Whether you’re purchasing your first horse or adding to your yard, a pre-purchase examination (vetting) is one of the most important steps in making an informed decision. At Glasgow Equine Hospital & Practice, we carry out thorough and objective assessments to help you understand the horse’s current health and suitability for your intended use.

There are two types of vettings:

• Two-stage vetting: A basic health and soundness check for horses intended for light work or companion roles.

• Five-stage vetting: A comprehensive examination, including exercise, rest and re-evaluation phases to detect subtle issues, often used for performance horses.

Both include a full clinical exam and conformation assessment. Flexion tests, trotting in circles, and lunging on a hard surface help us compare movement patterns — these are not used in isolation, but as part of the bigger picture.

It’s important to:

• Discuss any concerns or expectations beforehand

• Provide a clean stable, a handler, and a rider (for 5-stage)

• Keep the horse stabled 3-4 hours before the exam

We also offer:

• Advice on insurance requirements

• Report sharing with insurers (on request)

• Pre-vetting discussions to tailor the exam to your needs