Selling a Horse? Ace the Vetting Process with These Quick Tips!

So, you're thinking about selling a horse? Like it or not, vetting the horse is a crucial part of the process. Most buyers will ask for a pre-purchase vetting before sealing the deal. This examination, either a two-stage or five-stage vetting, is carried out by a vet to determine if the horse is physically fit for the buyer's intended purpose.

Before the vetting takes place, the vet will have a chat with the buyer to gather information about the horse and what the buyer plans to do with it. It's a nerve-wracking time for everyone involved. All parties want the horse to pass with flying colours. But don't worry, as a seller, there are things you can do to increase the horse's chances of acing the vetting process.

Now, let's go through some dos and don'ts for sellers when it comes to pre-purchase vetting....

• First off, don't present a horse that's been out of work, unless everyone is aware that the horse is unfit or if the buyer specifically wants a project or a breeding animal. If the horse is intended for riding, it needs to have been regularly exercised to develop the necessary fitness level for the vetting.
• On the flip side, make sure the horse isn't overly excited and energetic, to the point that it won't stand still or behave during the trotting or lunging process. An overly energetic horse can make it difficult for the vet to assess properly, and that could impact the final assessment.
• However, don't push the horse too hard the day before the vetting. Working it excessively or for longer than usual could leave the horse with tight muscles, and it may not perform at its best on the big day.
• When it comes to presentation, don't go overboard. The vet doesn't need to see the horse in show ring condition with fancy grooming and hoof oil. However, the horse should be clean and tidy, with well-picked hooves. Don't just drag the horse out of the field and present it as is.
• Avoid getting the horse shod within a week of the vetting. If the horse is footsore from the farrier, the vet will send it away and ask for a re-presentation, wasting everyone's time and money.
• Also, be careful not to do anything that might compromise the horse's health. This means avoiding sedating the horse for dental work or giving it a vaccination that could make it feel unwell. Allow at least a week of recovery time after any such procedures.
• Now, it's important to plan ahead and know what to expect during the vetting process. If a sale has been agreed upon, try to get the vet to examine the horse as soon as possible. Vetting times can be unpredictable, so make arrangements with work or family accordingly.
• Ensure that your horse can be inspected without any issues. This includes being able to stand still for examination, being lunged, and walking and trotting in a straight line. The vet will ask the horse to walk and trot on a hard, flat surface, usually a quiet road or path if there's limited space in the yard. This might be a new experience for the horse, so practice trotting in the designated area to familiarize the horse with its surroundings.
• Keep the horse in its usual routine as much as possible. This means keeping it happy and relaxed, so it can show off its best self. If the horse is used to going out during the day, consider turning it out for a while before the vetting. Also, inform others at the yard about your plans, so they don't constantly walk horses around the area where the vetting will take place, which could stress or agitate your horse.

Think ahead, prepare accordingly and ensure you have the horse’s passport available at the vetting!