2 Stage Horse Vetting Exam
Vetting stage 1: Preliminary Exam
This is a methodical exam of the horse's body to assess general appearance and condition. It includes
examination of the horse’s teeth, the resting heart rate, the eyes, the skin, the limbs and feet, and it also covers an examination of the passport and microchip.
Vetting stage 2: Trotting Up
Examination of the horse as it is walked and trotted on hard, level ground in order to detect gross
abnormalities of gait and action. Flexion tests are performed to reveal pain or limitation of the horse’s
movement on all four limbs and trotting in a circle on a firm surface may be carried out.
A two stage horse vetting stops here, whilst a five stage vetting continues. If you wish to book a two stage vetting please call us on 01208 76403 for a disclaimer which will need to be completed and returned before your vetting.
5 Stage Horse Vetting Exam
Vetting stage 1: Preliminary Exam
This is a methodical exam of the horse's body to assess general appearance and condition. It includes
examination of the horse’s teeth, the resting heart rate, the eyes, the skin, the limbs and feet, and it also covers an examination of the passport and microchip.
Vetting stage 2: Trotting Up
Examination of the horse as it is walked and trotted on hard, level ground in order to detect gross
abnormalities of gait and action. Flexion tests are performed to reveal pain or limitation of the horse’s
movement on all four limbs and trotting in a circle on a firm surface may be carried out.
Vetting stage 3: Strenuous Exercise
Examination of the horse under sufficient strenuous exercise for various reasons:
- to breathe deeply and rapidly so that any unusual breathing sounds may be heard
- to increase the action of the heart so that abnormalities may be more easily detected
- to tire the animal so that strains or injuries may be revealed by stiffness or lameness. The examination will include 10m and 20m circles.
Vetting stage 4: A Period of Rest
The horse is allowed to stand quietly for a period. During this time the breathing and the heart are checked as they return to their resting levels.
Vetting stage 5: The 2nd Trot Exam and Foot Exam
Examination of the horse as it is walked and trotted again, turned sharply and backed, in order to reveal
abnormalities exacerbated by the strenuous exercise stage. A blood test is taken at this point.
The 5 Stage Veterinary Examination for Purchase is carried out following guidelines laid down by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in conjunction with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).
Should your insurance company require an exam certificate in order to renew your horse’s insurance, or if you did not have a vetting done pre-purchase we do offer a vetting for insurance purposes.
We are happy to discuss your pre-purchase exam requirements so please do not hesitate to contact one of our equine vets on 01208 76403 or simply email us on enquiries@kernowequinevets.com