Work on consistent interpretation of X-rays and moving towards a risk assessment rather than “passing or failing” have been suggested for the future of pre-purchase examinations.

A panel with extensive veterinary and horse-selling experience discussed vettings at the 2026 National Equine Forum on 5 March.

Vets Lucy Grieve, Sam Cutts and Mark Georgetti were joined by Julia Martin of Kings Hill Equestrian, in a debate chaired by British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) CEO David Mountford. The session was in part sparked by the new seller declaration form introduced by BEVA last year, as part of its online toolkit for vets.

“Buying and selling horses is one of the oils that keeps the engine of the horse industry turning,” Mr Mountford said. “Gone are the days when the vet would rock up, have a look at the horse, trot it up, listen to its heart and wind and probably say, ‘That looks like a good one to me.’ We move forward and that evolution may have made things better in many cases, but it also may have made things worse.

“We’re going to try to look under the bonnet of vettings and see how well it’s running and consider whether we could do any better. That’s not just for the benefit of sellers, buyers or vets, it’s for the industry as a whole.”

Dr Grieve, who was instrumental in putting the BEVA guidance together, explained that vettings developed to perform in a similar way to surveys on houses, to ensure people are buying something fit for purpose, but these involve living animals.

Vettings: not a guarantee or warranty

“You’re seeing it for that small amount of time and trying to judge what you seem to see, and whether that horse is right for the person,” she said. “It’s not a guarantee or warranty, it can’t detect future soundness, performance or behaviour, and it certainly can’t guarantee whether that horse can be insured fully – insurers will have their own opinion on findings of a vetting.

“As we’ve seen more people getting into horses, there’s been an expectation drift. I think people expect more from the vetting than is possible. It’s more certainty they want, rather than understanding that it’s a risk assessment.”

Dr Georgetti agreed that many people wrongly talk about horses “passing or failing”.

“We’re really doing a diligent examination, finding things and discussing the risks associated with that,” he said. “It’s putting those risks into context for that individual.”

Ms Martin said she does not think the system is sustainable; too many clients want vets to tell them horses are perfect, which is not realistic.

“These people want perfect, there’s no perfect,” she said. “They want protection for their money on a vetting. That’s not going to happen and too many horses are being written off.”

Ms Martin said 40 years ago, she would sell 250 to 300 horses per year, and one in 10 would “fail” the vet.

“Now I’m down to two in 10 ‘passing’,” she said. “The horse world is growing but we’re selling less horses.”

Post-purchase disputes

Dr Cutts, who has served as an expert witness in this area, said post-purchase disputes are split evenly “between a failure of examination and a failure of expectation from the purchaser”.

“Things do get missed at vettings; we can all make mistakes, but when things go wrong, it’s often that the purchaser has bought the wrong horse,” she said. “If we’re asked to do a vetting, we’re assessing whether the horse is fit for the purpose that’s been described. If I’m asked if I think this horse will be fit for being a grand prix dressage horse, that’s what I’m assessing. I’m not assessing whether the owners are going to be able to ride it.”

Dr Cutts added that vets may find issues that do not significantly increase the risk of a horse not being able to do its job, but that insurers may not agree. This could mean a long list of exclusions, or buyers walking away.

Dr Grieve added that vets learn about vettings by shadowing, gaining experience of the reality of horses’ fitness for intended purpose, and that the online toolkit and seller declaration should help.

“We’re trying to get the vet out of the history-taking part; having that on a signed document gives that bit more confidence and hopefully encourages [sellers] who may be a little more relaxed about the truth,” she said. “The idea is to provide a more supportive network to older vets but also younger ones who are really trying to get through to feeling confident.”

Dr Cutts also cited legal disputes, adding: “In years gone by, if it’s a really good horse and it doesn’t work out, bad luck. These days, if somebody buys a horse and it doesn’t work out, it’s got to be somebody’s fault – it’s definitely not their fault, so if it’s not Julia’s fault, it’s my fault.”

She said a way for vets to protect themselves against such disputes is to document all findings, but then there is more for insurers to exclude.

Difficult situation

“It’s difficult circumstances,” she said, and Dr Grieve agreed, adding that she has seen younger vets who do not want to carry out vettings.

“They’re scared,” she said. “Those are the cases that keep you up at night, for months, because you know these people might come back at you six months later and say the horse has started bucking. Having support to look after these vets is important.”

Dr Cutts said she would like to see Britain move away from horses’ being classed as fit or unfit for the intended purpose, towards the European system of classing horses as low, medium or high risk for the purpose, which she thinks would mean more horses finding the right homes.

The panel was asked what impact buyers wanting pre-purchase X-rays has had, and Dr Georgetti said these are the most common “extra” his practice is asked to do.

“I feel there’s quite a wide variability between vets’ interpretation of findings,” he said. “I think that’s partly due to experience, partly because there’s no really good clinical knowledge base to work from for significance of a radiographic finding. So a consensus on significance [would be helpful] as [X-rays] sometimes provide more questions than answers.”

What do you think should change in vettings? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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Richard Sheane of top Irish horse producers Cooley Farm explains why he feels vets examining X-rays without having seen the horse in the flesh is influencing the sales of future equine stars

Here at Cooley Farm, we’re having an ongoing problem, which is shared by many high-end horse sales yards. It’s common for a client to come in from abroad, buy a horse subject to vetting and for the horse to be presented at their chosen Irish veterinary clinic for the pre-purchase examination.

The horse is clinically examined and X-rayed and when everything is deemed normal, the X-rays and in some cases, scans, are sent to the customer’s home vet. In many cases, they find issues that are irrelevant to the horse’s future performance. It might be something minor and within normal limits, but their concerns mean the sale falls apart.

It feels like the home vet wants to show that they see more than the vet who saw the horse in person and that they are protecting their clients, but ultimately all they are doing is stopping their clients from purchasing a top horse.

The vet check can really only assess the horse on the day – primarily by a clinical examination. No one has a crystal ball to predict what the future holds and the horse could be injured in so many ways. If the vet is satisfied on the day, it’s ridiculous to base its future soundness on unfounded potential scenarios.

We estimate that 80% of the horses we’ve sold that have gone on to be placed at four- and five-star have been judged unsuitable in this way by a “third-party vet”.

Their careers reinforce a lesson we’ve learned through decades of experience. Elite performance is built on ability, temperament, durability and matching of horse to rider and the correct system – not on the misguided opinion of a vet who never viewed the horse in person.

When assessed correctly and in context, minor, non-prejudicial findings do not impact soundness, performance, longevity or ultimately results.

One Cooley graduate, who is now succeeding at four-star and is one of the hottest up-and-coming horses in the sport, fell foul of no less than seven different vets before he found his home – and he’s now beating lots of the riders who turned him down.

Customers then sometimes complain that they didn’t buy the horse “because there was x, y, z wrong with it” – but there wasn’t anything wrong with it, as its subsequent performance shows.

“A focus on horses that will perform”

We are a top-end yard, not the equine dealing equivalent of a used car salesman, and this is affecting horses with a value over £30,000.

We are giving decent money for the horses initially and we have them thoroughly vetted. We have no interest in horses that have clinical or radiographic problems.

Our focus is on horses with exceptional temperament and ability – horses that will perform at the highest level.

We have a record for selling horses that are well and sound – we’d have no business if we sold horses who weren’t up to the job.

If someone did ring up and had a problem with a horse, we’d take it back.

Vets perhaps don’t realise how difficult it is to find a horse with the potential for the top level and then to match the horse and the rider and system to create the perfect formula.

Assessing suitability for elite sport requires an understanding of temperament, ability, production systems and rider compatibility – areas that extend beyond the scope of a vet’s knowledge.

When these broader factors are not fully considered, unnecessary doubt can be introduced by the vet into the decision-making process, often resulting in riders and owners missing horses that would have been an excellent fit for their system and goals.

We do get our horses sold, of course, but it’s such a rigmarole and it feels like we are getting to the point where vets have too much control and they are choosing horses, not riders.

Ultimately purchasers are buying horses that the vets like, not what is best for them and their future.

● Are you a vet with a different view? Or a buyer with an opinion? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your thoughts to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Sellers of horses will be asked to declare relevant information in writing, directly to prospective buyers – cutting out the vet “middleman” – as part of a new toolkit.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has introduced a pre-purchase examination (PPE) seller’s declaration as part of its new online toolkit for vets. Previously, the seller’s declaration was part of BEVA’s pre-purchase worksheet, containing questions for the vet to ask the seller.

This new declaration, which has been revised with the support of British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Horse Society (BHS), is a more extensive, stand-alone document. Prospective buyers are recommended to ask for a completed copy from the seller directly before the formal PPE starts.

“BEVA’s new seller’s declaration will iron out the PPE process to make it smoother and more efficient for all three parties involved: buyer, seller and vet,” said BEVA veterinary projects officer Lucy Grieve, who has been instrumental in putting the new guidance together.

“The advantage is it cuts out the vet as a middleman… asking if the horse has received any medication, or coughs on dry hay and so on. The declaration means that the seller should declare those things to the buyer straight off. If completed in advance, it should give the buyer more robust information on which to base proceeding with the PPE or not.”

She added that it is hoped this becomes an “industry standard”, so that all parties can proceed with vettings with as much confidence as possible.

The document asks the seller to disclose a horse’s veterinary history and interventions, behaviour, whether he is in work or not, specific management requirements, lameness history, plus details of preventative care such as worm control and dental care. There is also an area to declare whether the form was filled in by the seller or an agent.

BHS director of horse care and welfare Gemma Stanford said: “We always urge a buyer to make careful considerations when going through the process of purchasing a horse. It’s a decision that should never be rushed and one that needs to be made with every detail to hand.

“BEVA’s new seller’s declaration will be a great, supportive resource to help with this process. Sellers can easily input all the information required in one go, while buyers have peace of mind that they’re making an informed decision. Critically, it’ll ensure that the welfare of the horse is always the key priority.”

Lawyer Jodie Seddon, partner at Aria Grace Law CIC, welcomed the move, also recommending that parties still have sales contracts.

“We support the BEVA, BHS and BEF in their aim to bring more transparency to equine transactions, however we would caution that the proposed questionnaire does not alone form a sales contract that both parties can rely on,” she told H&H.

“This is a positive step in ensuring more consistent information sharing, to the benefit of the welfare of horses changing hands. However, to ensure that the information disclosed has contractual force, we would always recommend using a sales contract.”

• For more information, visit: beva.org.uk/Resources/Clinical-resources/PPE-toolkit or view a digital version of the form

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Former international showjumper Rowland Fernyhough, who represented Britain on Nations Cups and at the Olympics, is now well known as a producer and now buys and sells competition horses. He shares his thoughts on pre-purchase vettings.

The process of modern vettings is becoming so unreasonable that we will soon reach the point where it is near-impossible to sell a horse. The odds have become so heavily stacked against the vendor that I think we should be charging purchasers a £250 fee to present a horse for a vetting, to cover the use of staff time.

Once, this would have been built into the selling price, but the chances of a horse failing the vet have become very high, when they used to be very low. There’s also no consistency. One vet fails a horse and then another passes it the next day or the next week.

Some of the horses I sold in the 1970s, 80s and 90s would probably fail a modern vetting, but in all these years I have never faced litigation from a purchaser or had any backlash over a horse sale.

The problem we now face is that, for anyone wishing to insure a horse, there are four parties who need satisfying by the pre-purchase vetting: the vendor, the purchaser, the vet and finally the insurance company – yet it’s the insurance companies who seem to set the criteria.

The full picture?

It has become the norm for up to 60 X-rays to be taken – and it can be the same X-rays whether it’s a £1m horse or one worth £10,000 – which takes up several hours of a working day.

Many years ago, we had a well-respected vet come to my yard to vet a horse and he had a student with him. I overheard him say to the student that it’s as important to vet the person selling the horse as the horse itself. That vetting only took 45 minutes.

If I’m not able to tell if a horse I am selling is clinically sound, I shouldn’t be doing this job, but common sense has gone out of the game.

Hours of X-rays aren’t just a problem for sellers, they are expensive for purchasers. We regularly see buyers who have spent £10,000 on three or four consecutive failed examinations.

X-rays were once used only if the vet was suspicious of something on the clinical exam. Now, no matter how sound a horse is clinically, it’s the scans and X-rays that hold sway.

Recognising risk

There are no guarantees with horses; a friend of mine spent £2,000 on a vetting and within a few months the horse was a total write-off.

All a vet can say is whether they believe a horse “might” have a problem in the future, and two vets can give differing opinions of the same thing, whether that be clinical or an X-ray. Some will consider it low risk, while some say high risk.

But as soon as the word “might” is involved, alarm bells ring with the insurance company and the purchaser gets nervous.

Vets seem to be terrified of being sued, and are trying to eliminate the risk, while the purchaser won’t buy the horse unless it’s able to be covered comprehensively by the insurance.

The only winners here, it appears to me, are the insurance companies.

I was educated by dealers in Ireland and they would say that when people buy a horse, they must realise that they are writing that money off. It’s like going on a holiday – you don’t take your holiday and then want the money back.

We’re living in a blame culture – which has been influenced by the American market – and it’s a difficult climate for vendors.

What’s changed is that it’s no longer accepted that buying horses has always come with an element of risk.

● Tell us about your experiences of the vetting process by writing to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Calls have been made to update pre-purchase examination (PPE) guidelines to include more on dental checks – as many owners are “largely in the dark” about the current “minimal” procedure.

The topic was addressed by Rob Pascoe of Equine Dentistry Referrals in a session titled “Is there a role for dental pre-purchase examination?” at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress (11–14 September).

Current PPE guidelines, set out by BEVA and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, include an examination of the horse’s incisors – but not a full inspection using a gag.

The guidance adds that an examination using a gag “may be included as an additional procedure; however, some dental abnormalities may only be detected by a more detailed exam using sedation and a dental mirror or orascope”.

Mr Pascoe believes the PPE process “has tended to overlook the field of dentistry” – and said there are conditions of the oral cavity that can prejudice a horse’s suitability for intended use.

“Owners can find themselves purchasing animals with significant dental problems, ongoing treatment costs, and they’re not aware,” he said.

“The guidelines state that the preliminary [PPE] examination includes an examination of the incisor teeth; it doesn’t mention what the purpose of that examination is. Some vets interpret that as ‘to look at the age of the horse’.”

Mr Pascoe said buyers are “largely in the dark about the minimal dental examination in the standard PPE” – and that he has seen cases of owners discovering dental issues after buying a horse.

“Our understanding of equine dental disease has changed dramatically in the past 25 years, we’ve got a greater range of diagnostic tools and treatment options, yet the PPE hasn’t really changed in decades,” he said.

“I think we need to be far more open with purchasers about the limitations of all PPEs, including the five-stage process. So many clients say, ‘I’m having a five-star vetting’ and it’s not – it’s a five-stage, and those stages are clearly defined.

