Buying a horse is exciting — but it’s also a big welfare and financial commitment. A careful viewing and a proper pre-purchase veterinary examination (often called a vetting) help you make an informed decision and reduce the risk of nasty surprises after you bring your new horse home.
This guide is written for UK buyers using Everything Horse Classifieds (EHC), and covers what to do before the viewing, what to look for on the day, and how vettings typically work.
Before you view: set yourself up for success
A good viewing starts before you even leave the yard.
- Be clear on your ‘job description’. What do you need the horse to do (hacking, riding club, low-level eventing, BS/BD, Pony Club, family all-rounder)? Your vetting and your questions should match the intended use.
- Ask for the basics in writing. Age, height, breeding, passport name/UELN, current workload, vices, medical history, shoeing, clipping, loading, turnout, and whether the horse is sold with tack.
- Request recent, honest videos. Walk/trot/canter both reins, transitions, and (if relevant) a short jump or a hack. Videos don’t replace a viewing, but they can save wasted journeys.
- Plan two viewings if you can. Ideally view once in the school and once out hacking, or on two different days.
What to look for at the viewing
Try to arrive early and watch the horse being caught, handled, and tacked up.
1) First impressions: handling and behaviour
- Watch the horse in the stable and being brought in from the field.
- Note manners: leading, standing tied, picking up feet, rugging.
- Look for signs of stress or sedation (unusual dullness, droopy lip, unsteady balance). If you’re concerned, pause and ask direct questions.
2) Conformation and condition
You don’t need to be an expert judge, but you should look for:
- Overall condition: weight, coat, muscle tone.
- Legs and feet: heat, swelling, lumps, old scars, uneven feet, cracks.
- Back and saddle area: soreness, white hairs, sensitivity.
If anything worries you, take photos and ask your vet to review them before booking a vetting.
3) Watch the horse move before anyone rides
Ask to see the horse walked and trotted up in-hand on a firm, level surface.
- Is the horse tracking up evenly?
- Any head nodding, toe dragging, stiffness, or irregular rhythm?
- Does the horse stand square and turn calmly?
4) See the horse ridden by the owner first
A genuine seller should be willing to get on first.
- Look for a consistent way of going, not just a “best 30 seconds”.
- Watch transitions, circles, and the horse’s reaction to leg/hand aids.
- If the advert claims the horse hacks alone, ask to see it.
5) Your turn: ride like you really will at home
When you ride, keep it sensible — you’re assessing suitability, not testing bravery.
- Try walk/trot/canter both reins.
- Ask for basic lateral work if relevant.
- If you plan to jump, keep fences appropriate and focus on attitude and rideability.
- If possible, hack out (traffic, open spaces, gates).
Questions to ask (and why they matter)
A good seller won’t mind clear questions.
- Why are you selling? The answer should make sense with the horse’s history.
- How long have you owned them? Short ownership isn’t always bad, but ask why.
- Any history of lameness, colic, ulcers, sweet itch, or respiratory issues? You’re not looking for perfection — you’re looking for honesty.
- What’s the horse like to clip, shoe, load, travel and leave alone? Practicalities can make or break day-to-day ownership.
- What is their current routine? Turnout, feed, bedding, workload. A big change can affect behaviour and condition.
Red flags to take seriously
Not every concern is a deal-breaker, but these should make you slow down.
- Seller refuses a vetting, or insists you use their vet.
- The horse is already warmed up when you arrive (unless agreed in advance).
- Inconsistent answers about age, history, or workload.
- Pressure tactics: “Someone else is coming in an hour — decide now.”
- You’re not allowed to see the horse caught, handled, or loaded.
Vetting in the UK: what it is (and what it isn’t)
A vetting is a pre-purchase examination (PPE) carried out by a veterinary surgeon to assess whether the horse is suitable for the purpose you describe.
It’s important to understand:
- A vetting is not a guarantee of future soundness.
- It is a snapshot of the horse’s health and way of going on the day.
- Your vet’s opinion depends heavily on the intended use you give them.
In the UK, pre-purchase examinations are commonly carried out in two or five stages, following recognised guidance.
Two-stage vs five-stage vetting: which should you choose?
Your vet can advise, but as a general rule:
- Two-stage is often chosen for lower-risk purchases (for example, a happy hacker or a horse for light work).
- Five-stage is more in-depth and is commonly chosen for horses intended for higher levels of work, competition, or where you want the fullest picture possible.
A five-stage vetting typically includes a period of strenuous exercise and a recovery phase, designed to reveal issues that may not show at rest.
Extras you may discuss with your vet
Depending on the horse and your plans, your vet may suggest additional checks.
- Blood sampling (stored and tested if needed)
- X-rays (often for higher-value or competition horses)
- Ultrasound (for specific concerns)
Be guided by your budget, the horse’s value, and the level of risk you’re comfortable with.
Practical tips for booking a vetting
- Use an independent vet where possible (not the seller’s usual practice).
- Tell the vet the truth about what you want to do with the horse.
- Ask what’s included and what isn’t (and get costs confirmed upfront).
- Ensure the horse’s passport is available on the day.
A final word on welfare and good practice
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away. The “right” horse should stand up to sensible questions, a fair viewing, and an appropriate vetting.
If you’re selling, the same applies in reverse: honest adverts, transparent history, and a willingness to accommodate viewings and vettings help good homes find the right match.
Looking for your next horse? Browse listings on Everything Horse Classifieds (EHC) and use these guides to buy and sell with confidence.
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