Pre-purchase vetting: 6 Top tips.
Thinking of purchasing a horse? Before you do, please take a minute to read our top tips in regards to the pre-purchase examination.
1. ALWAYS ask for a five stage vetting. Do not be tempted by a cheaper option of the two stage which is a limited investigation and may miss important issues. For example, a five stage sees the horse ridden, whereas the two stage does not. It is incredible the amount of horses we see that present with lameness when under saddle, yet are remarkably sound without the additional weight of a rider!
2. Brief your vet beforehand, explaining what it is that you will be doing with the horse and your expectations.
3. Choose your veterinarian wisely. A fine eye for detail, especially with regards to subtle lameness, comes with experience, NOT just the veterinary qualification.
4. Ask for additional information. For example, 90% of lameness originates from the feet. Lateral foot/navicular x-rays can highlight significant conformational weaknesses, which may predispose the horse to problems later in life. Another example would be to x-ray the hocks if you are wanting a dressage superstar… remember it will be the hocks taking most of the strain, therefore you want them to be great from the onset!
5. Most insurance companies require a five stage vetting for horses insured over five thousand pounds. So if you’re wanting to get insurance, you will NEED this certificate.
6. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try to make sure you get a pre-purchase vetting. It has been known for some sellers to push a sale without one… one trick is to talk the buyer into believing they have other people coming to view with cash the next day… you really want the horse… your vet can’t get there for the vetting for a few more days… you decide to take the horse ‘sold as seen’…
It can end up costing a lot more money and heart ache in the long run, so it’s well worth the money!
Please follow the link for further information on the pre-purchase vetting: http://www.thehorsevet.co.uk/wp-content/themes/thehorsevet/files/BEVA-Pre-Purchase-guidelines.pdf
(E. J. Westwood. Veterinary Medicine and Surgery student at the Royal (dick) School of Veterinary Medicine.