“There’s a general failing of us as a profession, and I think that is damaging the reputation of the profession and the PPE process. Vets need to be clear with buyers that oral examination is not included, explain the ramifications and give owners the opportunity to request additional assessment.”

Mr Pascoe believes PPE guidelines should be updated and include an “approved format for additional examinations” – but he highlighted potential challenges.

These could include the risk of a horse injuring itself while wearing a gag, whether sedation is required – and the dilemma if a sale did not go ahead and a different buyer wanted to blood-test the horse in a PPE soon after. He said any changes to guidelines would need to be discussed by all the relevant parties, including vets carrying out PPEs.

BEVA veterinary projects officer Lucy Grieve told H&H that in buying horses there is much focus on common concerns such as lameness and sarcoids.

“However, the mouth can be a site for some serious conditions that may render a horse unrideable,” she said.

“It is expected [in a standard UK PPE] that the incisor teeth are checked, to ensure the age of the horse is approximately correct; vets will simultaneously assess for any lesions or abnormalities in this area.

“A thorough examination of the horse’s mouth requires sedation in most cases, as well as specialist equipment and knowledge. This is clearly not practical or affordable for the standard PPE. However, it is always an option to perform ‘additional procedures’, which may be advised where the vet identifies an issue in the horse’s history or clinical examination that warrants more in-depth examination.”

Ms Grieve said some vets will extend the oral exam with a head torch and gag, out of goodwill and if the horse does not need sedation.

“It’s important purchasers know and understand the mouth is not routinely examined as part of a standard PPE, but it is possible to request additional procedures, which invariably requires sedation and specific equipment and comes with associated costs,” she said.

“Purchasers need to fully discuss the options available to them with the vet, and base their decision on weighing up the risks and financial costs, which will be an individual choice.”

Do you think a full dental examination should be included during a pre-purchase examination, or would you happily pay extra for one? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to be published in the letters page of Horse & Hound magazine

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Research has highlighted a lack of evidence to support the usefulness of taking neck X-rays in pre-purchase examinations (PPEs).

A new paper by Royal Veterinary College (RVC) researchers has reviewed findings from previous studies on cervical X-rays, to answer whether they should be included in PPEs. The researchers said neck X-rays are more frequently being requested in vettings – but concluded that current evidence suggests “most findings present on cervical radiographs acquired at PPEs are of unknown or low significance in a clinically normal horse” – and there is “little evidence to support these as part of a PPE”.

It was also found that there is “minimal evidence of the progression of subclinical abnormalities found in cervical X-rays and their future impact on performance”.

Rupert Freddie Dash, lead author and RVC staff clinician in equine diagnostic imaging, told H&H as radiologists his team is often asked to look at PPE X-rays and that the neck “can often be an area that is quite tricky for us”.

“We find that sometimes, due to no fault of the vet taking the X-rays, they can be of lesser diagnostic quality than, for example, limb X-rays. If they are of reasonable quality, even then the findings can be quite difficult to interpret, so we thought it would be a good idea to review all of the evidence and see whether these are worthwhile X-rays to be taking,” said Dr Dash, adding that although the neck is a well-researched area, there is limited research around PPEs in general and on this issue.

“There’s almost no evidence that will tell us if we find something [on a cervical X-ray] in the PPE, how likely that is going to inhibit or reduce the horse’s performance.”

The paper also addressed the difficulties of cervical X-rays being taken in an ambulatory setting such as at someone’s yard, as portable machines are not as powerful as those used in a hospital. This means the images are “often underexposed”, which can “reduce image quality and hinder thorough evaluation”.

Dr Dash said a portable X-ray machine is more suited to limbs, so “perfectly diagnostic” images can be obtained.

“In my opinion there is still a place for X-rays of the limbs in PPEs,” he said. “There is still relatively limited research about how findings will go on to affect performance, however there is more research than on the neck, and vets may have more depth of experience to draw from with issues relative to the limbs.”

Dr Dash said that when it comes to PPEs “there is more evidence currently that a physical exam of the neck is more valuable in terms of predicting if there’s an issue”.

“Vets should palpate and manipulate the neck, including doing tests that may involve getting some feed and making sure that the horse can reach its flanks. I would say that would be more useful than radiographs,” he said.

Lucy Grieve, the British Equine Veterinary Association’s projects officer, told H&H that X-rays are very common now in PPEs, but buyers “should beware of their limitations”.

“At one end of the spectrum, there is clear evidence that deviations from the normal in neck and back X-rays are of no predictive value for future soundness or athletic potential, where the PPE and history have not raised suspicions,” she said.

“At the other end, some abnormalities seen on limb X-rays will have a significant predictive value – but buyers should remember that there are still many deviations seen in limb X-rays that are not indicators of future problems.”

Ms Grieve added that misjudging the significance of abnormalities seen on X-rays alone “can and does result in many sales falling through unnecessarily” – and advises owners to discuss any findings with their vet.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Pre-purchase examinations have come under the spotlight in new research – along with the issue of relying on X-rays to identify issues.

Royal Veterinary College (RVC) researchers analysed 133 PPE certificates from three equine practices and considered factors including whether they were two- or five-stage examinations, if X-rays were taken, the horses’ prices and intended use, and the PPE outcome.

Among the findings, 57.1% of horses examined had “prejudicial findings”, and the most common was lameness at 55.3%. Some 14.5% of horses had diagnostic imaging findings, and 3.9% had cardiac abnormalities.

An RVC spokesman said there had been “limited research into PPEs”, and “although PPEs often follow a standardised process, the examination can only result in a recommendation based on the opinion of the veterinary surgeon at an isolated point in time. PPEs are therefore, in large part, a subjective process and often debated in the equine world”.

David Bolt, senior lecturer in equine surgery at the RVC and author of the research, told H&H that although this was a “sample size” study, it was surprising that such a large number of horses had prejudicial findings. But he added that it should be taken into consideration that the PPEs were carried out by a large number of different vets, of different experience levels.

The study also found that horses with a higher purchase price were more likely to have X-rays taken during a PPE, and “more likely to have prejudicial findings identified”.

Dr Bolt said X-rays in PPEs are a “very interesting topic”.

“Not all radiographic changes mean the horse is not going to be fit for purpose,” he said, adding that on the other hand, radiographic or other imaging may indicate a “developmental problem” that could cause issues in the future.

Dr Bolt mentioned scenarios where UK buyers import horses from abroad and X-rays are looked at remotely.

“In some circles, horses are bought indirectly by X-ray, where somebody gets tasked with looking at a set of X-rays. I think that’s quite dangerous, because you don’t see the whole picture. You need to see the animal itself and assess the animal clinically rather than just basing your diagnosis on imaging findings,” he said.

“In this context it’s important that if possible the person performing the PPE remotely is a person that either the buyer knows or is an advising veterinary surgeon to the buyer.”

Dr Bolt said a topic for future research could be the experience of the vets performing PPEs, and how this correlates to the horse’s purchase price.

“If you’re buying an expensive showjumper, you’re probably more likely to have a senior partner that you know perform the PPE, than a vet new to the practice or a locum,” he said.

“In the UK vets don’t need an additional qualification to perform PPEs. There’s quite a bit of [continuing professional development] CPD out there, but there’s no standard for assessors.”

Jason Tupper, RVC head of equine practice and study co-author, added that “few horses are perfect when it comes to temperament and health”.

“The vetting determines the issues and the vet can then help the purchaser weigh up their significance and decide if they can compromise and accept the issues or not,” he said.

“Further studies can now focus on the cost/benefit of radiology as part of the vetting procedure and the potential use of gait analysis.”

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Legal cases involving horses – and barristers – have highlighted the need for prospective buyers rather than sellers to engage vets for pre-purchase examinations (PPEs).

A recent Court of Appeal ruling on financial advice has relevance for the equestrian world, said Hannah Bradley of the Equine Law Firm, as it concerned a professional’s duty of care to a third party who is not his client.

The case was to do with advice given by a barrister to promoters of tax-avoidance schemes, which were sold via financial advisors to investors. The schemes failed and the investors tried to sue the barrister in relation to the advice. But the court found the barrister had no duty of care to the investors, who were not his clients.

Ms Bradley, who has recently been instructed in a case concerning a PPE, told H&H it is an established legal principle that if a vet is negligent, and that negligence causes a loss to their client, they would be liable for compensation for this. A common example is if a vet misses an issue during a PPE.

“It is sometimes the case that the seller of a horse will obtain a vet report before marketing a horse, and will share that report with prospective buyers,” she said. “If the vet who conducted the inspection for the seller has missed an issue, it is less clear whether the buyer would have a right to claim compensation against the vet.”

Ms Bradley said it is “not set in stone”, but “It appears from the law that you probably wouldn’t be able to rely on a vet report that a seller has procured.”

“It’s far better if you can procure your own PPE, so if something has been missed, you can seek recompense,” she said.

“A successful claim in negligence requires there to be a duty of care between the two parties. A vet will always owe a duty of care to their client, but may not owe one to a third party; in this case, the prospective buyer.”

British Equine Veterinary Association council member Ian Beamish told H&H that each PPE relates to the needs of that specific potential buyer, and each intended use of the horse.

“Any examination commissioned by the vendor is a general veterinary examination, not a PPE, and therefore cannot consider the specific needs of, and intended use by, multiple potential purchasers,” he said.

Mr Beamish pointed out that the vet’s aim in a PPE is to clarify that horse’s state of health and suitability for the buyer, adding: “That is what a pre-purchase examination is; a picture of the horse’s health and soundness at that single point in time.

“The exam is normally performed by a vet appointed by the purchaser and any ‘vet examination’ offered by the vendor should be regarded as conflicted as the relationship was not founded in the interest of the purchaser.”

Mr Beamish also noted that a five-stage PPE aims to be testing enough that any lameness or abnormality will be apparent, but that it cannot guarantee that the horse is fit and well, nor is it any guarantee of future health or soundness. A two-stage PPE is more limited and more conditions could be undetectable.

“Furthermore the common misconception is that the horse should ‘pass’ or ‘fail’,” Mr Beamish said. “Rather, these examinations seek to assign a degree of risk or suitability for the animal’s anticipated future. A condition that presents a high risk for athleticism does not mean it’s impossible to achieve that goal, only improbable. Likewise a high risk for a future performing grand prix dressage may in fact be low risk for a future spent regaling a paddock mate about how they could have been a star.”

You might also be interested in:

The definitive guide to the pre-purchase equine vetting

Selling a horse but worried about the vetting? Here’s how to prepare your horse

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Vetting a horse is a key part of selling a horse and most buyers will request a horse to undergo an examination by a vet, also known as a pre-purchase vetting, ahead of making a purchase.

A vetting, which is either two-stage or five-stage, is carried out by a vet to assess if a horse is physically suitable for the purpose the client intends to use it. Prior to the vetting, the vet will speak to the purchaser to find out what they know about the horse and what their intentions are for it.

It’s a challenging time for buyer, seller and vet alike – everyone wants the horse to be deemed suitable – and there are things you can do as a seller to give the horse the best chance of flying through the inspection process.

Pre-purchase vetting dos and don’ts for sellers

Don’t present a horse that has been out of work, unless all parties are aware that the horse is unfit or if the buyer is purchasing the animal from the field as a project or for breeding. If a horse is to be used for ridden purposes then it needs to have been in regular work so it has developed a suitable level of fitness for the pre-purchase vetting.

Do ensure the horse is not overly-fresh and exuberant and consequently won’t stand still or behave when being trotted up or lunged. An excessively fresh horse be difficult for the vet to assess and it could affect the end result of the assessment.

On the other hand, don’t over-work the horse the day before the vetting. Working the horse particularly hard, or for longer than it’s used to, could result in the horse having tight muscles and therefore not performing at its best the following day.

Don’t overdo the presentation of the horse. Vets don’t need to see the horse in show ring condition with hoof oil and plaits. However, your horse should be clean and tidy, and the feet should have been picked out. Don’t just drag the horse out of the field and present it to the vet.

Don’t have the horse shod within a week of the vetting. If they’re foot sore from the farrier, the vet will send them away and ask for them to be re-presented, wasting time and money.

Don’t do anything that might compromise the horse’s health. This includes giving the horse a sedation for the dentist or a vaccination that might put the horse off colour. Allow a week’s recovery period after any such procedure.

Do plan and be aware of what is involved in the vetting process. If a sale has been made, then it’s advisable to get the vet to view the horse as soon as possible after the deal has been done. It can be impossible to predict how long a vetting will take, too, so ensure you have made prior arrangements with work or family if necessary.

Do ensure your horse can be inspected without issues. This includes making sure the horse will stand to be examined for the vet, be lunged and walked and trotted up in a straight line. The vet will ask the horse to be walked and trotted on a hard, flat surface, usually a quiet road or path if there is limited space in the yard. This might be a new experience for the horse. With this in mind, practice trotting the horse in the place where the vet will undertake the assessment so they are familiar with their surroundings.

Do keep the horse in its usual routine as far as possible. Keep the horse as happy and relaxed as possible so it shows itself off better. If your horse is used to going out during the day, you could turn him out for a length of time before the vetting. Inform other yard users of your plans, too, so horses aren’t constantly being walked around the space the horse is being vetted in causing it to become stressed or anxious.

Do think ahead as much as you can. If you have an older horse that can pull out of the stable a little stiff, then do allow them to spend some time in the field or take them on a light hack to loosen up. But make sure this is done with plenty of time to spare so you have time to clean the horse and it has time to rest in the stable ahead of the inspection.

Do make sure you have the horse’s passport available at the vetting.

You might also be interested in:

How to avoid legal pitfalls when buying and selling horses

How to improve the value of your horse – and help him find the right home

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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• This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

So you think you’ve found the right horse, but you’re unsure whether or not to get it vetted, what type of vetting to have and which vet to use. Don’t worry, we are here to help to navigate what can be a stressful situation for all involved...

Pre-purchase equine vettings are designed to provide a buyer with a vet’s expert opinion on whether the horse they are looking to buy is physically suitable for the job it is intended for. Whenever possible it is recommended a purchaser attends the vetting, so they can see and discuss any potential issues that arise, and that their normal vet is used, if that is an option.

Pre-purchase equine vettings: Two stage | Five stage | Optional extras | Results | Further reading

If this is not possible then using a vet who does not have links with the seller or the horse would avoid any conflicts of interest. If you are looking for a vet outside your local area, then we recommend you do some research online before deciding which individual to use. Local contacts including social media groups can be a good place to seek recommendations, or ask your own vet. Where possible try to choose a vet who has a similar approach to risk as yourself, so it is worth speaking to the vet in advance to ascertain this.

In areas where there is only one specialist equine veterinary practice, unless the buyer’s vet is prepared to travel (and the buyer is prepared to pay extra for them to do so) the only local choice may be to use a vet from the same practice as used by the seller. This could be beneficial to the buyer as the seller’s own vet should only undertake the task if they can reveal all of the horse’s history, although it does have potential to cause awkwardness for the vet, so they may prefer not to do so. Should the horse’s regular vet decline to undertake the vetting then the seller should take a moment to consider why that might be – while the reason could be entirely innocent, it equally may not be.

