Pre-Purchase Examinations (Vettings)

Call to request a vetting: 0141 330 5999
Practice Pricing and Veterinary Fees

Buying a horse is a big decision. A Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE) — commonly called a “vetting” — gives you professional veterinary advice to support your choice. We offer both two-stage and five-stage vettings carried out by experienced equine vets.

As a University of Glasgow-based service, our team benefits from direct links with the Glasgow Equine Hospital, giving us access to a wide network of specialists and in-house referral services. This means your vetting is informed not only by years of field experience but also by the latest clinical insight and diagnostic capabilities.

This page gives you the essentials, including what to expect, when a two-stage might be suitable, and answers to common questions.. A Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE) — commonly called a “vetting” — gives you professional veterinary advice to support your choice. We offer both two-stage and five-stage vettings carried out by experienced equine vets.

This page gives you the essentials, including what to expect, when a two-stage might be suitable, and answers to common questions.

What is a Vetting

A vetting is a clinical assessment of a horse at the time of sale, designed to identify any health issues that might affect its suitability for your intended use. It is not a guarantee, but it gives you vital information to help make an informed decision.

We follow BEVA/RCVS guidelines, and every PPE is tailored to the needs of the prospective purchaser.

Two-Stage vs Five-Stage Vetting

Two-Stage Vetting

  • Full clinical exam and trot-up in hand (same initial assessment as the five-stage)

  • Includes lunging on a suitable surface if safe and appropriate

  • Suitable for low-intensity use, very young or unbroken horses

  • May miss issues that only show up during or after sustained exercise

Five-Stage Vetting

  • Full clinical exam (same as two-stage), followed by exercise, rest, recovery, and re-trot phases

  • These additional stages can highlight stiffness or subtle lameness that may only appear after exertion

  • Particularly recommended for older horses, horses with unknown history, or those intended for regular work or competition

  • Often required by insurers

Call to request a vetting: 0141 330 5999

Who can request a vetting?

The buyer or a representative of the buyer. The vetting is performed on your behalf — not the seller's.

What should I bring or arrange for the vetting?

Please ensure the following: The horse should be kept in for 3-4 hours or overnight before the vetting to allow for a thorough clinical exam in a rested state. The stable should be clean, dry, and tidy for the examination. The horse should be clean and have its passport available for identification. You must provide a suitable area for trot-ups and, if applicable, ridden exercise. A competent handler should be available to trot the horse and, if needed, lunge it on a safe surface. For five-stage vettings, a rider must be present to exercise the horse under saddle. Having these preparations in place ensures we can carry out a full and safe examination.

Do I need to be present?

Ideally yes, but we can liaise with you or your agent. We'll always provide a verbal summary and certificate

Will you do a vetting on a horse your practice knows?

Normally we decline due to potential for conflict of interest.

Do you take blood samples?

Yes, routinely. They're stored in case later analysis is needed (e.g. to detect substances that may mask problems).

What are flexion tests and what do they show?

Flexion tests involve holding a limb in a flexed position for a short period before trotting off. They can sometimes highlight underlying joint or soft tissue sensitivity but can also be influenced by conformation, training, or individual variation. A positive response doesn’t necessarily mean a horse is unfit for purpose — it’s interpreted alongside all other findings.

Why is the horse sometimes trotted in a small circle on a hard surface?

This helps reveal certain types of lameness or subtle gait abnormalities that may not show up on a straight line. It’s particularly useful for detecting asymmetry, especially when comparing both directions. It is rarely used in isolation to make a judgment but may contribute to the overall clinical picture.
Practice Pricing and Veterinary Fees