Viewing a horse
When you have found a horse or pony you like, here are some things to consider when you are planning a viewing.
When it's time to go see the horse
Ideally, take a trainer or someone you trust with you – they can be impartial, are realistic about your capability and what you need, and can give you their advice there and then.
Alternatively, take someone with you who can video you riding the horse, and share the videos with your trainer when you get home.
Some things to consider
Is the advertiser private or trade? Buying from a trade advertiser does give you more rights should there be a dispute later down the line, but equally a private advertiser may know the horses full history having owned them from a youngster. There’s benefits to both, but it’s just worth knowing the difference!
Ask to see the horse being tacked up / managed in the stable – or you can even ask to do this yourself. This will quickly establish whether they have the temperament and manners you’re looking for, and whether you feel comfortable and capable to handle them yourself.
Check their passport – it’s illegal for a horse to be sold without one. Make sure all the details match up with the horse you’re expecting to see!
Make sure someone else riders the horse first – even just for 5 minutes to show you the basic movements and jump a few fences. That way you can make sure you’re comfortable that they’re as described, and you’re happy to get on board!
If possible, arrange a second viewing – ideally at a venue away from where the horse is kept so you can see what they’re like to travel / away from home.
And don’t forget to video as much as you can… It can be so useful when you get home to watch it back.
What a vetting is (and is not)
A pre purchase examination (‘vetting’) is usually composed of 5 stages:
- Examination in the stable, including examination of the eyes in a darkened environment
- Examination at walk and trot in a straight line, including flexion tests and lunging on a hard circle
- Examination under saddle
- Rest period
- Further walk and trot examination
If indicated by the findings at the vetting, by your request, or for insurance requirements the following additional examinations may also be performed:
- Endoscopy of the upper airways
- Ultrasound examination of tendons and ligaments
- Radiography of specific regions
At the end of all this, there is not a specific ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ but rather the following conclusion:
‘In my opinion, on the balance of probabilities, the conditions reported above DO or DO NOT prejudice this horse’s suitability for purchase to be used for…’
Essentially a 5 stage pre-purchase examination is as detailed examination as possible of a horse by a veterinarian in 1-1.5hrs in order for them to make their best assessment of the horse on the day. What it is not, however, is a guarantee of future soundness or a warranty! If this is of concern, taking out an insurance policy against vets fees and loss of use is arguably a good idea.
It is also important to note that a vetting certificate is an opinion – whilst there are obviously many serious findings that all vets would conclude rendered a horse not suitable, there are also plenty (such as cataracts or sarcoids) which some vets would feel were not necessarily unsuitable, but another vet may reach a different opinion.
How can you help your vet do the best job for you?
- Be realistic about your ability and what you plan to do with the horse so your vet has the appropriate planned use in mind when they examine the horse
- Tell your vet if there was anything that concerned you when you tried the horse or anything you are worried about (maybe from a previous horse) so they don’t disregard a finding that could be more significant to you
- You may wish to ask the vendor for the horse’s veterinary history before the vetting, particularly if there are any unexplained gaps in its competition history (it is very helpful to be able to look so many results up online these days!)
- Be present during the vetting so if there are any concerning findings or lameness you can see them!
- Make sure there are suitable facilities for the vetting at the venue at which you have booked it – specifically that there is somewhere hard, level and safe to lunge on the hard and a stable that can be made fairly dark in which to examine the eyes (modern American barns are lovely and light and airy but often not very good for this part). Remember – the better facilities your vet has in which to work, the better the examination they can do for you!
- If you are planning to insure the horse, speak to your insurance company before the vetting so that you are aware of their requirements. For instance, if you are planning to insure a horse for over £10,000, most insurance companies will require a specific set of x-rays (with specific views), the list of which should be supplied to your vet in advance of the vetting. As with the vetting itself, some radiographic findings can be subject to different interpretations so you may want to wait until the insurance company has also had a chance to examine the radiographs and place any exclusion they wish before deciding whether to go ahead with the purchase.
Some departing thoughts…
- Write a list, stick to it, check it again!
- Trust your gut instinct
- Temperament over type
- If it seems to good to be true, it probably is!
- And most importantly enjoy it – don’t rush the process, it will be worth it when you find the right one!
We hope you've found this helpful and best of luck with your search!