Pre-Purchase Examinations

We understand that, as well as being an exciting time, the purchase of a horse can be a huge financial undertaking. At Ascot Equine Veterinarians, we understand the importance of making an informed decision. The pre-purchase examination is designed to help prospective buyers assess the current health and condition of the horse, identifying any potential issues that could affect its future athletic performance or intended use. Rather than giving a simple “pass” or “fail”, we focus on evaluating risks based on our findings during the examination.

We conduct pre-purchase examinations in line with the Australian Equine Veterinary Association’s guidelines. Our most comprehensive examination involves five stages. All examinations include stages 1 and 2.

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STAGE 1

Preliminary examination – an extensive clinical examination including all body systems, with additional focus on the musculoskeletal system including hoof tester application and palpation of the limbs, back and musculature.

STAGE 2

Examination during walking, trotting, turning and backing including flexion testing.

As per EVA guidelines, all prepurchase examinations include stages 1 and 2. Examination from stage 3 onwards will depend on the horse’s age, education, fitness level and intended use. Stage 3 examination incurs extra costs.

STAGE 3

Examination during and immediately after strenuous exercise. The vendor will be expected to ride or lunge the horse at the trot and canter for at least 15-20 minutes.

Depending on the results, further diagnostic testing such as radiographs, ultrasounds, or additional evaluations may be recommended for a more in-depth assessment.

Specialised procedures including radiography, ultrasonography, upper airway endoscopy, and blood tests for drugs or chemistry are available on request (additional charges apply).

All information gathered during the pre-purchase examination is confidential and remains the property of the prospective purchaser. We will not disclose any findings to the seller unless the buyer gives explicit permission. We strongly encourage prospective purchasers to be present during the examination to better understand the findings and discuss any concerns directly.

To schedule an appointment, please contact out reception team during business hours. Pre-purchase examinations can take anywhere from one to five hours, depending on the complexity and any additional diagnostic procedures required.