It is important to understand that the vet typically has less than a couple of hours to assess the horse during a pre-purchase equine vetting. Vets do not possess a crystal ball to predict the future soundness of a horse, nor their likelihood of picking up an injury, although the vetting is designed to show up signs of an existing health problem. The vetting is an assessment of that horse on that day and cannot provide a long-term guarantee.

It is extremely difficult for the vet to obtain an accurate picture of the health and soundness of a mature horse that is out of work. It helps hugely to have a performance record and evidence that the horse is in regular work at the time of the vetting, or else you should consider carefully why the horse has been rested.

Vets are not there to provide advice as to the suitability of a horse for an individual owner or rider, nor whether the temperament, type or ability of the equine is suitable for the level and type of work the buyer intends to pursue. Advice on this matter should be obtained from a trainer or other equestrian professional prior to the vetting if needed.

The seller is responsible for providing the horse’s passport for verification, together with any documents regarding the horse’s breeding. In addition to a valid passport, from October 2020 all horses and ponies must be microchipped. The vet should be able to confirm the horse’s identity from its passport markings and the microchip. The passport should include information about the horse’s age, which can also be checked by the vet against the horse’s teeth, although ageing a horse from its dentition is not always that accurate, especially in older horses. If the height of a horse or pony is important, then an accurate height record should be obtained by the buyer via the Joint Measurement Board. A vetting will not include verification of a horse’s reported height.

Most insurance companies require a two- or five-stage equine vetting, undertaken often no more than 14 days before a policy is taken out, in order to insure a new horse. There are no set rules about this, so it is important to do your research with potential insurers before you book the vetting to ensure it is appropriate for your, and their, needs.

Two-stage equine vettings

Stage one is observation of the horse at rest in his stable. The vet notes the horse’s breathing rate, listens to his heart and examines its eyes. The examination of the eyes requires a sufficiently dark stable for the eyes to be fully checked out. The horse is then taken outside to examine the skin, limbs and teeth in good light. The inspection of his teeth is simply to confirm approximate age – a full dental examination is not normally conducted. If you want to know if the horse needs its teeth done, then you will need to ask the vet to check for this.

The aim is for the vet to look all over the horse’s body. Any lumps and bumps denoting old injuries, or sarcoids or masses on the body, should be noted. The vet should view and preferably palpate every inch of skin to check for abnormalities, even under the belly. It can be challenging to do this properly in a poorly handled youngster, or a horse with a thick winter coat or which is ungroomed and dirty. Any conformational defects will be observed and may be discussed at this point.

Stage two involves walking and trotting up the horse in a straight line on a firm, flat surface, looking for signs of lameness. Vets will usually conduct flexion tests on the joints of the lower limbs at this point depending on the age and temperament of the horse. If the vet is happy with the findings, the horse should be trotted on a circle each way, ideally on both hard and soft surfaces, and asked to back up.

If only a two-stage vetting is required, then the examination will end here and the vet will advise on whether or not he feels the horse is suitable for the type of work required from the limited information he has available. However, for a five-stage equine vetting the examination will continue with assessing the horse during exercise.

Five-stage equine vettings

Stage three is the exercise phase — this section is to identify if there are any potential issues with the cardiovascular system (heart and lungs and upper respiratory tract) when they are placed under stress so the horse is required to undergo strenuous work. It is also a chance to look for any gait anomalies or lameness that was not evident in stage two. In most cases the horse is worked under saddle and will be asked to do some fast canter work once suitably warmed-up. In the case of a young or unbacked horse, this stage can be undertaken on the lunge or via loose schooling. If the horse is not ridden, it may be harder to assess the back fully. It needs to be established in advance who is going to ride the horse and what facilities are available. A good rider can present a horse more favourably, so it may be sensible for the purchaser to ride their potential new horse themselves for this stage of the vetting.

Stage four is a period of rest where the horse’s recovery after fast work is assessed. This is also a good time for the vet to examine the horse’s official paperwork, including its passport, which must be available at the time of the pre-purchase examination.

Stage five is the final trot-up examination. This is to show whether the horse has stiffened up after the strenuous exercise or whether the work has given rise to any gait anomalies that were not apparent at stage two. Some vets will perform flexion tests and lunge the horse on a hard surface once again, and/or back it up and turn it in tight circles too.

Optional extras

Most vets recommend taking a blood sample from the horse during the vetting. This can be kept for six months and then examined should the buyer suspect that the horse was under sedation or receiving pain relief at the time of the viewings and vetting.

In addition to the standard vetting process, some buyers may ask to have x-rays taken of joints or the horse’s neck and back or for the limbs to be scanned to look for potential damage of the tendons or ligaments. Each of these examinations will carry significant additional costs for the buyer.

Increasingly livery yards are asking owners to prove their horses are strangles-free prior to arrival so buyers may also ask their vet to take a swab or more likely a blood sample to check for a history of strangles, if they are confident about proceeding with the purchase of the horse.

Do horses pass or fail vettings?

Once the examination is complete, the vet will give their opinion on whether the horse is suitable for the job it is intended for.

It is important to understand that vets no longer ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ a horse during an equine vetting. The official wording on the vetting certificate is: “In my opinion, on the balance of probabilities, the conditions reported do/do not prejudice this horses suitability for purchase to be used for…”, which emphasises that as much information as possible has been noted and considered before a decision has been made.

While a few horses will receive a clean bill of health, in most cases the vet will find one or more issues and will then grade the degree of risk so the buyers can decide whether or not to go ahead with the purchase.

It is likely that anything noted on the vetting certificate will be excluded from insurance cover, so even if the vet thinks the horse is suitable for the intended work, the buyer should share their vetting with the insurance company before agreeing to buy the horse.

If a vetting does raise a soundness or other health issue, the vetting is not the time to undertaken a thorough investigation into what that problem is. This is something for the seller to look into with their own vet at a later date.

It is important to understand that vettings can be a stressful time for all involved. The seller wants to sell the horse, the buyer wishes to buy the horse – both parties want the horse to be approved by the vet. This puts significant pressure on the vet, but they cannot allow themselves to be swayed from their impartial and pragmatic opinion – to do so would not only be unprofessional, but it could potentially result in disappointment all round, or even legal action if they approve a horse that later proves to be unsuitable for the purpose.

Further reading

• Pre-purchase flexion tests: are they fair?
• Should horse owners still buy despite bad X-rays?
• Investigating a horse’s health before buying

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A pre-purchase examination can throw up a number of issues to consider before buying a horse, but the vet can help the potential purchaser weigh up the results...

Few horses tick all the boxes when it comes to health and temperament; a degree of compromise must usually be made.

Experts agree that a five-stage pre-purchase examination (PPE) is a sound investment before buying, rather than the shortened two-stage exam, but how does a vet assess a horse with an obvious or suspected problem? And how does a potential purchaser weigh up the findings to make their decision?

Lesley Barwise-Munro MRCVS and Malcolm Morley MRCVS discuss three typical scenarios…

Safe and sound?

This horse has a good competition record, but doubts have been raised about his behaviour. Is it the vet’s responsibility to protect a buyer from being over-horsed?

“The PPE centres around a veterinary check list, but at the same time observations are usually made about the horse’s behaviour and suitability to protect the buyer,” says Lesley. “What is considered acceptable is very much driven by the level and experience of the buyer, the prospective rider and the horse’s future job.

“Being head shy, bargy or sharp in terms of threatening to kick can be revealed during the early stages of the PPE. The vet must try to ascertain if the horse is just a worrier and slowly settles, or if he has a temperament issue that could affect suitability – before describing what has happened and alerting the buyers to see if the issue concerned them when they tried him.

“A horse with a tendency to nap may not produce this on the day of the exam. As a buyer, it is always worth asking to ride the horse away from others when you try him, and, if possible, hacking him out alone.

“As the PPE progresses, a vet will get a feel for a horse in terms of his manner and behaviour. Watching the horse over the stable door while filling in the initial paperwork may reveal any abnormal behavioural traits such as weaving, box walking or wind sucking.

“Keep in mind that an experienced handler or rider presenting a horse for sale can disguise issues. Blood sampling at PPE is a safeguard to fall back on if it is suspected that drug administration has been used to modify behaviour. Remember, too, that you may not be able to ride a horse in the same way as a professional and produce the same results at home; support from a good trainer is worth putting in place.

“Ultimately, the vet can only advise about temperament, so that at least any potential naughtiness is flagged up.”

Wonky, but otherwise wonderful

He seems sound and sensible but this horse has is noticeably asymmetrical. What should a potential buyer consider?

Lesley explains: “As part of a PPE, the horse should be stood on a firm, level surface so that the vet can carry out a distant appraisal of his overall conformation – from the front, side and behind.

“The hind feet should be together as he is viewed from behind, so the vet can assess pelvic symmetry by looking for height differences of the tuber sacrale (or TS, the bony prominences at the top of the hindquarters). Palpation of the TS helps confirm levelness or identify any small differences. Viewing from behind also allows assessment of muscle symmetry, highlighting any swellings and whether one hind limb is rotated more than the other.

“From the front, the shape of both sides of the neck, the shoulder muscling, front limb rotation (toe in or toe out) and the size and shape of the front feet are assessed, and the fetlocks and knees checked for being an equal height from the ground.

“Why is symmetry so important? The relationship between conformation – especially of the lower limbs – and lameness is well recognised. Horses come in all shapes, sizes and types, so conformation will vary, but certain conformation faults produce predictable problems.

“Since biomechanical efficiency of movement is thought to stem from good, symmetrical conformation, correct movement will create the least amount of abnormal strain. The more degrees away from “perfect” conformation, the greater the strain or “torque” in the affected parts of the body.

“This is all proportional to the level of work that the new horse will be expected to do. The higher the level of performance in each discipline, the more emphasis is put on being as close to the “gold standard” symmetrical conformation as possible. While it is important to recognise desirable conformational traits in horses suited to a particular discipline, however, a vet must also learn to overlook a minor fault that has little clinical relevance.

“After a visual assessment of the conformation and any lumps or bumps, the vet will watch the horse move to evaluate the impact of any limb deviations or asymmetries. Where one forelimb “toes in” more than the other, for example, that leg will have a different flight path and land on the outside of the foot – causing uneven loading which transmits through all related joints. Good farriery may rectify the problem, allowing the foot to land flat and protect the coffin joint, navicular apparatus, fetlock joints and related soft tissue structures in that leg.

“A difference in TI heights is the most common pelvic asymmetry detected at PPE. This is often presumed to be subluxation (partial dislocation) of the sacroiliac (SI) joint, but it may also be caused by asymmetrical muscle forces acting on the pelvis, rather than direct SI ligament injury. Only a few of these horses actually have pathology of the SI ligament or SI joint laxity.

“Studies have revealed, however, that TS height asymmetries of more than 1cm are often associated with poor performance and should be scrutinised carefully for SI pain on palpation, hindlimb lameness and back stiffness.

“As with any other asymmetries, this abnormality, if detected, must be carefully interpreted. Is it likely to affect the horse’s performance for the purpose for which he is being purchased? The vet should give an opinion of whether the horse is currently sound in all aspects of the PPE and likely to stand up to his intended job, as well as discussing any implications for resale value.”

Maintained on medication

The occasional joint injection keeps this horse performing at his best. Is he a wise buy?

“It is not uncommon that an older schoolmaster horse who has had a successful competition career is not entirely sound without medication, such as regular phenylbutazone (known as “bute”) or joint injections,” says Malcolm. “As part of the PPE, the seller signs a form declaring whether the horse has received any medication within the last 30 days. While we would prefer to examine the unmedicated horse, it is not necessarily a problem if he has received something – provided that the seller declares this and the potential purchaser is made aware.

“Some buyers feel that it’s not worth investing in a PPE with a horse on medication as they know it will “fail”, but this is missing the point of the exam. The PPE is designed to do so much more; by looking at the bigger picture, the vet can offer a balanced opinion of the horse’s suitability for intended use. What’s important is to use a vet who knows you and your values, and vice versa.

“Many of these schoolmasters still have so much to offer. Consider the implications, such as ongoing costs and potential insurance issues, but don’t rule out buying a horse that requires medication if he seems otherwise suitable.”

The vets

LESLEY BARWISE-MUNRO MRCVS oversees a busy caseload of performance and leisure horses at Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group, Northumberland.

MALCOLM MORLEY MRCVS, of Stable Close Equine Practice, Hampshire, has chaired the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) PPE committee.

Ref: 28 January 2021

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Pre-purchase vettings, breeding services and castration may continue during lockdown in order to support horse welfare.

In guidance released last week, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) stated that these are “not normal times” and it is not “business as usual”, but equine veterinary services cannot reasonably be provided without travel, so vets should continue to travel to their workplace (hospital or keepers’ premises).

“BEVA recognises that equine vets play an essential role in supporting the UK horse sector (an £8.5bn industry) and that their role is no less necessary than that of nannies, cleaners or tradespeople,” read the guidance.

“Many equine veterinary services can take place outside, and non-emergency veterinary activities can, with appropriate facilities, be performed in a Covid-safe fashion (following a risk assessment and appropriate mitigations to minimise the risk).”

BEVA considers that to comply with Government guidance, vets are bound to provide veterinary services in support of both equine welfare and the UK horse industry.

“This means that, where a risk assessment has provided a ‘Covid-safe’ way of working, vets should be able to carry out work that is essential to support horse welfare and the horse industry, despite the fact that it may not be considered essential to prevent immediate suffering,” it read.

Examples of these situations include vets attending race meetings, providing services for breeding, carrying out pre-purchase examinations for horse sales, and performing castrations.

“Breeding is a significant industry that has not been required to close by the Government,” read the guidance, adding that preventing veterinary involvement in breeding would either compromise welfare or fail to support the breeding sector.

“Castration is, given the structure of the industry, necessary to protect horses, protect humans and minimise inappropriate and unwanted pregnancies. Stopping castration will compromise animal welfare.”

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BEVA added that horse sales are an important part of the industry which are allowed to continue under Government guidance.

“Pre-purchase examinations are an essential part of the sales process. Stopping veterinary involvement in horse sales will compromise animal welfare with horses left unsold and sellers unable to look after unsold animals and it will stop horse sales (fail to support the sector),” read the guidance.

“BEVA is of the opinion that any guidance which arbitrarily blocks essential veterinary activities in support of the horse industry would compromise equine welfare and go against Government guidance on supporting sectors.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Business may be brisk, but a pre-purchase exam remains a must if you’re planning to buy. Andrea Oakes reports

While good horses reputedly changed hands “unvetted” during lockdown, experts are keen to stress the importance of a veterinary pre-purchase examination (PPE) now that travel restrictions are being lifted. Equine vets are reporting a flurry of sales activity, with demand high for both two- and five-stage exams, so what advice can they offer about this critical part of the buying process?

