When we perform a 5 stage Pre-purchase Examination, it is on behalf of the purchaser.  It is performed in the established manner as laid out by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association (revised 1985).  This is therefore a general routine of examination, designed to detect clinical signs of disease and injury.  The examination is performed in 5 stages as set out by the above ruling bodies and if any stage is not possible to be performed, it is stated so on the certificate and that any opinions as to the suitability of the horse is based on this restricted examination.

The 5 stages are as follow :-

Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
This stage is usually carried out in a stable.  The resting heart is auscultated (listened to with a stethoscope) to detect any abnormalities and so it may be compared to that after exercise.  The teeth are examined and the animal’s age assessed, either by the teeth or by any registered documentation of the horses’s date of birth.  The eyes are examined with an ophthalmoscope, in a darkened box.  The animal’s general appearance and condition are assessed and the Veterinarian should be able to inspect every part of the animal’s anatomy, checking for abnormalities and lesions.  Each of the feet  

are picked up and examined and each joint flexed to detect any pain or limitation of movement.

The horse is then taken outside and inspected from all sides in daylight.

Stage 2 – Trotting Up
The animal is then walked and trotted on hard, level round.  The horse should be led so that there is no interference with its free action or the Veterinarian’s view.  Flexion tests may or may not be performed at this stage. If at any stage, during these first two stages, the animal is thought not to be fit enough to be exercised, the examination will be stopped (ie through lameness, illness or any other reason)

Stage 3 – Strenuous Exercise
This stage is to exert the animal, not exhaust it.  The animal should be given sufficient exercise to 1) make it breathe deeply and rapidly to ensure any abnormal breathing sounds are heard; 2) increase the heart’s action so that abnormalities may be detected; and 3) to make any strains, injuries more detectable after a period of rest.  Riding horses should be ridden at the canter on both reins, close to the Veterinarian, until the horse is seen to be blowing.  Untrained animals and those too small or too young should be lunged.

Stage 4 – A Period of Rest
The horse is returned to the stable and allowed to stand quietly, loose.  During this time the horse’s breathing is observed, together with any atypical behaviour.  At this stage the Veterinary pre-purchase examination form is filled in.  The heart beat is checked for return to normality.

Stage 5 – The Second Trot and Foot Examination
The horse is walked and trotted as before.  It is also backed up for several paces and turned sharply in its own length.  Examination of the feet is normally performed at this stage.

Once the examination is completed, a blood sample is taken.  This is stored, so that if a horse subsequently exhibits lameness or abnormal behaviour following the pre-purchase examination, analysis of the sample can be performed.  This will detect whether any anti-inflammatory or similar medications were being given by the vendor.

Vices – whilst objectionable, these habits are not necessarily detectable during the examination.  Purchasers are advised to have written confirmation from the vendor, that the horse has no vices.

Height – for the purpose of a pre-purchase examination, the height of the horse or pony is not the concern of the examining veterinarian.

A completed 5 Stage Prospective Purchaser Certificate may include the following notes;

NOTE 1 - AGE:
Estimates of age based on an examination of dentition are imprecise and unreliable. !n my opinion the approximate age is as stated and/or within the range shown. If the term 'aged' is used, this means that in my opinion the animal is over 8 years old.

NOTE 2 - THE EXAMINATION:
This clinical examination was carried out substantially in accordance with the standard procedure recommended by the RCVS/BVA Joint Memorandum on the Examination of Horses 1976 (revised 1985). The examination was conducted in five stages.

(All stages are usually carried out but if, for any reason, any stage is missed the opinions expressed are based on that restricted examination. it should be clear on the certificate overleaf in what way the examination has been varied).

NOTE 3 - WARRANTY:
If purchasers wish to obtain a warranty covering such matters as height, freedom from vices, temperament, the non-administration of drugs prior to examination or the animal's existing performance as a hunter, show-jumper, riding pony, eventer, etc., they are advised to seek such warranty in writing from the vendor, as these are matters between vendor and purchaser and are not the responsibility of the veterinary surgeon.

This certificate does not cover an examination for pregnancy.

NOTE 4 - OPINION:
The opinion expressed overleaf is based solely on the clinical examination set out above and is given subject to the qualification that the said animal may be presently subject to some previously administered drug or medicament intended to or having the effect of masking or concealing some disease, injury or physical abnormality which might otherwise presently be clinically discoverable.

NOTE 5 - REF. STAGES OMITTED:
My opinion is based on a partial examination only and does not establish any clinical signs of disease, injury or abnormality which would have manifested themselves only in the course of that part, or those parts, of the standard procedure which was, or were, omitted.


A limited 2 Stage examination may be performed, but the prospective purchaser must be aware of the limitations of this procedure and sign a form confirming this.

A Full 5 stage examination may be required for insurance purposes, please check with your intended insurers as to their particular requirements.