Vettings
PRE-PURCHASE EXAMINATIONS —
Buy your next horse with confidence
A pre-purchase examination (a vetting) carried out on your behalf as the prospective purchaser. Our experienced vets follow the VDS five-stage protocol, and issue a clear written certificate so you can make an informed decision.
Book a Vetting today or call 01872 218802
What a Vetting can and can’t do
A pre-purchase examination is a snapshot of the horse on the day. It is not a warranty or a guarantee of the horse's suitability for its intended purpose. Our role is to identify clinical signs which, in our opinion, might affect the horse's suitability for your stated use — and to set them out plainly so you can decide.
CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL
Two or Five Stage
Preliminary examination
Thorough external examination at rest. Eyes assessed in a darkened area, heart and lungs auscultated, incisor teeth checked, conformation and palpation.
Walk & trot in hand
Movement assessed on a hard, level surface to detect abnormalities of gait and action, including flexion tests and turns.
Exercise phase
Sufficient exercise to raise breathing and heart rate, ridden or on the lunge; assessing gait at walk, trot, canter and gallop.
Period of rest
The horse stands quietly while respiratory and cardiovascular systems are monitored returning to resting levels.
Second trot up
Re-trot to identify any strains made evident by exercise and rest. Identification confirmed and blood sample taken.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The five-stage examination
The BEVA / RCVS standard procedure for a pre-purchase examination on behalf of a prospective purchaser.
Two-stage vetting - £375
INCLUDING VDS BLOOD SAMPLING AND STORAGE
Stages 1 and 2 only. Suitable for lower-value purchases, companion horses, or where strenuous exercise is not possible. Insurance cover is usually limited.
Five-stage vetting - £495
INCLUDING VDS BLOOD SAMPLING AND STORAGE
The complete standard examination. Required by most insurers for cover above their minimum threshold.
Optional add-ons: radiography (X-ray), endoscopy, ultrasound and dental scoping. Quoted on request.
From enquiry to peace of mind
1
Enquire
Call us or use the online form with the horse's details, the seller's yard, and what you intend to do with the horse.
2
Pre-vetting discussion
Our vets confirm scope, agree any add-ons (X-rays, scoping, ultrasound), and note specific concerns you'd like us to focus on.
3
The examination
Two to three hours at the seller's yard. You're welcome to attend, and many buyers do. Findings discussed as we go.
4
Certificate & decision
Written certificate issued within 24 hours and followed up by a phone call. The decision to proceed is yours.
WHY DUCHY
From enquiry to peace of mind
Truly independent
Our vets act for you, not the vendor, ensuring you get independent advice.
All our vets are experienced
Vettings are carried out by experienced vets that have additional training and experience across leisure horses.
Clear written certificate
BEVA-format certificate, plain-English findings, and a phone call to talk you through them.
We come to the horse
Vettings carried out at the seller's yard. Mid Cornwall covered; further by arrangement.
Ready to book a vetting?
Send us the horse seller details and one of our vets will be in touch within one working to confirm scope and details.
-
No. The certificate is issued to you as the named prospective purchaser. It cannot be transferred to anyone else.
-
Most insurers require a five-stage examination for cover above their minimum value threshold. Please check with your insurer before booking.
-
We aim to fit vettings within 5–10 working days. Urgent jobs sometimes possible — give us a call.
-
Both our two and five stage vettings include submission of a blood sample to the VDS/LGC scheme with storage for at least six months. If a clinical issue arises after purchase, the sample can be analysed for medications that may have masked findings on the day. Both our two- and five-stage vettings include this as standard. Please note bloods are not analysed by default and analysis carries an extra charge.
COMMON QUESTIONS