Before purchasing a new horse it is advisable to have a pre-purchase examination carried out. This will help to identify any ailments that may prevent the horse from performing at your intended level. It will also enable comprehensive insurance cover to be obtained. Either a 2 stage or 5 stage vetting can be undertaken. However, a 5 stage examination (see below) is usually more suitable as it is a more thorough procedure. Our practice encourage our clients to be present at the vetting so that any findings can be discussed during the examination. For further information please feel free to contact the surgery. Stage 1 - Preliminary examination This stage is usually conducted in a stable which can be darkened sufficiently to allow the proper examination of the horse's eyes. The veterinarian notes the animal's general appearance and condition. The teeth are examined and used to assess the animal's age. The heart and eyes are examined  for evidence of any abnormalities. The veterinarian will  run their hand over the animal's entire body and limbs to  detect any injuries or lesions. Stage 2 - Trot up The horse should be walked and trotted on a hard, level surface - if possible by an attendant used to handling horses. The horse should be led in such a way that there is no interference with its head action or with the veterinarian's view. Flexion tests are then performed on all four limbs. The aim of the flexion tests are to identify subtle lameness that may not be apparent on a standard trot up. The response to a flexion test however has to be assessed carefully and in correlation with the rest of the findings of the examination. If any form of lameness is identified during this stage the vetting should not be continued. The final part of this stage is to turn the horse on a tight circle on both reins and to back the horse a few paces in order to try and localise any neurological defecits. Stage 3 - Strenuous Exercise The object of this stage is to exert the horse, not exhaust it, and its age, condition and fitness should all be taken into account. During preferably ridden exercise, close evaluation of the horse's gait at different paces is observed. Symptoms of head shaking or back pain may also become apparent whilst being ridden. The horse should be given sufficient exercise to make it breathe more deeply and rapidly so that any unusual breathing sounds may be heard. Immediatley following exercise the heart is listened to again to check for any cardiac abnormalities that are accentuated by exercise.  Unbroken horses or horses too small to be ridden may be lunged instead. Stage 4 - A period of rest Following exercise the horse is allowed a period of rest. This is when the horse is checked to see if it has been microchipped and also has a blood sample taken. The blood sample is stored for six months and can be checked for the prescence of tranquillisers or pain killers if required. The passport will then be checked to ensure all details concerning the age, colour, breed and identification are correct. A final assessment of the horse's foot balance and general bodily conformation are then made.  Stage 5 - The final trot up The final trot up allows the vet to observe the horse for any signs of lameness that may have become more obvious following the period of strenous exercise. Vices - These are objectionable habits which are  note necessarily ascertainable during the examination. If, however, vices, or evidence of vices, are observed during the vetting they may be recorded on the certificate under the heading 'other observations' and taken into account in the concluding opinion. Height - For the purposes of the examination, the height of a horse or pony is not a concern of the examining veterinarian. Warranty - If a purchaser wishes to obtain a warranty covering such matters as height, freedom of vices or the animal's existing performance as a hunter, showjumper, riding pony, eventer etc.., they should be advised to seek such warranty in writing from the vendor, as these matters are between the vendor and the purchaser and are not the responsibility of the veterinarian. Please contact the surgery on 01376 501124/513369/521319