What Happens During a Pre-Purchase Examination?

Buying a horse is an exciting step — whether you’re looking for a fun all-rounder, a future competition partner, or a quiet hacking companion. But alongside the excitement comes the pressure of making the right decision.

That’s where the Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE), also known as a vetting, comes in.

A PPE gives you vital information about the horse’s current health, soundness, and suitability for your intended use. It won’t guarantee against any future ailments, but it will help you make a fully informed decision, with your eyes wide open.

What Is a Pre-Purchase Examination?

A Pre-Purchase Examination is a comprehensive veterinary assessment of the horse on behalf of the prospective buyer. It aims to identify any clinical concerns, signs of pain, or conditions that may affect the horse’s future performance, comfort, or resale value at the time of the examination.

It is not a pass/fail test — the vet’s role is not to make the decision for you, but to give you objective, professional advice so you can weigh the risks.

What Does the Vetting Include?

There are two main types of PPE:

1. Limited Two-Stage Vetting

This includes:

• A thorough clinical examination at rest

• Inspection of eyes, heart, lungs, skin, conformation, limbs, hooves, and teeth

• Trot-up in hand, with the addition of flexion tests, to assess soundness

2. Five-Stage Vetting

This is the most common and recommended option.

It includes everything in the two-stage, plus:

Stage 3: Strenuous Exercise

• Horse is ridden and/or lunged to assess how it copes with physical exertion

• Allows the vet to check for signs of lameness, abnormal breathing, or behavioural issues under exercise.

Stage 4: Cool Down & Rest

• The vet observes recovery — heart rate, breathing, and movement

• Helps identify any issues that only appear after exercise

Stage 5: Second Trot-Up and Flexion Tests

• The horse is trotted again to assess for post-exercise lameness

  
  

Additional Diagnostics

If any concerns arise during the clinical exam, or if you’ve requested them in advance, the vet may recommend:

• X-rays (e.g. for joints, feet, back)

• Ultrasound of tendons or ligaments

• Endoscopy (airways)

• Blood tests (e.g. for general health or to check for sedation)

  
  

These aren’t always necessary but can provide extra peace of mind.

What Do You Get After the PPE?

You’ll receive a written report outlining the vet’s findings, including any concerns or recommendations. The vet will also give you their professional opinion on whether the horse is suitable for your intended use (e.g. novice riding club, affiliated eventing, hacking etc).

The report is confidential and legally belongs to you, the buyer — not the seller.

Common Questions

Q: Can I attend the vetting in person? Yes! In fact, we encourage it. Seeing the process firsthand gives you a clearer picture of the horse and the vet’s findings.

Q: Does a “clean” vetting mean the horse is perfect? No horse is ever perfect — but a clean vetting means nothing significant was found to suggest current or future unsoundness for your intended use.

Q: What if the horse “fails” the vetting?There is no true pass or fail. If the vet identifies risks, it’s up to you to decide whether you’re comfortable proceeding.