“A PPE exam only offers a snapshot of the horse’s health on that day, so do not narrow this insight further by opting for the two-stage exam,” advises Gil Riley MRCVS. “The majority of horses should have the five-stage PPE. Unless you only want to work the horse slowly in straight lines, he should be ridden or seen moving on a circle and his respiratory system tested and observed for response and recovery.”

Kieran O’Brien MRCVS agrees, adding: “Saving money with a two-stage vetting is a false economy. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve discovered something either during, or after, the exercise phase.

“The additional cost of the five-stage PPE is a fraction of the purchase price. There may be exceptions in the case of unbroken animals, but if the horse is used to being lunged and destined for an athletic life, listening to his breathing at canter to detect airway abnormalities is useful.”

Kieran adds that additional diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and tendon scanning, can only form part of the overall picture.

“These are often required by insurance companies for high-value animals, but for the ‘average’ horse may not provide the expected answers,” he says. “An example would be hock X-rays, taken because a horse has given a positive flexion test. ‘Normal’ X-rays do not somehow nullify the positive test and provide no further reassurance to the prospective purchaser.”

Digging deeper

Since a PPE is not a guarantee against future health problems, it can pay to do some detective work. “Be wary of any horse who’s not in full work or has a gap in his performance history,” says Karen Coumbe MRCVS. “Problems such as suspensory injuries or sacroiliac disease settle down with rest and flare up with exercise.

“Attend the vetting, if you can, so that you can see and discuss any potential issues that arise,” she adds. “If it’s not possible to use your normal vet, don’t rule out using the seller’s own vet. They are obligated to release the horse’s full health history, which could provide information of which you may be otherwise unaware.”

Gil agrees: “This may seem counter-intuitive, but remember that the examining vet is a professional person appointed by and therefore working for you, as the purchaser. There should be no conflict of interest.”

Issues are uncovered: what now?

A PPE offers no straight “pass” or “fail”, but an opinion of the horse’s suitability for intended use. If you find yourself with more questions than answers, what might influence your decision to buy?

“You may need to consider how any problems found may affect a horse’s resale value, in case he turns out to be unsuitable and needs to be remarketed,” says Lesley Barwise-Munro MRCVS, who explains that the examining vet is responsible for observing abnormalities and explaining their implications. “Any conditions listed on the PPE certificate are also likely to affect insurance cover.

“The perfect horse is hard to find, however, so it’s worth looking at the whole package,” she adds. “If he is considered suitable in every other way, certain compromises may be made.”

Alongside other factors to weigh up, Lesley lists possibles for the “compromise list” as:

• Cataracts: minor changes in the eye constitute low-grade cataracts. Consider how likely these are to progress and at what point they may affect vision, perhaps seeking a further opinion from a specialist equine ophthalmologist.
• Sarcoids: take the amount, size and location into account and bear in mind treatment costs and possible loss of working time. There are no guarantees that sarcoids won’t recur or new ones grow in another place, but this is also a risk for the sarcoid-free horse.
• Heart murmur: while minor heart murmurs are often of little consequence, consider potential effects on performance and safety issues. A specialist opinion can be of value.
• Inspiratory noise: a slight noise or whistle while breathing in is unlikely to affect a horse’s ability as a hack or leisure horse, or at low levels of eventing, but may worsen over time. Overground endoscopy can reveal more about the cause of the noise and extent of the problem. Surgery may be an option, offering potential to negotiate on the buying price.

Ref Horse & Hound; 30 July 2020

Welcome to the eighth weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, in which we chat to seven-time Olympian Andrew Hoy about his Olympic memories, his special horses and his current rides that he is aiming for Tokyo; our news team talk about steps being taken to reinstate championship show, the return of spectators and new initiatives to help businesses; and vet Ricky Farr MRCVS explains all you need to know about pre-purchase vettings.

Episode eight of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our exciting new audio service available exclusively every Thursday morning for our H&H Plus subscribers, is now live. We would love to hear your feedback on this week’s episode, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

In an exciting development, we have decided, for a limited time, to make each episode available for all H&H fans to listen to 24hrs after its early release to our H&H Plus members. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your prefered podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode. This will allow more listeners to make The Horse & Hound Podcast an essential part of their week on Friday morning.

In episode eight, seven-time Olympian Andrew Hoy shares his special Olympic memories with our podcast host H&H’s magazine editor Pippa Roome. Andrew looks back at some of the very special partnerships he’s built with horses along the way, which cross-country ride he would describe as his very best and why he’s excited about the horses he will be aiming at Tokyo next year.

Pippa is joined by news editor Eleanor Jones and senior news writer Lucy Elder to chat about this week’s top stories including work being done to reinstate championship shows, the racing industry’s pilot for the return of crowds to sporting eventing, pointing’s plans for a return ‘behind closed car doors’ if needed, and new measures from the Government to help support businesses.

We also hear from equine vet Ricky Farr MRCVS of Farr & Pursey Equine, who this week is talking about what’s involved in a pre-purchase vetting and why vets are under intense pressure during the process.

We hope you will enjoy it.

H&H Plus podcast: episode eight

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What did you think of this week’s podcast? Let us know by emailing pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Listen now to other episodes of the H&H podcast…

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An interview with eventing royalty Lucinda Green, plus a discussion about the return of equestrian sport at all levels...

The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode five – Anna Ross interview | Vet advice: gastric ulcers | News round-up

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The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode six – Billy Twomey interview | Vet advice: infection testing | News round-up

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The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode four – Polly Jackson on Two For Joy | Vet advice: common healthcare mistakes | News round-up

Our news team discuss the week’s top stories, eventer Polly Jackson remembers her small but mighty skewbald partner Two For

Should you still buy a horse if pre-purchase X-ray exams reveal issues? The answer may not be black and white, as Patrick Pollock FRCVS explains

It’s a story we’ve all heard. A new horse is found; he suits the rider, has a track record of competitive success and has passed the five-stage veterinary pre-purchase exam (PPE). All that remains is to run some optional radiographs (X-rays) to check nothing is amiss.

All too often, this is the step that ends the process. Perhaps there is evidence of osteoarthritis in a fetlock, a developmental abnormality or kissing spines. Whatever the issue, the findings are enough to cast doubt on the future soundness of the horse. The sale is off.

This sounds black and white, but is it really that simple? Surely the horse either has a problem, or he doesn’t?

The reality is that there is a poor association between radiographic changes — sometimes termed X-ray findings — and the clinical signs that a vet may identify upon examination.

What this means in practice is that a proportion of horses performing well can be expected to have radiographic changes. These changes could even be moderately severe, and have perhaps been present for a considerable period of time.

This fact is the basis of the veterinary approach to the lame horse. Methodical examination, where the lame leg is subject to nerve blocks, is the only accurate means of localising the site of lameness. An owner may request that we simply X-ray, yet a diagnosis based on radiographic findings alone may well be wrong and can lead to unnecessary and perhaps detrimental treatment.

The take-home message is that there are horses working from the lowest to the highest levels with a range of radiographic abnormalities that are of no significance — and do not result in lameness.

Joint account

So why would we X-ray an apparently sound horse?

Breed societies, insurance companies or individual purchasers may ask for different areas of the horse to be imaged, or for a range of radiographic projections of the same area but from different angles.

The more images obtained, the larger the cost to the client and the greater the dose of radiation for the veterinary personnel — the risk to the horse is minimal, as most horses are only radiographed occasionally in their lifetime.

With a lame horse, a series of projections of the affected area is obtained, based on evidence from scientific study, so that the entire region can be reviewed. Pre-purchase radiographs are typically fewer in number, further complicating the interpretation of any abnormalities.

It is often noted that more emphasis is placed on radiographic changes found in horses due to be exported to other parts of Europe or North America. This may be because the risk is perceived to be higher, as the horse is less likely to have been viewed and the purchaser may not know the examining vet. Changes to the dorsal spinous processes seem to be of particular concern to some American purchasers.

Pre-purchase radiographs may reveal radiographic changes that are very important and have a high probability of resulting in lameness in the immediate or distant future. When interpreting these images, it is useful to correlate findings to the clinical exam.

Consider, too, the horse’s work history, his current activity and his intended use, as certain equestrian disciplines can be more — or less — forgiving of a particular radiographic abnormality.

In some cases, the same radiographic findings may cause lameness in one horse but not another. The developmental disease osteochondrosis, for example, causes the formation of bone and cartilage fragments within a joint in early life. These fragments can stick to the joint surface and remain clinically silent, causing no issues, but may lead to effusion (joint swelling) that ultimately results in arthritis and lameness.

If a horse has been in work for some time and has no clinical signs, the view of most specialists would be that the fragments are of little significance and do not merit removal.

We are often asked to remove a fragment from a joint because of the potential for arthritic change and future lameness, despite the horse being sound and performing effectively.

There is a risk in these cases of treating the image, rather than the horse. Inevitably, the client wants a “clean X-ray” that will enhance the horse’s resale potential and value.

The veterinary world now operates a system of evidence-based medicine, where intervention and treatment are based on the results of rigorous scientific study involving large numbers of animals affected with the same problem.

This system is gradually being applied to our interpretation of X-rays. The ideal would be to study 2,000 horses, each sold with a 3mm bone chip in the front of a fetlock joint as a result of the developmental disease osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), as they enter training and throughout their careers.

If it is found that none, or very few, of these horses suffer lameness that can be localised to that joint, then it could be concluded that such developmental abnormalities are unlikely to be a significant cause of lameness.

If, on the other hand, a large proportion go on to develop arthritis of the fetlock, the opposite may be true — and evidence would support the removal of these chip fragments early in life.

The bigger picture

Any discussion on the merits of pre-purchase radiography inevitably generates more questions than answers.

Is there a value to obtaining radiographs before buying? In many cases, yes, because important abnormalities may be identified. It is important to appreciate, however, that some of the potential changes identified will have been present for a long time and carry little or no risk for the development of lameness in the future. Equally, perfect radiographs are no guarantee of future soundness.

Consider any radiographic changes alongside the results of the vetting procedure and take into account the horse’s competition record, his current level of work and what you plan to do with him. Remember that X-ray findings form just part of the picture — and that ultimately you are buying a horse, not a set of radiographs.

Ref Horse & Hound; 29 August 2019

It’s the stuff of nightmares — a hidden health problem that emerges only once you’ve handed over your hard-earned cash and taken your new horse home.

The pre-purchase exam (PPE), in two or five stages, goes some way towards reducing the risk of any nasty surprises. Yet the PPE is essentially a snapshot of a horse’s health status on that day, enabling the examining vet to assess his suitability for your intended use based on “the balance of probabilities”.

Some issues may not be obvious, or detectable, during examination. The “belt and braces” approach would be to request the horse’s health history, giving yourself the chance to uncover any previous treatment that might affect your decision to buy.

The facts you unearth, however, can complicate your decision whether or not to go ahead with the purchase and may affect your ability to insure the horse if you do. So what should you consider before opening this particular Pandora’s box?

Under the radar

The vet who performs the PPE is obliged to declare all that they know about a horse or can reasonably be aware of. Using the seller’s vet would seem the obvious answer — if it wasn’t for the potential conflict of interest.

“You can ask for a horse’s full clinical history at any vetting, so we would advise using a known and trusted vet where possible,” says Malcolm Morley MRCVS, of Stable Close Equine Practice, who has chaired the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) PPE committee. “When you buy, it’s all about reducing risk.

Accessing a horse’s history makes every sense, but it can be a double-edged sword.

“The records kept are between the person who owned the horse at that point and the vet who gave treatment,” he adds. “They are mostly reliable, but many horses — especially those that travel and compete often — have seen more than one vet. Information may not be passed on, so records may be incomplete.

“Then there’s the interpretation of any treatment given, which may run into many pages,” adds Malcolm. “More information is not always helpful. If a worried owner kept calling the vet out, treatment may have been given ‘just in case’.”

Among the routine vaccinations and minor niggles, there are occasions when the records reveal something significant that may not have shown up upon examination. Neurectomy (de-nerving) operations and episodes of colic or laminitis are prime examples.

“We look hard for surgical scars in certain areas and we do sometimes find them,” explains Malcolm. “Often, however, you can’t see the evidence. I have discovered surgical staples at a PPE, left behind from a previous operation — I would never have known otherwise that the horse had had surgery.

“Certain medical issues, such as liver disease, may only be picked up via a blood test, which is not a routine part of the PPE,” he adds. “Neither does the PPE include any procedure requiring sedation, such as a sheath inspection or a detailed examination of the mouth with a speculum, so problems here may go under the radar.”

An honest seller may be prepared to discuss their horse’s health in detail, in the interests of finding him the best possible home. There is no legal obligation to disclose every known problem, however, as long as the seller does not mislead the buyer in any way.

“We ask questions at the PPE, but the seller may be unaware of an existing health problem if they haven’t had the horse for long,” Malcolm points out. “Sometimes we’re dealing with an agent who has no direct contact with the owner and may not know the answers.”

Vets often remind us that they don’t have a crystal ball to predict how any issues found at the PPE might develop in the future. Raking through the records will give you an insight into what has happened in the past, but you may still face some tough decisions.

“If you ask for records, you have to accept that there might be some vet history,” says Malcolm. “Many horses are OK, but not perfect. There may be evidence of a problem with a hind tendon sheath, for example, which flares up now and then. That’s not to say that the horse is unsuitable for an owner — in lighter work, this may be less of an issue.

“Even with this additional knowledge, the way forward may not be entirely clear,” he says. “It’s still a case of weighing up what you know before deciding whether or not to buy.”

Insurance issues

Many buyers choose not to delve too deep for fear of insurance exclusions.

“Anything influential we find in a horse’s clinical history must be noted on the PPE certificate, which creates the possibility of exclusions,” says Malcolm. “It would be incredibly useful to know that a horse has had colic twice in the past few years, for example, but your insurers may well refuse to cover a third episode. And while you may be comfortable with the idea of a horse having regular ‘maintenance’ joint injections, they may not take the same view.”

Annie Bevins MRCVS, of equestrian insurers KBIS, explains that the examining vet can only make an “educated guess” as to the future implications of any findings from the PPE or the full clinical history.

“The vet gives an opinion based on the balance of probabilities, which differs from the insurer’s view where any risk outside the normal will be considered for exclusion,” she says. “Your insurer will ask you various questions about the horse’s health. These must be answered accurately, to the best of your knowledge, including information from any relevant source.”

Yet there is “no downside” as a buyer, says Annie, to accessing a horse’s records.

“There is no obligation to uncover previous health problems, from an insurance point of view, but it makes complete sense to find out all you can about your potential purchase,” she says, pointing out that an early scan of the records could prevent wasting money on a PPE. “Any reluctance on the seller’s part to allow access to the history should cause concern. It’s also worth noting that certain conditions revealed may be manageable, but could affect the horse’s market value.”

“If I was buying, I would ask for the records,” agrees Malcolm. “The history might prompt me to walk away from the purchase, or could equally put my mind at rest. Either way, I would want to know the facts.”

