up for 45-60 seconds and the horse is trotted away in a straight line. This is a means of applying stress to the various soft tissue and boney components of the musculoskeletal system and, where a pre-existing problem is present, this additional stress may manifest itself as lameness during the trot up. A flexion test is considered positive if the horse takes more than 3-5 steps to return to a normal gait. It is not the job of the examining vet to pinpoint the cause of the problem, only to assist in the prospective purchaser's decision making.


Lungeing on a firm surface is also a common test performed during PPEs. While it is a tough test for most horses, it can show up lameness that may not be evident elsewhere. However, if the ground is overly smooth or slippery, or the horse’s temperament is not suitable, it may not be possible to perform this test.


A 2 stage PPE is concluded at this point. Stage 3 – Exercise phase


This phase is usually ridden and the aim is to give sufficient exercise to assess the horse when it has an increased breathing effort and heart rate. The horse’s gait should be assessed at walk, trot, canter, and if appropriate, gallop. Any abnormal behaviour seen during this phase should be noted and discussed with the buyer – e.g. if the horse appears cold-backed or shakes its head excessively.


A blood sample taken at the end of the PPE is stored for 6 months and can be tested if the horse subsequently develops problems


Additional tests


In some cases it may be necessary to perform additional examinations – e.g. limb x-rays, ultrasound scans of certain tendons or ligaments, or endoscopic examination of the upper airways. These procedures can be requested by insurance companies (it usually depends on how much the horse is being insured for), or the vet may advise them based on findings of the PPE. These procedures will require the consent of the current owner and will incur additional costs to the buyer.


Other tests, which may include pregnancy testing, examination of the genitalia for breeding soundness, height measurements and a comprehensive oral examination using a full mouth speculum (gag), are not part of the routine 5 stage PPE. They can be undertaken at the purchaser's request and expense, but will require the vendor's permission.


The PPE Report


At the end of the PPE, the purchaser is provided with a written report. This will note all aspects of the PPE and any significant findings. Remember that the PPE outcome is specific to the horse and the requirements of the purchaser; there is no 'pass' or 'fail'. The vet will determine whether the horse is suitable for the job he will be expected to do and will note any concerns or abnormalities. The decision to buy the horse always lies with the purchaser.


A horse’ s gait will be assessed at different paces, usually ridden, during Stage 3 of the PPE.


As the horse is being pushed on in canter or gallop (depending on what the facilities allow and what is appropriate for the horse’s fitness and purpose) the vet will listen to the horse’s breathing. Abnormal breathing sounds may indicate an airway problem that could impair athletic ability. When the horse has completed the fast work, the vet will listen to the horse’s heart to check for any abnormalities post-exercise.


Immature or unfit horses are likely to tire more quickly than fit horses and this is reflected in the time taken to conduct this stage of the PPE, which should be tailored to suit the horse and its intended purpose. For example, a racehorse should be seen galloping for a suitable distance, whereas a child’s lead rein pony would not require assessment at speed.


Stage 4 – Rest period and re-examination


The horse is returned to the stable and the tack removed. The heart and lungs are listened to as the horse recovers from the exercise phase. The horse’s normal behaviour in the stable can be observed again. Some vices are displayed aſter exercise, so may be observed during this time.


Stage 5 – Second trot up


The final stage involves trotting the horse up in hand again. This is to assess any changes or lameness that may have arisen from the exercise or recovery phases. Some vets repeat the whole of stage 2, including the flexion tests and lungeing in order to satisfy themselves of a thorough examination.


Blood sample


It is usual for a blood sample to be taken at all PPEs. This is stored for 6 months and can be tested for drugs (sedatives, pain killers and steroids) if the horse subsequently develops problems, which may have been masked by medication.


The PPE report can also affect how an insurance company views the horse in terms of risk. They may consider certain findings in the report to represent an increased risk for insurance, which could result in policy exclusions. It is advisable to determine any exclusions that will be placed on the insurance policy before completing the purchase. This will not affect whether the horse is suitable for purchase for its intended use, but allows planning and budgeting for ongoing care if the insurance is going to exclude specific issues or parts of the horse’s body.


Seller's Warranty


The prospective purchaser may consider obtaining a warranty from the seller with respect to vices, height, previous conditions or surgery or other significant information before purchasing the horse. A seller's warranty is a matter between seller and purchaser and is not the responsibility of the examining vet.


Rossdales’ vets regularly undertake pre-purchase examinations for pleasure horses and high value competition horses. Call us on 01638 663150 (Newmarket) or 01462 790221 (Hertfordshire), or visit www.rossdales.com for more information.


Vet Profile Mark Grant MA VetMB BSc PhD CertAVP(ED) BAEDT MRCVS


Mark is partner responsible for the team providing ambulatory veterinary services to Rossdales’ leisure horse clients. He enjoys a varied workload and his special interests are dentistry, internal medicine and ophthalmology. He is an RCVS Advanced Veterinary Practitioner in Equine Dentistry and a BAEDT practical examiner. In addition to a large routine dental caseload, Mark also spends part of his time at Rossdales Equine Hospital where he sees dental referrals.


Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements THE WINTER SPECIAL 2019 29


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