ears, and teeth; taking pulse, temperature, and respiration readings; and getting an overall impression of the horse’s condition.
How often do horses need vet check ups?
once a year
Importance of Veterinary Care Adult horses should have a complete veterinary examination at least once a year. Geriatric horses (older than 20 years old) should see their veterinarian twice a year or more frequently because illness is more common in older animals and it can be identified sooner.
How often should a horse be shoed?
every four to six weeks
Shod horses need to be re-shod every four to six weeks irrespective of whether they have worn the shoes out or not. The hooves grow continuously and when shod the hoof cannot wear down as it can (in the correct conditions) with an unshod horse.
How much does it cost to float a horse’s teeth?
between $80-$200
The average horse teeth floating costs between $80-$200. The cost will vary based on your location and the type of veterinarian you hire. Most vets will charge a first-time float fee and travel fees. If your horse requires extractions it could add $20-$80 and sedation fees are usually $10-$30.
Can you insure a horse with Sarcoids?
Although a horse cannot directly die from a sarcoid, it can be severely debilitated by the lesions, and euthanasia may be the only option. Sarcoids cost vets and owners heartache, suffering and money, since it is unlikely that a horse will be insurable against the disease after purchase.
How does a horse get Sarcoids?
Sarcoids are caused by bovine papilloma virus (BPV). However, it appears that the virus requires genetically susceptible horses in order to cause sarcoids; in other words, not every horse exposed to the virus will develop sarcoids whereas those that are genetically susceptible are likely to keep developing sarcoids.
What is horse vetting?
Vetting. Vettings or pre-purchase examinations (PPE) are carried out before buying a new horse to determine the suitability of the horse for their desired use. It is not a guarantee of the horse’s future soundness but it helps the prospective owner make an informed decision regarding the purchase of the horse.
Can you still ride a horse with kissing spine?
Prognosis. Most horses diagnosed with kissing spine are able to return to ridden work after appropriate veterinary treatment and a recommended rehab programme is completed. In some cases they may be unable to return to the same level of work as before, but are comfortable when working at a lower level.
Is kissing spine curable?
There are currently two surgeries available to correct kissing spine. The first, called a bone shave procedure, is designed to remove and shave down some of the bony spinous processes, as well as clip the ligaments, to allow more room and movement for the vertebrae.
How much does kissing spine surgery cost for a horse?
Mostly due to the general anesthesia involved, the cost of this surgery is higher – around $2,500-$3,000, generally. And due to the level of invasiveness, the horse may take several weeks longer to recover once home.
How do you pass vetting?
Top tips
- Be honest – declare all convictions, cautions and involvement in criminal investigations.
- Make sure you provide maiden names, dates of birth and addresses for all the people listed on your vetting forms.
- Include details of any criminal associates.
- Can’t remember or provide specific details?
How long is the vetting process?
How long does a vetting process take? It can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few months, depending on the role or position you are seeking. Each case is different, and it comes with a different set of requirements for research and documentation.
How long can vetting take?
How long does vetting take? Vetting can take four weeks or longer, but this depends on the level of vetting required and can vary dependent on the role. National Security Vetting (NSV) will take longer.
How much is equine insurance per year?
The cost of your specific horse insurance will vary depending on the type and extent of the coverages you choose. In general, horse insurance can range from $150 to $280 per year.
How soon can I claim on horse insurance?
The start date of the claim is the date you first became aware of the condition, not the date the vet first visited the horse. This is important as most equine policies currently run for 12 months and the ‘clock starts ticking’ when you first noted the problem not when vets first attended.
How much does a lameness exam cost?
Cost: Typically around $200 to $300, depending on where you live. Nuclear scintigraphy—a bone scan—highlights bone metabolism.
What is Coggins test for horses?
What is a Coggins test? ‘Coggins’ is the common name for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which is a blood test used to screen horses, donkeys and mules for the potentially fatal disease Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).
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