The “invisibility” of certain procedures, such as neurectomies usually associated with proximal suspensory ligament desmitis or heel pain, have prompted suggestions that such significant treatments should be recorded in a horse’s passport. But is this practical?

“It’s an attractive idea, but I cannot imagine accurate disclosure to be enforceable — especially when horses go through multiple owners or agents,” says H&H vet Karen Coumbe MRCVS.

Malcolm adds: “A passport basically outlines a horse’s vaccination records and declares that he is not fit for human consumption. Listing procedures such as de nerving would require a fundamental change in the equestrian industry and is a long way from where we stand at the moment. Passports are sometimes lost and the more dishonest owner may simply obtain a replacement, so it would be difficult to make this work.

“The standard PPE has very few questions that the examining vet must ask of the seller, so what would be helpful is more guidance for buyers about what they should be asking,” he says. “A standardised ‘seller’s declaration’ would mean that anyone who wrongfully filled in ‘no’ to the question, ‘Has the horse had surgery?’ could be legally liable for misrepresentation.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 9 May 2019

Flexion tests can offer clues about a horse’s soundness, so why are they so controversial? Andrea Oakes investigates

There’s a particular point in the pre-purchase examination (PPE) where both buyer and seller wait with bated breath. After a short period with one leg held aloft, will the horse trot away sound — or will he show any signs of lameness? The flexion test on horses has long had its critics, but it remains a valuable part of both the PPE and lameness investigations.

“This is a common procedure that can be carried out in both fore- and hindlimbs,” explains Hetty Hill MRCVS, who works alongside Dr Andre Buthe at his sport horse clinic in Marlborough, Wiltshire. “The process involves manually flexing a horse’s leg for a period of time before releasing it and watching him trot away immediately afterwards. The idea is to stress the joints and surrounding soft tissue structures (the ligaments and tendons), to assess the horse for any deterioration in soundness.

“The horse is trotted in a straight line before and after flexion is performed, and so the same surface must be used to allow for the most accurate comparison,” she adds.

The BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) and RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) PPE guidance notes state that flexion tests of all four limbs may be carried out if the examining veterinary surgeon considers it safe and appropriate to do so. While most vets elect to perform flexions on most horses to gain additional information to form an opinion on the suitability of a prospective purchase, there are occasions when the tests are shortened or abandoned.

“Flexion may not be possible with a young or poorly handled horse, or where there are no suitable facilities,” says Hetty. “We are obliged to record all relevant findings on the PPE certificate. If flexion tests are omitted, the vet should document why.”

Confusing the issue

“When the horse trots after flexion, the vet will assess any changes in gait before grading the response,” explains Hetty. “The first consideration is whether there is lameness, or, in the case of an investigation rather than a PPE, any worsening of previous lameness. The degree of lameness is then graded.”

A positive flexion test generally refers to lameness that persists for a number of strides — usually more than three to five. Confusion can arise among owners, however, for two reasons: the way tests are carried out and the interpretation of the results.

Can response differ depending on the force and angle used when flexing the leg, for example, or the duration?

“Research has shown that increased force applied and time spent in flexion amplifies the horse’s response, and that a horse’s age and workload may influence results,” says Hetty. “Although most vets will hold the limb for between 30 seconds and a minute, there is no agreed time for flexion. Neither are there any definitive guidelines as to how many strides of lameness represents a positive result. This is assessed subjectively by the vet.

“The interpretation of the response to flexion may vary slightly between vets, but this is not a problem provided each individual is consistent in his or her approach.”

Hetty explains that there have been various suggestions as to how the flexion test method can be regulated.

“A group of vets from Italy published a study in 2016 where they used a pressure-sensitive glove to standardise the force applied during lower limb flexions,” she says. “This has some potential to minimise one of the variables in performing the test, but it does not eliminate others — such as the subjective nature of the vet’s evaluation of a response to flexion.

“Equine gait analysis systems using motion sensors are also becoming more widely used in the UK,” adds Hetty. “If used appropriately, they can provide a means for evaluating lameness objectively and may be used in recording response to flexion or nerve blocks during a lameness work-up. These systems may be used more commonly in PPEs in the future.”

Flexion test on horses as part of the puzzle

While there is little evidence currently available to link a positive flexion test with future lameness, various studies have tried to bring science to this rather non-specific procedure.

Despite their shortcomings, the flexion test on horses can be a useful “red flag”. The fact that one forelimb responds differently to the opposite one, when tested in the same way, could indicate a problem — but where, exactly?

“When flexing the fetlock, for example, the joint itself is put under pressure — but so are numerous soft tissue structures including the suspensory ligament branches, the flexor tendons and the proximal sesamoidean ligaments,” says Hetty. “Issues with any of these areas may contribute to resulting changes in gait.

“It is not straightforward to isolate specific anatomical areas with accuracy when performing a flexion test. This is particularly true in the hind limb, where the reciprocal apparatus ensures that the stifle and hock move together.

“It is fair to say, however, that the flexion test on horses play an important part in a lameness evaluation — but only if interpreted alongside other findings,” she adds. “Flexion can be useful in exacerbating low-grade lameness to aid your vet in a lameness work-up, and may give an indication of where to start with diagnostic nerve blocks. But the test is just one piece of the puzzle, so the horse’s response must be interpreted in light of other findings.

“The way a horse moves or flexes may give your vet ideas about where the problem could be, but flexion tests alone cannot provide a diagnosis,” says Hetty. “They are not a substitute for other components of an orthopaedic exam, such as manual palpation of the limbs, dynamic gait analysis, nerve blocks and diagnostic imaging techniques.

“Flexion tests have a place in the PPE and in orthopaedic assessments, but their limitations must be understood and acknowledged,” she concludes.

“Don’t be afraid to ask your vet to explain their findings and to give their opinion of how relevant they think these are for you and your horse.”

Should you buy?

“Lameness following flexion does not necessarily mean that a horse is unsuitable for purchase,” explains Dr Andre Buthe. “The general expectation is that a young horse will be sound after a flexion test, while an older horse may show more reactivity — but this is not always the case.

“An older competition horse showing reactivity after flexion may still be suitable, especially if the vet performing the PPE is satisfied with the rest of the orthopaedic evaluation. If a horse has a consistent competition record and has proved his ability to withstand the current workload without needing time off for injury, then it may be worth taking this into consideration when making a decision regarding purchase.

“Instead of focusing purely on the positive flexion test, it is important to find out if the examining vet has any other concerns that may prejudice the horse’s chances of performing the job required. As a purchaser, it may be sensible to consider walking away from a horse that has several other major findings. If the flexion test is the primary problem, however, a thorough orthopaedic assessment may be worthwhile and could help the decision-making.

“Buying a horse is always a balance of risks. If you do go ahead with the purchase, be aware that any findings from the PPE may result in exclusions being placed by your insurance company. And you may well have the same problem with flexion tests in future PPEs — although this is less likely to be an issue if the horse in question gains an outstanding performance record by the time you come to sell.”

What are your views on flexion tests as part of the PPE? Let us know your thoughts by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name and location, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

Ref Horse & Hound; 29 November 2018

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The definitive guide to the pre-purchase equine vetting

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Horse owners and vets face difficult decisions everyday. Vet Roger Lee lists the toughest choices an owner will ever have to make and shares his advice to simplify the dilemmas

1. When is the right time to put an old horse down?

This has to be one of the hardest decisions that owners face because horses and ponies become members of the family. Nonetheless, part of our responsibility as owners is to know when a horse’s quality of life has deteriorated to the stage where daily life is too much of a struggle.

Two of the biggest health problems for old horses are weight loss and arthritis. Dental disease and a reduced ability of the gut to process food means older horses eventually lose weight and muscle strength. Weakness combined with stiff, painful joints, makes it increasingly difficult for them to get up — a problem which becomes significantly worse in cold weather.

This means that many owners choose to give their horse a final summer and then put them to sleep in the autumn. Properly done, equine euthanasia is extremely quick and totally painless — and crucially the horse has no idea of what is being done.

I always advise owners that it is better to put a horse down while it is still enjoying life. Most people who know their horses also know instinctively when the time is right. If we wait too long, we risk keeping an old horse going for our sake, not theirs.

2. Do I send my horse in for a colic operation?

Over 80% of colic cases get better with just painkillers and gut relaxants, but this still leaves an unlucky minority that won’t recover without an operation.

Colic operations must be done quickly before the damage to the intestines is too great, so owners have to decide straightaway whether to send the horse for surgery or not.

Colic surgery has improved a lot in the past 30 years and is now a highly advanced speciality with success rates of around 70 to 80%. Send a horse with a surgical colic in early enough and there is a very good chance it will return home again.

Given that the only other option is putting the horse down, why might you decide not to operate? The reasons, as so often, come down to age and cost.

For older horses and ponies, particularly those retired or with other health problems, a major emergency operation may simply be too much to put them through.

The process is also expensive. The initial operation alone will typically cost three to four thousand pounds. If days of intensive care are needed afterwards, or even a second operation, the cost can be much higher — far above what even insured horses are covered for.

For some owners this simply isn’t affordable, particularly as there can never be a guarantee of success.

Following surgery, although there is a prolonged period of box rest — typically three months — there is almost no other aftercare or wound management needed, so cost after surgery is rarely a factor. Most horses tolerate box rest at home pretty well, despite their owner’s concerns.

3. When should a horse “pass” a vetting for purchase?

Few of us are perfect physical specimens, so why should horses be any different? Be it a turned in leg or a filled joint, a sarcoid or a small cataract, every horse will have a few defects that show up on a pre-purchase vetting — especially as it gets older. But does this mean the horse should “fail” a vetting?

The key point is that vets are assessing a horse’s suitability for its intended job and will recommend, or not, going ahead with the purchase based on what they find – it’s not as clear-cut as the horse passing or failing – and this is when the vet’s experience and judgement are crucial.

Clearly a child’s first pony does not need to move like a dressage horse. Allowances need to be made for age, too — a 16-year-old equine is not going to trot off after a flexion test like a six-year-old. A splint will be a big problem for a show horse, but not for an eventer. A young horse may be sound now, but have such poor conformation that it is unlikely to stay sound as its work increases.

The vet has to weigh up all these points and then advise the buyer. A number of findings that may individually appear insignificant can still add up to make a horse too big a risk.

Finally, remember that a vetting is just one person’s opinion on one day. It is not, and can never be, an absolute guarantee that a horse will do the job perfectly. For that you need a crystal ball.

4. Do I send my horse for an MRI scan?

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging — a powerful, non-invasive way of viewing the tissues of the body. In veterinary medicine it is particularly useful for imaging horses’ feet, because the hard hoof capsule makes it impossible to see or feel what is happening to the many important structures inside.

X-rays will show the bones, but with MRI we are able to get incredibly detailed images of everything else — including tendons, cartilage and ligaments.

In up to 90% of all lameness cases the pain is coming from the foot. Prior to the advent of MRI a significant number of these cases were left undiagnosed.

However, as with colic surgery, the drawback to MRI is its cost. The scanners are extremely expensive to buy and install and as a result an MRI scan of two front feet will cost in the region of £1,500.

This means that standard nerve blocks and X-rays are usually done first, and only if a vet is unable to pinpoint the cause of lameness will he or she recommend MRI. As an owner, you have to weigh up the cost — particularly if your horse is not insured, or if your insurer will only pay a portion of the cost — against the benefits of a scan.

Whilst an MRI will almost certainly tell you why your horse is lame and how serious the damage is, this is still only a diagnosis and not a treatment. It doesn’t make the horse sound again and unfortunately the inaccessibility of the injured area means treatment options are often quite limited.

Painkillers, steroid injections and time may be the only possibilities — the same treatments your vet is likely to have offered had an MRI not been done. So do you go ahead with an expensive scan that may not change the outcome?

Some people prefer a diagnosis to uncertainty, for others the high cost puts MRI out of reach.

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5. Should my horse have surgery for kissing spines?

Your horse has become reluctant to go forward and has started bucking when you insist. Suspecting it may have back pain, your vet X-ray’s the horse’s dorsal spines — the long, bony “fingers” projecting up from the vertebrae. Some of them appear very close together, with some bony reaction at their edges.

What should you do next? While the X-rays suggest your horse may have kissing spines, they are not conclusive. And nobody wants a major operation that isn’t completely necessary.

The problem is that dorsal spines are not fixed; they move whenever the horse does, so what looks close at rest may be touching when the horse is active. Equally it could be that the back is not painful and your horse is just misbehaving.

Part of the problem is that the clinical signs of back pain are often rather vague, so how can you be more certain that surgery is necessary?

One possibility is to inject a small amount of long acting steroid around the suspect dorsal spinous processes (DSPs). If the horse performs significantly better you have proved there is genuine back pain present. If the improvement is not maintained then you can go for surgery.

These days the operation to remove kissing spines is often done with the horse standing and it has roughly an 80% success rate, while the development of the keyhole technique in which the ligament between the dorsal spines is cut, rather than removing sections of bone is a far less invasive option.

• This article was first published in Horse & Hound’s Ask The Vet magazine

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It’s the final tick in the box, the rubber stamp that reassures you that the horse you plan to buy has a clean bill of health. Rarely, of course, is anything so straightforward.

A pre-purchase exam (PPE) offers no straight “pass” or “fail”, nor indeed any guarantee of a horse’s future health and soundness. Instead, you’re given an opinion of the horse’s suitability for your intended use based on “the balance of probabilities”.

“It’s one of the bigger misunderstandings about the PPE,” admits Malcolm. “People expect black and white, but horses are living animals and there’s so much more to it than that.

“There are occasions when a horse is fine, with no real problems, and others when we tell people ‘whatever you do, don’t buy this’. Far more cases, however, fall into the grey area in the middle where we find one or more health issues and grade the degree of risk. It’s then our job to help buyers make up their mind whether or not to go ahead.”

While the words “yes, this horse has passed” might be music to the ears, it’s not a phrase most buyers can expect to hear. Under guidelines issued in 2011 by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), buyers base their decision on a detailed clinical insight provided by the examining vet.

Some have called the current system a cop-out, accusing vets of covering their backs, yet Malcolm believes that these changes provide the opportunity for a more balanced viewpoint. The PPE can be a valuable tool, he says, provided the buyer understands both its strengths and its limitations.

What to expect

It makes sense to set out with realistic expectations.

“The PPE is essentially a snapshot of the horse’s health,” explains Malcolm. “We do a very thorough exam, whether that’s the two-stage or the full five-stage version, and make the best judgement on the day based on what we find.

“What we don’t have is a crystal ball to predict how things might develop in the future. Flexion tests and trotting in a small circle on a firm surface are an attempt at this, however, because we’re looking for lameness in a situation in which the horse will never normally perform.”

The next step is to assess your own approach to risk.

“Some people are buying a horse with a very good competition record,” says Malcolm. “They’ve seen it in action and know it well, so they’re prepared to take a risk if the PPE reveals some complications.

“If it’s a first-time purchase, however, or a ‘one and only’, they probably want perfection,” he adds. “Buyers in this category, where emotions are involved, are usually the most risk-averse.

