Horse Vettings in the South West

Areas We Cover

Isle Valley Equine will travel all across Somerset, Devon, Dorset and beyond for vettings. We have done vettings all over the United Kingdom and can advise you on the best procedure for checking potential purchases situated further from the Isle Valley Equine Clinic.

Responsive Vettings

Isle Valley Equine responsive horse vettings so that you can quickly decide on the purchase of your new horse rapidly and confidently. We can normally fit in a pre-purchase exam within 2 or 3 days of the initial request, and can offer impartial advice on whether a 5 stage or 2 stage exam is needed.

Horse Vetting Stage 1: Preliminary

This is a methodical examination of the horse's body to assess its general appearance and condition. The horse's teeth, skin, limbs and feet are examined, its resting heart is listened to and both eyes checked by ophthalmoscope. The horse's limb joints flexibility is also checked at this stage to reveal any pain or limitation of movement.

Horse Vetting Stage 2: Walk/Trot

The horse is walked and trotted on level ground in order to detect abnormalities of gait and action. Lunging on a firm surface is normally performed at this stage.

Horse Vetting Stage 3: Exercise

The horse is given sufficient exercise to:

• Make the horse breathe deeply and rapidly so that any unusual breathing sounds may be heard
• Increase the action of the heart so that abnormalities may be more easily detected
• Exert the horse so that any existing strains and injuries may be revealed by stiffness or lameness after a period of rest

Horse Vetting Stage 4: Rest

A period of rest with Isle Valley Equine vets. The horse is allowed to stand quietly for a period. During this time the horse's breathing and heart rate are checked as they return to the horse's natural resting levels.