Before you buy, you should think carefully about the type of horse you’re looking for. When you purchase a horse, it becomes your responsibility 24/7, depending on your for its very health, comfort as well as safety.

There are four main points you should consider when buying a horse:
• What you plan to use it for
• The facilities you’ve got available
• The amount of time you’ve got to exercise and look after it
• The associated cost of both buying and keeping it

When viewing prospective buys, you might like to take a knowledgeable mate with you. They will not only be able to give you a valuable second opinion but they might also be able to spot problems that may arise.

When you’ve located your ideal horse, it is always advisable to have a vet’s certificate carried out. The 5 stage examination for purchase is carried out as required by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in association with the UK Veterinary Association and the Equine Veterinary Association.

The examination is carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon who will then report on whether or not it is advisable for the purchase to go ahead. You might like to use your personal surgeon who will not only appreciate but also advise on your specific requirements.

Having a horse thorough examined prior to purchase is no cheap business but it might well save you a couple of quid in the long run.

If the horse passes the exam, then the surgeon will complete a certificate to be used for insuring the horse when the sale is completed.

The certificate is at times issued by the vendor or their surgeon prior to the sale of the horse. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase vet exam.