Vettings can be accommodated at the seller’s yard or at our clinic. Please do be aware that we have minimum facility requirements in order to do a good thorough vetting without compromises.
Our preference is to perform PPEs at out clinic facilities, because they are purpose-built and ensure a consistent, neutral and unfamiliar environment for the horse. This allows us to pick up mild lameness issues, temperament quirks and gives us easy access to further diagnostics if required. It also takes the horse out if its own environment, which may highlight sight, loading and temperament issues.
PRE-PURCHASE EXAMINATION (5 stage vetting/ 2 stage vetting)
Pre-purchase examinations are a big part of our daily work. We understand the importance of getting the balance right when considering whether the presented horse is fit for your intended use. These clinical assessments help the prospective buyer decide whether to proceed with the purchase based on our findings. We are experienced in this field and vet horses for trade within the UK, Ireland and internationally on a regular basis.
All pre-purchase examinations are based on a standard five stage examination, as outlined by the RCVS and BEVA. We will communicate all findings with the buyer orally and in a written certificate.
If a horse that is to be presented for vetting is known to us, we will request permission of the vendor for full disclosure. If this is not given, then we cannot proceed with the vetting due to conflict of interest.
Standard vettings can be tailored to the needs and requests of the purchaser: additional diagnostics (endoscopic assessment, radiographs, breeding fitness examination, etc.) can be added or basic stages can be omitted (2-stage vetting).
As a rule, the horse will be lunged during the exercise stage of the examination in Ireland. Should you require the horse also to be assessed ridden, please notify us at the time of booking and ensure that tack and a competent rider is provided by the seller for the vetting.
We recommend a blood sample to be taken for storage. This can be analysed for presence of painkillers or sedatives for a period of 6 months post purchase should the need arise.
VETTING FOR AUCTION
This certification is specific to an ‘Examination of a Horse for Sale at Auction’. The vetting ‘contract’ is with the auction team. Many auction places have a list of ‘appointed veterinary surgeons’. They will only accept certificates for vettings performed by these named vets. Hugh is on all if the Irish auctions panels, Inge is on the Cavan and Tattersalls panels.
VETTING FOR INSURANCE
All our vets can perform a vetting for insurance. Some insurance companies have special requirements depending on the sum insured and intended use, so make sure you have clarified their requirements before booking the vetting.