Buying a Pony? What Every Pony Club Family Should Know – CVS Vets
Buying a pony or horse is an exciting milestone, whether it is your first Pony Club pony or your next competition horse. While finding the right horse often comes down to temperament, suitability and budget, a pre-purchase examination (PPE), often known as a “vetting”, is an important step that can help you make an informed decision.
A pre-purchase examination is a detailed assessment carried out by a veterinary surgeon. The purpose is not to decide whether a horse “passes” or “fails”, but rather to provide an independent assessment of the horse’s health and suitability for its intended use at the time of the examination.
There are two main types of PPE: a two-stage and a five-stage examination. A two-stage examination includes a full clinical assessment at rest and a walk and trot examination including flexion tests. A five-stage examination is more comprehensive and additionally includes an exercise phase (usually ridden), a period of recovery and a second trot-up after exercise. The five-stage examination is the most commonly requested option for horses intended for riding, competition or higher-value purchases.
During the examination, the vet will assess many aspects of the horse’s health. This includes the eyes, heart, lungs, skin, limbs and overall conformation. The horse’s movement is carefully evaluated, both on a hard surface and on a soft surface. The aim is to identify any signs of current illness, injury or conditions that may affect the horse’s suitability for its intended purpose.
It is important to remember that no horse is perfect. Many horses have minor findings that do not impact their ability to perform their job successfully. Equally, some horses may appear sound and healthy but have underlying issues that are not apparent to an inexperienced buyer. The PPE helps to provide valuable information so that buyers can make balanced decisions and avoid unexpected surprises.
Vets routinely take a blood sample, which is stored for a period of time in case there is a need to test it for pain killers or sedatives at a later date; this acts as a deterrent to people giving horses medications prior to a vetting.
For Pony Club families, a PPE can provide reassurance and confidence when making what is often a significant financial and emotional investment. Choosing a horse that is suitable for the rider’s goals, experience and ambitions is just as important as finding one that is healthy.
Finally, remember that a veterinary examination is only one part of the buying process. Spending time with the horse, discussing its history with the owner and seeking advice from instructors, trainers are all valuable steps.
A pre-purchase examination cannot predict the future, but it can help ensure that your new equine partner is the right match for your adventures, whether those include rallies, camps, hunting, eventing or simply enjoying time together in the saddle.
The most successful horse purchases are those made with both the heart and the head!
CVS Equine Vets will soon be offering a special discount to Pony Club Members for a 5 stage Pre-Purchase examination – keep your eyes peeled for the announcement!