“Ideally, choose a vet who shares, or at least understands, your values. Opinions differ among vets on what’s suitable for an intended use and what’s not. Some are more critical, which is not necessarily a failing of the system.”

This relationship seems key to a happy outcome. Using a known and trusted vet is the obvious answer, but what if the horse is based some miles away? “Ask your own vet for a recommendation,” says Malcolm. “Don’t simply accept the vet the seller suggests if you’re buying outside your area.”

An examining vet who knows the horse must disclose its full clinical history, which is why some buyers go down this route. Yet Malcolm points out that you can ask for clinical records at any vetting.

“I would not advise using the seller’s vet,” he says. “As a purchaser, you don’t want potential conflicts of interest. Send your own vet if you feel that the value of the horse justifies extra expense.

“It’s essential that communication starts early,” adds Malcolm. “Flag up any worries you may have before the exam, especially if you can’t be there yourself, so that the vet can look at the horse in the context of your concerns. It’s a big mistake if the first time you speak to the vet is after the exam.”

A can of worms?

So you’ve lined up a vet, but there’s a third factor in the equation — the insurability of the horse you hope to buy. “The most common reason that people walk away from a horse is because their insurance company won’t cover it,” says Malcolm.

“The PPE is there to help the purchaser decide whether or not to buy, yet at the vetting we often end up discussing how the insurers will interpret the report. This is very much a secondary use of a PPE. Just because the examining vet believes a horse is suitable for its intended use does not mean an insurer will cover it without exclusions.

“People should not expect a vet to omit something from the report so that it doesn’t get excluded,” he adds. “If it’s there, we have to record it.”

For the same reason, says Malcolm, accessing the horse’s full clinical history can be a double-edged sword.

“It’s a huge advantage, but it can complicate things — especially if the horse has ‘maintenance’ joint injections, for example,” he says. “Anything influential we find in the clinical history must be noted on the report, which brings the risk of exclusions. You’ll find out if the horse has had colic twice in the past five years, but your insurers may well refuse to cover a further episode.

“Asking for full medical history is a good idea if you want to reduce risk, yet the insurance issue discourages buyers from doing so. Fear of exclusions often makes people put their heads in the sand.”

Risk management

Once the exam is completed and the findings made available, you may well find yourself with more questions than answers.

“If you’re unsure of the interpretation you’ve been given, ask for more explanation,” says Malcolm. “The statement on the report is probably less useful than the discussion you’ll have afterwards with the vet.”

When you’ve gathered the facts, the decision as to whether or not to buy is yours. With luck, the way forward will be clear.

“It’s worth remembering that there will never be a totally risk-free purchase with horses,” Malcolm points out. “Preparing carefully for the PPE and keeping a relatively open mind is your best defence against making a decision you may later regret.”

Gaining insight, not answers

PPEs are not a guarantee against future problems.

• Accept that the PPE provides an insight into a horse’s limitations or maintenance needs. Don’t expect an evaluation of his monetary worth or athletic ability, or any guarantee against future problems.

• Use a vet of your choosing, not the seller’s.

• Focus on your goals. A condition may be manageable or have no impact on the work you want the horse to do, but will it prove problematic if you plan to sell him on?

• Consider additional diagnostics such as X-rays, MRI scans and endoscopy, but remember that they should form part of an overall picture and may not produce a definitive answer.

• Think positive. PPE findings that dissuade you from buying could be a blessing. The next candidate might be the perfect horse for you.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 16 June 2016

You’ve been overseas and found what seems to be the ideal competition horse. But before you bring him home you’d like some reassurance of his state of health and his suitability for the job in hand — a five-stage vetting, ideally, given the amount of money you’re about to spend.

According to UK vet Malcolm Morley MRCVS, of Stable Close Equine Practice, there is potential for confusion when buyers fail to understand the basic differences between the UK’s pre-purchase exam (PPE) and that offered in the country where the horse is based.

What should a prospective purchaser bear in mind — and what can you expect from the process?

A conflict of interest?

Perhaps the seller has already presented you with a clean bill of health for the horse — something you’re inclined to be wary of, given the British preference for instructing a vet of our own choosing.

“A vet in the UK will only act on behalf of the purchaser,” says Malcolm. “But there are differences elsewhere, particularly in Holland, which is a renowned producer of competition horses. Dutch vets can be instructed by the seller or the purchaser. We would consider this a conflict of interest; something we take very seriously in the UK.”

Malcolm adds that in many European countries the examining vet will not offer an opinion on the horse’s suitability for an intended role.

“We do in the UK — and we believe this is important for most purchasers,” he says. “You won’t get that on the Continent, however, because they use what we might call a check-box system. It’s a bit of an over-simplification; basically they’ll work along the lines of, ‘Feet: OK, or not OK’.”

Countries including Germany and Holland rely heavily on X-rays, adds Malcolm, which are assessed according to that country’s scoring system.

“On the face of it, these systems are a good idea,” he says. “But in the UK we prefer to allow the purchaser’s vet to give their own opinion, which takes into account the horse’s history, the intended use and the purchaser’s values, and places a big emphasis on how X-rays relate to the rest of the clinical examination.”

Going Dutch

Dutch vet Jacques Marée, of Veterinary Centre Honselersdijk, explains the thinking behind his country’s approach.

“It doesn’t matter who instructs us,” he says. “There is a standard protocol by which we perform the PPE, and as vets we carry out an independent, objective vetting of the horse in front of us. Is it right to be so mistrusting of a vet performing a PPE for a seller?”

Any equine vet can do the examination, but the “gold standard” in Holland, says Jacques, is the official register of certified PPE vets. Each of the 50 or so vets on this list is independently evaluated every three years for their clinical skills, vetting history and X-ray interpretation. Their premises and facilities must meet certain criteria, so that PPEs can take place at a practice under almost identical circumstances.

“These vets can work for insurance companies and studbooks,” says Jacques. “The financial implications of losing this certificate can be disastrous. Certified PPE vets will do an objective test — it’s not worth the risk otherwise, just to please one buyer or seller.”

Jacques confirms that an opinion is never offered.

“Not all vets are capable of giving this,” he explains. “Supposing you buy a horse with the talent of Totilas, yet you are an average rider. We will say, ‘We’ve examined him today and this is his health status today’ — nothing more, nothing less.

“We do work by a check list, but will only advise in a positive or negative way if there are health issues that we are sure will prevent the horse from doing certain things. It is not our task as a vet to say that the way he’s built makes him more suitable for dressage or showjumping. The buyer or seller must decide that.”

While UK vets feel that certain lamenesses and conditions can only be revealed under saddle, most countries — including Holland — will only lunge the horse.

Jacques explains: “Who should ride the horse? A bad rider can make a good horse go lame, whereas a good one can make him look better. The rider has a huge influence.”

Cultural differences

While knowledge of the system may provide reassurance that you’re getting a quality vetting, will a foreign PPE suffice once the horse is home?

“When we vet a horse in the UK, we take into account whether or not you will be able to get him insured,” says Malcolm. “A problem may be classified overseas as ‘acceptable’, but the UK insurance system might not agree.

“Cultural differences call for clear communication between purchaser, examining vet and insurance company,” he adds. “Sometimes a UK buyer gets a vetting done and is told nothing by the agent or seller except that the horse is OK.

“Make sure the vet speaks a language you understand, so you can talk with them on the phone. If you’re presented with a set of X-rays, ask your UK vet to look at them — even if they’ve been scored as ‘satisfactory’. Work out which X-rays you want and run them past your UK insurer before you buy.”

“I would not go along with an already present PPE,” agrees Jacques.

“Either send your own vet to Holland or, possibly better still, pick a certified PPE vet. Results can then be emailed to your vet in the UK, who can judge the X-rays and clinical results.

“If both vets are looking at the same computer screen, we can discuss what we’re seeing.”

Entering the process armed with the facts seems sensible.

“No one is saying that one system is better than another, but fundamental differences can lead to misunderstandings,” concludes Malcolm.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 23 July 2015

Whether you are buying or selling, we all dread a vet giving a horse the thumbs down during the pre-purchase vetting. But what should you do if that happens?

Much depends on what you want to do with the animal in question. Be mindful that any existing condition will not be covered on insurance and discuss everything with your vet.

Common problems found during pre-purchase vettings

Heart murmurs: former top eventers Over To You and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW both have them; don’t automatically rule a horse out over this, as many will be fine.

Tendon injuries: a leg that has “gone” once will always be vulnerable. But with careful management, less work only on good ground and for the right price, many people have had enjoyed a good horse with an old tendon injury as a bargain buy.

Subtle lameness: do not expect an instant diagnosis for every lameness detected in a pre-purchase exam. Often more detailed investigation is necessary. It helps to know some background, such as has the horse had any joints medicated?

Sarcoids: unpredictable, they may or may not resolve with treatment, so the price should reflect the uncertainty. A definite no if they are under tack or moving parts and they are always liable to recur.

Back problems: difficult to diagnose and treat. Most vets advise caution, but it can be hard to know on a one-off exam if a sensitive back is a problem that will persist.

The vet’s pre-purchase veterinary certificate strongly recommends confirming insurance cover AND obtaining a seller’s warranty. Easier said than done, but still very sensible advice.

Now vets can supply electronic pre-purchase certificates rapidly, so it is possible to consult insurers immediately. You may be able to ask your vet to email documentation.

In summary, if a horse ‘fails’ the vet, it doesn‘t automatically mean you shouldn‘t buy it.

Discuss the implications with your vet and your insurers and consider whether you have the knowledge and facilities to manage the problem. Some buyers will be open to negotiation on the price for a minor issue, but if your vet advises you to walk away, we recommend you act on their professional advice.

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Vetting horses prior to purchase is important and something Horse & Hound would always recommend when looking at horses for sale and certainly before paying for any horse or pony.

Although a two-stage vetting may look financially more appealing, you might miss out on vital information that you would have got from a five-stage vetting, so now is not the time to scrimp and save. It may cost you more in the long run through unexpected vets fees. In most cases a five-stage vetting will be required if you intend to insure the horse.

• How two-stage and five-stage equine vettings compare

When having a potential horse vetted:

• Ideally use your own vet or, at least, an independent vet. If you have friends who live locally to the area then ask them who they’d suggest, or you could ask for recommendations via the H&H forum or local social media groups. Do not let the seller organise the vet.
• It is worth being present when vetting horses so you can see the vet’s reactions and talk to him/her as they goes through the different stages.
• Ask the vet to give a rough estimate of the horse’s age and see if it matches up to what the seller has said.
• Make sure you explain to the vet your level of riding ability/experience, as well as exactly what you plan to do with the horse.

What’s included in a five-stage vetting:

• The main areas of examination are wind, eyes, heart and action.
• The horse will be trotted up on hard ground, and checked for any stiffness both before and 30mins after exercise. This is normally done via flexion tests.
• The horse will be ridden or lunged to the point where he is exerting himself, so his heart can be monitored.
• A blood sample will be taken.
• You may consider having X-rays done for a performance horse, but this is not included as standard in the five-stage vetting.

When you have the vet’s report:

• Read what the vet has written carefully to be sure that you don’t miss important notes.
• If a problem shows up while vetting horses and you are unsure whether to go ahead with the purchase, ask the vet in his professional opinion whether or not he thinks you should buy this horse.
• Remember the vet can only give you their opinion based on what they see on the day when the vetting takes place. They do not have a crystal ball and cannot predict the future!
• Send the vet’s report to your insurance company before handing over payment for the horse, so you know if they intend to put an exclusions on your policy based on the vet’s findings.

With luck the horse will pass the vetting and you can start planning your future together. But if the horse fails the vet, it doesn’t automatically mean an end to your purchase. Discuss the implications with your vet and your insurers and consider whether you have the knowledge and facilities to manage the issue that has been highlighted during the process. Some buyers will be open to negotiation on the price for a minor issue, but if your vet advises you to walk away, we recommend you act on their advice.

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Make sure you set aside plenty of time enjoy the journey of finding your perfect equine partner, as it could easily last a few months, but it will be worth it in the end.

Most horse owners will be familiar with the flexion test. It involves bending all the joints in a horse’s leg, holding the leg fixed in this flexed position for a period of time and then trotting the horse away.

The idea is that any trouble brewing in the joints, while not causing lameness during an ordinary trot-up, will be revealed by the flexion test. For this reason it is often part of the pre-purchase (vetting) examination on horses for sale.

But there is no real agreement about how long the limb should be held up, nor about whether it is the action of forcibly bending the leg, or of holding it bent, that reveals the lameness.

Vets in Kansas tried to shed some light on this. They devised a method of scoring the response to flexion tests using video footage of a horse trotting away from the camera.

They filmed the flexion tests performed on 34 horses presented for lameness investigation. For each horse, they carried out the flexion test for a 60-second hold-up time and for a five-second hold-up time.

The horses were randomly assigned to two groups: those in which the five-second test was performed first and those which had the full 60-second test first.

The assessments were made by experienced vets, but they did not know how long the leg had been elevated before the horse trotted away.

When the results were analysed, it was clear that two factors were significantly affecting the response to the flexion tests.

First, the 60-second test resulted in more positive responses than the five-second test, showing that it is not simply the bending of the leg that elicits the response, but the time which is an important factor.

Second, irrespective of the duration of the test, the responses were reduced on the second test compared with the first. In other words, the response to a flexion test is likely to reduce if it is repeated. This is important in lameness examinations when such tests may be used repeatedly on the same horse.

This veterinary article was first published in 16 August 2012 issue of H&H

Major changes to the way pre-purchase examinations — vettings — are documented will be introduced in September.

And the new format, revealed exclusively to H&H last week, will have significant ramifications for buyers and sellers.

Although the vetting procedure will remain the same and the cost will stay as is, the certificate potential buyers receive afterwards will include additional information in an attempt to make the process more transparent and coherent.

Standardising vettings

Malcolm Morley, chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) committee behind the new format, said: “We’ve made these changes to standardise the way vettings are carried out and to protect the public.”

From September, vets will have to declare previous knowledge of every horse they examine and whether the seller is a client of their practice.

They will have to state on the certificate what additional procedures they carried out during the examination and, crucially, why certain elements — such as flexion tests — may have been omitted.

Positive reaction to news

The overwhelming response to the changes, which will be introduced on 8 September, seems positive.

“This news is extraordinarily welcome,” enthused BEVA president-elect Ben Mayes. “The exam in its current form is highly respected, but there’s a feeling that vets need to be more prescriptive.

“I think the new format will give vets more confidence as it allows us to explain things more clearly to buyers. I do 150 vettings a year and anything that gives more clarity and detail can only be welcome.”

What about sellers?

While the new format is a boost for buyers, how does it affect sellers?

“It’s a good thing for everyone,” said dealer Astrid Bolton, “apart from those unscrupulous people who might have something to hide. But any reputable seller will welcome this and sellers, as much as buyers, want a professional and thorough vetting done.

