Factor in the vet
“It’s hugely important that any horse you intend to buy is vetted before you part with your money,” says equine vet Gil Riley from Pool House Equine Clinic. “This will tell you whether the horse is or is not suitable for his intended purpose. So, for example, if you want to showjump, the vet will be able to tell you if he thinks the horse is physically capable.” These days horses don’t pass or fail a vetting. Instead, the vet will tell you what he’s found and you’ll need to make up your own mind on whether or not to buy. There are two types of vetting. A twostage check involves the horse being examined at rest and trotted up, while the more in-depth five-stage vetting includes examination at rest, during and after exercise, plus taking a blood sample that can be tested any time within the next six months should any problems arise. You’ll need to factor in paying for the vetting in your budget — expect it to be several hundred pounds. Consult your insurance company, too, in case they have any requirements on which vetting you have done. Get it wrong and you could invalidate your policy. Although the vetting doesn’t tend to include any scans — of tendons or joints, for example — you can add this option. If you’re spending a lot of money on a horse to compete at a high level, it may be a worthwhile investment. Ideally use your own vet, who you know or trust. If the horse is too far away, choose a vet recommended by the British Equine Veterinary Association at beva.org.uk.