We strongly recommend that all prospective horse purchasers obtain a full Veterinary Examination before buying. A full Veterinary examination is often called the 'Five Stage' examination and is performed according to a procedure recommended by the British Equine Veterinary Association. Many insurance companies now request such an examination before giving cover. Having a full examination cannot guarantee that the horse will never develop a problem but it should mean that you at least start off as problem free as possible. The purpose for which the horse is being purchased is very important and the Veterinary Surgeon will need to know this before undertaking the examination. A horse that is suitable as a show jumper may be totally unsuitable as a hunter so it is important to remember that a horse may fail an examination for one purchaser but pass for another.
The examination takes about one hour to complete and the Veterinary Surgeon will require that there is a competent rider, a safe area in which the horse can be cantered in a large circle, and a flat concrete road where the horse can be trotted up.
Stage one
The Veterinary Surgeon will make a thorough clinical examination of the horse. This will include an ophthalmic examination of the eyes, and auscultation of the heart and chest. He will also feel the limbs for any sign of injury.
Stage two
The horse is trotted up in hand on a hard level surface. During this phase the Veterinary Surgeon is particularly concerned to observe any sign of lameness and will often perform 'flexion' tests on each limb. He will also circle the horse and examine the back at this time.
Stage three
Strenuous ridden exercise. The Vet. will listen carefully to the horses' wind and observe the gait. This phase is particularly important to assess if the horse is 'clean winded'. He will also check the heart and lungs again to see if the exercise has had any adverse effect.
Stage four
The horse is rested and its recovery rate from exercise monitored. During this phase the Veterinary Surgeon will often take detailed notes of the horses' markings which will be used to make a certificate should the horse pass the examination. It is often common during the resting stage for a blood sample to be obtained. This sample is sent to the forensic laboratory at Newmarket where it can be tested for 'bute' or other forms of dope, should such tests become necessary.
Stage five
The final trot up. Again the examining Veterinary Surgeon will watch carefully for any sign of lameness.
After each examination the Veterinary Surgeon will give the purchaser a written report detailing his findings, and will give a clear indication of the horses' suitability for the purpose for which it is being purchased.
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