Pre-Purchase Examinations

Our comprehensive pre-purchase examinations are designed to give you a clear, independent assessment of a horse’s current health and suitability, helping you make an informed buying decision

Purchasing a horse is one of the most significant investments an owner can make. Whether you are buying your first pony, a competition horse, a racehorse or a future broodmare, having a thorough veterinary assessment before you commit can provide invaluable information and peace of mind.

At KR Equine Veterinary Services Ltd, we provide comprehensive, independent pre-purchase examinations tailored to the individual horse and its intended use. Our role is not to decide whether you should buy a horse, but to provide an objective assessment of its current health and soundness, allowing you to make an informed decision.

What Is a Pre-Purchase Examination?

A pre-purchase examination (often called a “vetting”) is a detailed clinical examination carried out on behalf of the prospective purchaser.

The examination assesses the horse on the day of the inspection and identifies any clinical findings that may affect its suitability for the purpose for which it is being purchased.

It is important to understand that a pre-purchase examination is not a guarantee of future health, soundness or performance. Instead, it provides an independent professional opinion based on the horse’s condition at the time of examination.

Two-Stage or Five-Stage Examination

We offer both two-stage and five-stage pre-purchase examinations.

Two-Stage Examination

The two-stage examination is commonly chosen for lower-value horses or those intended for leisure use.

It includes:

• Verification of the horse’s identity
• Assessment of conformation
• Full clinical examination at rest
• Examination of the eyes, heart, lungs and other body systems
• Palpation of limbs and musculoskeletal structures
• Assessment of feet and hoof balance

Five-Stage Examination

The five-stage examination provides the most comprehensive assessment and is recommended for competition horses, racehorses and higher-value purchases.

It includes:

• All aspects of the two-stage examination
• Walk and trot in hand
• Flexion tests where appropriate
• Observation during strenuous exercise
• Monitoring during the recovery period
• A second trot-up after exercise to identify subtle abnormalities

This more detailed assessment helps identify issues that may only become apparent during or after exercise.

Additional Diagnostic Tests

Where appropriate, additional diagnostic investigations can be performed to provide further information.

These may include:

• Digital radiography (X-rays)
• Ultrasound examination
• Endoscopy where indicated
• Blood sampling
• Drug screening samples (stored or analysed by prior agreement)

These investigations are discussed with the purchaser before being undertaken and can be tailored to the horse’s value, intended use and individual circumstances.

What Happens If We Find Something?

It is quite common for horses to have minor findings during a pre-purchase examination.

Many findings have little or no impact on the horse’s intended career, while others may warrant further investigation or influence the purchasing decision.

Our role is to explain:

• What we have found.
• Whether the finding is likely to be clinically significant.
• How it may affect the horse’s intended use.
• Whether further investigation is advisable.

We will always discuss our findings openly and honestly so that you have the information needed to make the right decision for your circumstances.

An Independent Opinion

The pre-purchase examination is performed on behalf of the prospective purchaser, and our responsibility is to provide an impartial and objective assessment.

Our opinion is based solely on the findings of the examination and is not influenced by the seller, trainer or any other party involved in the sale.

Experienced Advice You Can Trust

Our experienced equine vets have extensive experience examining horses across a wide range of disciplines, from leisure horses and ponies to racehorses and elite competition horses.

We understand that every purchase is different, and we tailor each examination to the horse’s intended purpose, your expectations and your level of investment.

Whether you are purchasing a family pony or a future competition prospect, our aim is to provide clear, honest advice that helps you proceed with confidence.

Why Choose KR Equine Veterinary Services Ltd?

At KR Equine Veterinary Services Ltd, we combine experience, independence and advanced diagnostic technology to deliver thorough, evidence-based pre-purchase examinations.

With access to portable digital radiography, ultrasound and a range of additional diagnostic services, we can provide a comprehensive assessment at your chosen location, giving you the information you need to make one of the most important decisions in horse ownership.

Because buying with confidence starts with understanding exactly what you are buying.

Which Pre-Purchase Examination Is Right for You?

Which Examination Should I Choose?

A 2-stage examination is sometimes suitable for lower value horses intended for pleasure riding, hacking or lower-level activities where the purchaser requires a general assessment of health and soundness.

A 5-stage examination is recommended for competition horses, racehorses, and higher-value purchases. By assessing the horse during and after exercise, it provides a more comprehensive evaluation and can identify subtle issues that may not be apparent at rest.

Regardless of which examination you choose, additional diagnostic tests such as digital X-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy or blood sampling can be incorporated where appropriate to provide further information and greater peace of mind.