A Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE, or “vetting”) is an independent veterinary assessment of a horse before you buy. You commission and pay for it — ideally using a vet with no prior relationship to the seller.
What the vet checks
- Eyes, heart and lungs — at rest and after exercise
- Limbs, feet, and flexion tests for signs of lameness
- Teeth, skin, and overall condition
- A full exam also works the horse hard, then re-assesses it after a rest period
Basic vs full
- 2-stage (basic): cheaper, no strenuous work — suits low-value or light-use horses
- 5-stage (full): recommended for performance or higher-value horses
Rough cost
Expect roughly £250–£600 in the UK or $250–$700 in the US, more with x-rays or blood tests. Ask for blood to be stored so it can be tested later for masking drugs.
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