A detailed guide to the equine pre-purchase examination. What's included, what it costs, and how to interpret the results.
6 min read
See also horse vetting in SA.
A pre-purchase veterinary examination (commonly called a 'vetting') is one of the most useful steps in buying a horse. It gives you an independent professional opinion on the horse's current health and soundness — it is not a guarantee, and it cannot predict the future.
Before you book a vetting, understand this: no horse is perfect. Every horse will have some findings — minor wear, old injuries, small blemishes. A vet check is not a pass/fail test. It is a fact-finding mission designed to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
The goal is not to find a horse with zero findings — that horse doesn't exist. The goal is to understand what the findings mean for your intended use. A small splint that is completely irrelevant for a happy hacker might concern a Grand Prix show jumper. Context matters.
Approach the vetting with an open mind. Ask your vet to explain each finding in terms of risk, prognosis, and relevance to your discipline. A good vet will help you weigh up the significance — not scare you away from every horse.
A pre-purchase exam is a thorough veterinary assessment of a horse's health and soundness, conducted by an independent equine vet before you commit to buying. The vet works for YOU, not the seller.
Cost: R2,500–R5,000 for a standard 5-stage vetting. X-rays add R1,500–R4,000 depending on number of views.
Stage 1 — Preliminary examination at rest: The vet checks eyes, heart, lungs, skin, teeth, limbs, and overall condition.
Stage 2 — Walk and trot in hand: The horse is walked and trotted on a hard surface in a straight line. The vet watches for lameness or irregularities.
Stage 3 — Strenuous exercise: The horse is worked under saddle (or lunged) to elevate heart rate and reveal any exercise-related issues.
Stage 4 — Rest and re-examination: After exercise, the horse is rested for 20-30 minutes, then the heart is re-checked and flexion tests are performed.
Stage 5 — Second trot up: A final trot assessment after rest to check for any stiffness or lameness that appeared during the rest period.
X-rays are recommended for:
Common x-ray areas: front feet (navicular), hocks, stifles, and knees.
The vet will NOT tell you to buy or not buy the horse. They will:
Red flags: Significant lameness, heart murmurs, eye problems, respiratory issues, or evidence of previous surgery (unless disclosed).
Acceptable findings: Minor joint wear in older horses, small splints, old scars — these are common and often insignificant.
Remember: the vetting is about gathering facts, not finding perfection. Use the information to negotiate, plan for management, or walk away — but don't expect a clean sheet. The best horse for you might have a few findings that are completely manageable.
Always discuss findings with your instructor or advisor before making a decision.
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