“Vets are damned if they do and damned if they don’t at vettings — with the threat of litigation if they make a positive report and if something goes wrong afterwards — so if the buck can be passed on to sellers, then hopefully vets will feel more confident. I know some vets that won’t do pre-purchase vetting as it can be too much hassle afterwards.”

Insurers have welcomed the addition of a note on the certificate urging buyers to ensure their insurance is in place before buying a horse.

Guy Prest of equine insurance company KBIS said: “This is good for buyers, as it will hopefully minimise the chance of exclusions they weren’t expecting and good for insurers as it will help us gauge risk more accurately.”

For the full news article on changes to vetting rules, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (16 June, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Former British Eventing team vet Jenny Hall is facing the prospect of paying the costs of defending a High Court writ from her own pocket.

Ms Hall MRCVS, of Lambourn practice Hall and Lawrence, is being pursued for damages for negligence by dressage rider Lindsay Jenkins over a pre-purchase examination (PPE) conducted in January 2004.

A writ was lodged at the High Court last week, and if the judge finds against her, costs could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Usually, the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS), with which all vets have professional indemnity insurance, insures its members against such claims.

But because Ms Hall did not notify the society when she first knew of the claim in September 2006, the VDS is refusing to pick up any bills that may ensue.

Solicitor Jacqui Fulton of Blythe Liggins, acting for Ms Jenkins, said the High Court writ relates to a PPE conducted in Germany for a grand prix horse valued “in excess of” £50,000.

Seven months after the vetting, in which a German vet took X-rays on behalf of Ms Hall, the horse developed navicular.

The writ alleges Ms Hall failed to advise Ms Jenkins that the X-rays were not of a high enough quality to make a sound clinical judgement on the horse’s suitability for dressage.

The horse had a conformational abnormality, it adds.

Ms Hall, who worked with the British team during August’s Olympic Games, told H&H she was aware of the claim and is seeking legal advice.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (20 November, ’08)

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Q: A few years ago we bought a dressage schoolmaster for our daughter through a dealer we knew personally. The dealer had the horse vetted, which he passed, and X-rays taken were declared to be clear.

After a few weeks we noticed some stiffness that disappeared with work. The horse was also grumpy when handled. I took the X-rays to my own vet, who spotted bone chips. He could not understand why these had not been pointed out during the vetting, as they were potentially significant enough to cause problems, if not now, in the future. It transpired that the horse was also showing signs of arthritis in several joints.

The dealer denied injecting him to get him through the vetting, but over the next two years the horse’s condition worsened and we took the difficult decision to have him put down. The vet who did the vetting has been struck off for malpractice. I wonder whether I may have a claim against the dealer and/or the vet concerned, or whether it would be impossible to prove there was collusion between the two?

A: Unfortunately H&H receives many letters like this, but the vet being struck off is an unusual twist, so we consulted solicitor Stuart Farr of Laytons in Manchester for his views.

“While it’s always advisable for a purchaser to have a horse properly vetted before buying, the difficulties you have experienced are most unfortunate and certainly highlight a risk buyers can face when having a horse inspected by a vet employed by the seller,” he explains.

“It’s difficult to assess from what you say whether or not the vet’s alleged malpractice had any bearing on your particular case. Further, due to the passage of time and in the face of the dealer’s denial, the chances of you proving some form of collusion between the two are now much lower.

“That said, the vet concerned almost certainly owed you a common law duty of care to act with reasonable care and skill in the preparation of his report, especially because he would have known you would rely on the report as part of your decision to purchase,” continues Stuart.

“Notwithstanding the vet’s current situation, you may still be able to pursue a claim for negligence against him if his professional indemnity insurance cover exists and remains valid.

“You are likely to need an expert report confirming your own vet’s opinion that the problems were so obvious at the time of purchase they should have been identified and appropriate advice given to you by the vet concerned.

“The apparent conflict of interest on the part of the vet may also add some weight to your argument. You should seek legal advice on the matter without further delay, as it may be possible for you to claim damages against one or the other (or even both) for the losses you have incurred so far.”

Information

Laytons Solicitors Tel: 0161 834 2100 www.laytons.com

This Q&A was first published in Horse & Hound (25 October, ’07)

Q: I recently found a buyer for my daughter’s pony. However, the buyer’s vet failed her on a flexion test and they withdrew from the sale. I was concerned because the pony had previously shown no signs of lameness.

I asked my own vet to do flexion tests all the way round but he could find nothing wrong. He commented that any horse could be made lame if you tried hard enough, and that the buyer’s vet was known locally for failing a large percentage of horses.

I contacted the buyer, but they had already found another pony. Do I have any redress against the vet concerned, and what can I do to prevent the same thing happening again?

GE, Carmarthenshire

A: H&H asked Richard Brooks, partner in solicitor Withy King’s racing and bloodstock team, for his advice.

“Graham Fletcher’s comments (28 February) and the correspondence on this subject demonstrate the huge conflict of interests,” he says.

“The bar has been raised for vets by buyers who do not want, or cannot afford, the risk of purchasing a horse with pre-existing problems. Gone are the days when vets would only be asked to check the eyes, heart and testicles.”

Richard believes a complaint against the vet by the pony’s seller is unlikely to be successful.

“The vet has a contract with the person paying him — presumably the buyer,” explains Richard.

“The vet’s duties will not extend to the seller. Even in the unlikely event that a seller is paying for the vetting, it is, by definition, for the benefit of the potential buyer and no one else. The only option in this case seems to be to ensure a different vet is commissioned next time.

“Vets are wary of being sued for negligence, although the fact of the matter is that suing a professional such as a vet is no easy task,” says Richard.

“It is not good enough for the complainant to show that another vet would have acted differently. The complainant must show that no reasonable body of vets would have acted in the same way. That is a difficult hurdle to overcome. Pre-purchase vettings only require the vet to assess suitability ‘on the balance of probabilities’.

“With all this in mind, vets might be encouraged to disclose in writing anything that might be relevant to the buyer with a sensible assessment of the risk. Complaints from buyers often seem to be the result of a lack of information rather than actual negligence.”

Information

Withy King Tel: 01672 514781 www.withyking.co.uk

This Q&A was first published in Horse & Hound (13 March, ’08)

Q: I purchased a £2,500 horse without a pre-purchase vetting. It has turned out to have severe rotation of the pedal bone. I wish to take out a small claim against the vendor, who says she is a private seller and not a dealer. I have downloaded more than 10 of her adverts for horses over the course of the past year, but what is the definition of a horse dealer? My court case hinges on proving that she is a horse dealer, as obviously I have more rights.

JJ, Kent

The first thing to point out is the importance of having a pre-purchase vetting when buying horses, as this situation could have been prevented.

There is no statutory definition of a horse dealer, according to Trading Standards. But Richard Brooks, partner at law firm Withy King, says defining someone as one is not necessary.

“The only definition that is important is the seller ‘selling in the course of business’,” he explains.

“Critically, this does not mean that the seller must be in the business of selling horses.

“A private individual cannot sell a horse who they state is suitable for hacking, for example, and then be permitted to escape liability for an untruth if the horse cannot be ridden, on the grounds they are not selling in the course of a business. If the horse was sold as suitable for hacking and does not match up to this term, this can form the basis of a claim whether it was a business sale or not.

“Alternatively, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 can be relied upon where there are no explicit terms,” Richard continues.

“The main provisions of the act are that goods should be of ‘satisfactory quality’ and ‘fit for their purpose’, which is where the requirement of a business sale comes in.”

Rebecca Hewitt from Darbys Solicitors says the firm often sees sellers seeking to avoid being deemed a dealer, believing this means they will escape liability for breach of contract.

“If someone is acting in the course of a business with a view to making a profit, or a history of ‘a course of dealings’ can be shown, then section 14 of the act, which relates to ‘implied terms about quality or fitness’, will apply to the sale,” she says.

“This seller’s multiple adverts are good evidence of ‘a course of dealings’. In addition, you might be able to track the horse’s former owner from its passport, which could help to establish a brief period of ownership by the horse dealer, supporting the intention to sell for profit.

“You may still be able to rely on the law of misrepresentation, and if the horse does not match its description in the advert, you may still have grounds for a claim for damages for breach of contract.”

Information

Darbys Solicitors LLP Tel: 01865 811700 www.darbys.co.uk

Withy King Tel: 01225 425731 www.withyking.co.uk

This Q&A was first published in Horse & Hound (10 April, ’08)

A vet has spoken of her relief at being cleared by a High Court judge of deliberately misleading a client over the purchase of a £45,000 dressage horse.

Sarah Randall of the Chiltern Equine Clinic was accused of failing to reveal to her client, Dr Eddie Blass, that the horse — Active Panther or “Pinky” — had undergone a bilateral neurectomy (news, 24 April).

The operations — which Dr Blass claimed were only revealed after the horse went lame — ruled Pinky out of competing at grand prix level for which he had been bought.

Claiming negligence, Dr Blass sued Miss Randall for £65,000 ­— ­the purchase price of the horse and the cost of its keep since June 2005.

But in London’s High Court last week Judge Richard Seymour QC ruled that Dr Blass had not told the truth.

“The suggestion that Miss Randall had fallen below the standard of ordinarily competent veterinary surgeons…lacked substance,” he said.

“I am confident that Miss Randall is a thoroughly competent veterinary surgeon, albeit perhaps wiser and less trusting as a result of her unhappy experience.”

He added: “I formed the view that Dr Blass was a person well capable of setting out to mislead others…and to lie to achieve her ends.”

Speaking to H&H after the case, Sarah Randall thanked the judge for his supportive comments, which she said fully vindicated her.

She said: “In my 15 years practising as an equine vet I have always endeavoured to ensure the very best care for all my clients and their horses.”

Ms Randall claimed she told Dr Blass of the horse’s medical history at the June 2005 vetting, but Dr Blass denies the conversation took place. The neurectomies were not recorded on Pinky’s veterinary certificate.

In a statement released by her lawyers, Dr Blass said she was “very disappointed” by the decision and warned other buyers to leave “no stone unturned” in ascertaining the health of an animal before purchase. She said any information given orally in a vetting should also be written.

Judge Seymour’s ruling means Dr Blass will receive nothing — except a legal costs bill likely to run into tens of thousands of pounds.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (22 May, ’08)

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A rider who says a vet gave her negligent advice on the medical history of a dressage horse is awaiting the outcome of her High Court damages claim.

Amersham-based Dr Eddie Blass paid £45,000 in June 2005 for Dutch warmblood Active Panther, with the hope of competing him at top level. She instructed Sarah Randall MRCVS of Chiltern Equine Clinic to do a full five-stage vetting.

When Active Panther went lame 10 weeks later, Dr Blass consulted Ms Randall. But the lameness continued, so she sent him to the Royal Veterinary College for a second opinion, and found he had undergone a “bilateral neurectomy” to cut nerves in both forelegs.

Dr Blass’s lawyer said if she had known, she would not have bought him. He said horses that have had a neurectomy are not allowed to compete at prix st georges and above.

Dr Blass says the horse is worth £3,000. She is suing Ms Randall for £65,000, the cost she claims of keeping, insuring, transporting and treating him.

But Ms Randall denies all liability. She says she told Dr Blass of Active Panther’s history and warned her that it would be unwise to buy him outright.

Ms Randall told the judge she advised Dr Blass to be “very cautious” and instead try to lease him for six months.

On 17 April, after a three-day High Court hearing, Judge Seymour reserved his decision until a later, unspecified date.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (24 April, ’08)

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Leading Irish event rider Jayne Doherty is seeking compensation after paying £186,000 for a horse she now values at just £1,000.

Glen Corran (pictured right) turned out to have a heart murmur and be lame in all four legs, according to a High Court writ.

Now Jayne and Paul Doherty are suing senior British team vet Jenny Hall for compensation, claiming she was negligent.

According to the writ, international event rider Rodney Powell had recommended the horse — previously ridden by Nicky Roncoroni — to the Dohertys in autumn 2003.

He recommended that Jenny Hall should carry out the pre-purchase vetting to advise whether the horse was suitable for CCI three- and four-star eventing.

Ms Hall examined Glen Corran on 22 October 2003, and found he was suffering from a severe overreach, was lame and had a heart murmur.

Six days later, she X-rayed his feet and legs and carried out an ultrasound examination of his tendons and suspensory ligaments.

She told the Dohertys his lameness was caused by the overreach and recommended she re-vet the horse later, the writ says.

Ms Hall examined him three times more in November of the same year, finding that he was lame in his right hindleg, and then his left foreleg, it is alleged.

Mr and Mrs Doherty, of Castle Dillon Estate, Armagh, Northern Ireland, say they did not buy the horse at the time but asked Ms Hall to re-vet the horse in February 2004, and she produced a certificate which stated there were no clinically discoverable signs of disease, injury, or physical abnormality, that the X-rays and ultrasound examinations were “all within normal limits”, and that, in her opinion, “the conditions set out above are not likely to prejudice this animal’s use for eventing, including three-day eventing to CCI three- and four-star level”.

As a result, they paid £186,000 for the horse on 20 March 2004, and insured him with Shearwater.

According to British Eventing records, Mrs Doherty came second on the horse at Kreuth CCI three-star in October 2004, but the writ claims that soon after taking delivery of the horse, various vets have diagnosed him as being intermittently or permanently lame in all four legs, and not safe or able to compete at the highest level, either now or in future.

Mr and Mrs Doherty allege they could not claim on their insurance because insurers Shearwater said they had failed to disclose known history about the horse’s past problems.

The writ claims that Glen Corran has never been able to compete at highest level eventing, and has needed extensive veterinary treatment.

Both parties were approached by H&H and declined to comment.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (13 December, ’07)

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Lincolnshire vet Robert Morris has been struck off the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) register for falsely certifying a horse fit for sale, despite knowing that it had a respiratory problem.

The disciplinary committee of the RCVS found Mr Morris of Brant Broughton, near Lincoln, guilty of disgraceful professional conduct and ordered that he should be removed from the RCVS Register.

At the hearing, which concluded on Tuesday, 2 October, Morris was accused of certifying the six-year-old gelding Toby fit for sale despite knowing the horse had respiratory problems which could affect his future use.

Potential buyer Peter Smith claimed he had drawn the vet’s attention to a respiratory roar at exercise, but had been assured there was no significant problem with the horse.

A second opinion sought after Toby had been bought confirmed that Toby had an upper respiratory problem and that his vocal cords were damaged, likely due to a previous deep penetrating injury to his neck.

Morris was not at the hearing, but in a letter he claimed that he and Mr Smith had spoken about the wind noise during the vetting.

“Mr Smith specifically asked me to omit reference to the wind noise as it could not be defined and assured me the certificate was not for insurance purposes,” said Morris in his letter to the committee.

But the hearing found Morris guilty in his absence, ruling that despite the disagreement about whether Mr Smith had asked him to omit the roar from the certificate, Morris had been fully aware of Toby’s respiratory problem but had chosen not to record it on the certificate.

The certificate was therefore not true and accurate.

They said members of the public should are entitled to rely on a veterinary certificate “without question”.

Chairman of the disciplinary committee, Brian Jennings, said: “Members of the public are entitled to expect a member of the profession to act with integrity, probity and trustworthiness, and any failure on the part of a veterinary surgeon to meet those high standards damages the public’s perception of the profession.

“Reliable veterinary certification is a cornerstone of the profession.

“We are sure that Mr Morris signed the certificate when he knew that there were signs of disease or abnormalities with this horse.

“Such behaviour amounts to disgraceful professional conduct and will not be tolerated. It is therefore both appropriate and proportionate to remove Mr Morris’s name from the Register.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (11 October, ’07)

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When you’ve found a horse or pony to take the showing world by storm, a pre-purchase veterinary inspection is both a precaution and an investment. But while you’ll find out whether or not your future star is likely to stay sound in the ring, don’t expect to discover whether it should be top of the line.

John Killingbeck MRCVS is a member of the FEI veterinary panel and an examiner for the Worshipful Company of Farriers, and has a wide knowledge of showing. As he explains, vetting is about soundness and suitability for purchase for a particular job rather than ability — and that applies as much to showing as to less subjective disciplines such as eventing.

“My job is to make sure a horse will do the job, not that it will win,” he says. “When I vet a horse, I’m doing it on someone’s instructions; it isn’t the vet’s responsibility to criticise their selection and, in the case of a show horse, you must be careful to remember you’re employing a vet, not a judge.

“It’s up to you to decide whether a horse fulfils criteria such as being true to type and if you aren’t confident that you can do that, it’s a good idea to get a knowledgeable showing person to advise you before you go any further.”

John stresses that good communication between client and vet is vital.

“How critical I am will depend on the discussions we have had,” he says. “For instance, I might point out that a horse has a small windgall that won’t compromise its use or soundness, but may count against it in the ring.”

He says it is important judges and exhibitors understand that good conformation means more than a pretty picture.

“It is the basis of soundness,” he explains. “Good basic anatomy has proven reliable in avoiding injuries and maintaining soundness. The feet are perhaps the most important area of conformation and their significance is not always fully appreciated — the foot is still the most common site of lameness in horses of every type.

“Another example is that short cannon bones are preferable because they mean the horse will also have shorter and stronger tendons.”

John points out that showing involves an assessment of type, conformation, performance and production and judging is very subjective.

“On some occasions, a horse with good conformation but a minor blemish may stand below a horse with less good conformation, but which is blemish free. On another day, the positions may be reversed,” he says.

However, there are some faults of which he will take particular note when vetting a horse.

“A type of conformation I particularly dislike is the very straight hindleg, particularly in a young horse,” he says. “It predisposes the horse to locking stifles and also excessive flexion in the fetlock, particularly if the hock and stifle flex less than normal. This may not lead to lameness, but can lead to the early onset of blemishes, which can blight a show career.”

Another type of conformation he does not like to see is a pastern that is too long.

“Horses with very long pasterns will give you a comfortable ride, which is an attribute in a show horse, but this is because there is more movement and flexion,” he says. “Again, excessive movement through the fetlock can give rise to accelerated wear and tear.”

A blemish or injury that might not be of significance when vetting a horse for another discipline can be much more detrimental to the prospects of a show horse. John says curbs — swellings at the back of the hock caused by strain of the plantar ligament — are a good example.

“In more than 30 years of practice I’ve seen hundreds of curbs, but less than 10 horses in whom curbs caused lameness,” he says. “In a competition horse, I wouldn’t be concerned by their presence, but in a show horse, they could significantly affect the horse’s prospects in the ring. It is therefore important that the client is advised accordingly.

“What is of paramount importance to long-term soundness is the conformation of the hock and the limb as a whole.”

He says purchasers must remember that buying a good-looking, good-moving horse is only the first step on the road to glory.

“Production plays a huge part,” he points out. “A showing judge isn’t vetting a horse for soundness, he’s judging it on conformation, type and ride. Some producers are very good at educating horses and turning them into mannerly rides, which gives them an advantage over someone who has a horse that may be equally correct but is not so well produced.”

A top show horse has all the definable attributes plus the magic of presence — the “look at me” quality. This doesn’t always go hand in hand with an easy-going temperament and such horses may be sensitive or even difficult in the wrong hands.

Although a vetting centres on a horse’s suitability for purchase for a particular job, it does not include an assessment of whether the purchaser will be able to get the most out of it.

“What I would say to a client, especially when vetting horses for young people, is to make sure that they have tried the horse to a satisfactory extent,” says John. “I can vet it for suitability for a job, but not for temperament and suitability for the purchaser.”

• This veterinary feature was first published in Horse & Hound

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) commissioned a review of the five-stage pre-purchase examination (PPE) in 1999. Five years on, the committee is finalising a solution to satisfy the combined requirements of purchasers, insurers, vendors and vets.

The most revolutionary change in the committee’s proposals involves the introduction of vendor warranties alongside the five-stage examination.

“There may be changes involving declarations from vendors and what they can legally be obliged to say, which could be a major plus from the purchaser’s point of view,” says committee chairman Jeremy Mantell, a former BEVA president and vet at Liphook Equine Hospital.

“The likely scenario is that it would be up to vets to inform purchasers that they can obtain such a warranty and there will be a standard form, available from a designated body. Legally it would be strictly between vendor and purchaser, which is as the situation stands at the moment.”

Currently, many vets encourage buyers to compile a questionnaire or declaration for the vendor to answer, covering areas that may not be detectable as part of the exam, such as allergies, so-called vices and previous vet history. As well as reassuring the purchaser, it helps curb the potential for litigation by clarifying what is the vet’s, and what is the buyer’s, responsibility to verify.

The review committee has also issued new recommendations on the use of flexion tests and lungeing on a firm surface as part of the examination. Although many vets already incorporate these as standard, they have remained a contentious issue.

“We’re not going to make them mandatory. If you’re vetting at a yearling sale, it’s not going to be practical,” explains Mantell. “The vet will have the option to say they didn’t perform the test, but will be expected to explain why, and the likely implications, to the purchaser.

“We’re also reinforcing the point that these tests are not screening techniques but an aid to diagnosis to exacerbate or confirm something one already suspected. One lame step doesn’t equal a failed horse.”

Svend Kold, an orthopaedic specialist with many years’ experience of vetting horses in Europe, believes Britain has one of the most extensive vetting procedures.

“I think we have the gold standard here in the UK,” he says. “In Europe, we don’t have the five-stage vetting procedure. Vets don’t have to see horses strenuously exercised or ridden and they don’t do lungeing on hard ground or the things we take for granted.”

The current five-stage examination does not aim to “pass” or “fail” a horse, but completes an assessment “on the balance of probabilities” that the conditions observed by the vet are, or are not, likely to prejudice the animal’s suitability for the purchaser’s intended use.

“Buyers need to be aware that the pre-purchase examination is a snapshot in the life of that horse and doesn’t provide any guarantees — it’s a risk assessment,” says Karen Coumbe, Horse & Hound’s veterinary adviser. “The vet examining the horse may attend without knowing anything about the horse or its past history. Vets can only go on what they’re told, and have to base their opinion on what they see on that day.”

As Jeremy Mantell explains: “Whether it’s an £800 pony or a £80,000 eventer, the examination should be fundamentally the same, but the interpretation of any findings may well differ.”

Many vets prefer buyers to be present at the vetting, to discuss concerns or findings and assess how they may relate to the purchaser’s specific requirements. It is also vital that the vendor can provide adequate facilities — including a hard trot-up area and room for strenuous work.

Another perennial problem at vettings is that some common conditions can be notoriously difficult to detect in the 1-2hr window. Intermittent back pain and seasonally aggravated allergies such as sweet itch, mud fever or stable coughs due to dust allergies are among the most obvious, though sometimes more serious problems may not show any clinical signs at the time of the assessment.

“In autumn and winter, when a lot of horses are vetted, a number of conditions may not show up,” says Franklin. “The horse’s mane and tail may look fine until the weather warms up, when it starts rubbing its hair off. The vet can’t be expected to know — which is why the purchaser should seek a warranty or declaration.”

Ultimately, purchasing a horse will never be without risk, and a pre-purchase examination is just one of the ways in which buyers can attempt to mitigate it. Trying the horse thoroughly under saddle and in the stable, obtaining a warranty, checking its competition record and insuring the purchase are all ways to protect the buyer from loss. No one should expect the vet to have a crystal ball.

• This veterinary feature was first published in Horse & Hound (20 January, ’05)

Rebecca Hewitt, an equine law specialist with solicitors Darbys in Oxford, says that disputes between buyers and sellers are a major area of growth.

“Many disputes arise following sale or purchase of a horse,” she says. “The law involved is often the Sale of Goods Act and misrepresentation.

“Claims like this are probably increasing due to greater awareness of rights, access to the courts and publicity. One problem in the equestrian industry is unwillingness to record contractual relationships in writing, which leads to disputes based on one person’s word against another’s.”

If a buyer is unhappy, it is often the vet who gets caught in the middle. So what are the potential risks when vetting horses?

The main risk is a claim for negligence, Rebecca says. “Vets are also subject to professional regulation by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).”

The Veterinary Defence Society, the body that advises vets in legal disputes, says every case brought to its attention is investigated.

Rod Fisher MRCVS, an equine specialist and senior partner at the Abbey Equine Centre in Crickhowell, says vets are under increasing pressure from clients when they are conducting a pre-purchase examination, because the expectation is unrealistic.

“You make your clinical judgement on one day, but more and more people are seeing a vetting as insurance for life,” he adds.

Meticulous analysis

But does this mean fewer horses actually pass? Vets say their clinical judgment is unimpaired in the face of pressure, and there are few statistics to suggest otherwise.

Tavistock-based vet Dr Kieran O’Brien, of the EqWest practice, says sometimes the perception is different to the reality.

“The perception is that we are more careful because we live in a litigious age, but the requirement to do the examination in a meticulous, professional way, upholding the standards expected, has not altered in the last 25 years,” he says.

“When someone said to me, ‘you fail everything’, I conducted my own survey on 50 successive horses, and 77 per cent ended up being purchased, which was significantly higher than when I first qualified.

“As you gain experience and confidence, you are more able to understand and explain the shades of grey to a client. With less experienced vets, things tend to be more black and white and they are more rigid in their approach.”

One Oxfordshire horse-owner admits that a string of failed vettings led her to buy a horse without having it inspected by a vet. “Of the horses that I have had pass vettings, two later proved unsuitable,” she explains. “I then had a run of horses fail vettings, all for good reasons.

“I concluded that the kind of horse I was looking for, that had ‘been there and done that’, would be likely to have had a few knocks, so I took the risk. I bought from a reputable breeder, whose vet confirmed the owner’s story as far as treatment by his practice was concerned.”

However, things have not turned out so happily for former dealer Paul Thorpe, who has shut up shop, saying he has gone out of business because whereas five years ago, nine out of 10 of his imported Irish horses passed the vet, now just one out of 10 is successful.

“Vets are not passing horses as they used to,” Paul says. “We live in a blame culture and, to a degree, the vets have my sympathy.

“The buyer probably needs to take more responsibility and the whole industry must consider how you can have a horse vetted without exposing vets to possible litigation. Vets also need to have more consideration for the job the horse will do, not to say that a horse that is 22, and will be for a lady who barely wants it to break out of a walk, has to pass a five-stage vetting and be super-fit.”

Risk Assessment

In the sphere of competition horses, Rod Fisher says it is much easier looking at horses for established clients. “You are then in a position to know exactly what they are looking for and the job they want it to do,” he says.

Dr Kieran O’Brien adds that he tells his clients that he is “in the business of risk assessment. I will assess a horse as being a high-risk or a low-risk animal, but I do not say it is a no-risk animal”.

From an insurer’s point of view, Guy Prest’s key concern is the rare occasion when a vet is prepared to gloss over potential problems that have arisen during an examination, so that the client can still obtain cover. Inevitably the burden of such disputes will pass to the horse-owning public.

“The worst scenario is a vet providing a detailed certificate for the client and an edited version for the insurer,” he says.

In the most serious cases, false certification is a striking-off offence, says the RCVS.

Only two such cases have been brought in recent years – one in 2003 due to false certification, and another in 2002, arising from a case of misrepresentation.

“Allegations of negligence are usually resolved between the parties or civil courts and are generally not a matter for the RCVS,” says a spokesman. “We don’t generally strike people off for negligence. On occasions when the alleged negligence is so serious as to be an issue of professional conduct, the RCVS will investigate.”

The vetting procedure was debated at the recent annual British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress, with proposals for a change to the present certificate, which presently requires a simple ‘yes or no’ statement from the vet, to give way to a more balanced weighing-up of the issues.

There are also plans for a new warranty system – requiring vendors to provide more information about their animals – which will carry legal weight and give purchasers some redress when things go wrong. BEVA has also just produced an aide memoir for vets embarking on a pre-purchase examination.

No Grey Areas

Dr O’Brien says the days of the black and white form, with no room for grey areas giving a more balanced view, are numbered. He welcomes the widespread introduction of a warranty system, which has been in place at his practice for a number of years.

The warranty asks 10 questions of the seller, including certifying that the animal is drug-free.

Dr O’Brien says the form has helped three purchasers get horses – two headshakers and one with sweet itch, all sold during the winter when their conditions were not apparent – returned to vendors who had failed to disclose the information.

“The majority of horses are sold privately and so are not covered by the Sale of Goods Act,” he says.

“Often potential purchasers just don’t know the right questions to ask, so vets can help them. Enforcing the warranty can be difficult, but signing a declaration like this certainly focuses the vendor’s mind and that can only help make the process of buying a horse more straightforward.”

The vetting

The Five Stage Veterinary Examination for Purchase is carried out along guidelines laid down by the RCVS in conjunction with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the BEVA.

The examination should be carried out by an experienced vet, who will report on whether it is advisable to go ahead with the purchase. BEVA advises that you should try to use your own vet, who will appreciate and advise on your requirements.

Having a horse examined before purchase is not cheap but it may well save you money in the long run, says the BEVA. If the horse passes the examination a certificate will be completed by the vet, which may be used for insuring the horse or pony when the sale is completed.

When a purchaser asks a vet to examine a horse there is a contract between them.

The vet is under a professional duty to carry out his/her assessment of the horse to a reasonable standard. If the vet falls below a reasonable standard, and the purchaser suffers loss as a result of that, then the vet may be subject to a claim. The client will have to show that the vet acted in such a way as no other body of veterinary professional opinion would do, or that the vet failed to act in an appropriate way.

The test is similar to that for doctors in medical negligence claims. Many cases will require expert evidence to support allegations of negligence, and evidence will also be required from a vet with the same or equivalent qualifications to the vet in question. But even if you are successful in proving negligence, you also have to prove that the negligent act or acts led directly to the loss/damage suffered.

• This news feature was first published in HORSE magazine (October ‘04)