INDEPENDENT VETERINARY EXAMINATION
Step 4 — Check the essential points before buying
Before buying a horse, it is essential to have an independent veterinary examination carried out.
This examination allows us to assess the horse's general condition, to check certain points important for its future use and to better understand the potential risks before making a decision.
At IberHorse we can help you arrange this examination with an independent veterinarian, in the region where the horse is located.
WHY HAVE A VETERINARY EXAMINATION?
A horse may seem to match your search after the first few visits, but the purchase should never be based solely on an impression, videos, or a trial.
The veterinary examination allows you to obtain a professional opinion before proceeding. It does not guarantee the future of the horse, but it helps you to buy with more clarity and avoid some unpleasant surprises.
A veterinary examination is not mandatory, but it remains one of the most important steps before purchase.
WHAT THE EXAM MAY INCLUDE
Depending on the horse, its age, its intended use and your level of requirements, the examination may include several checks.
Horse document check
The veterinarian checks the horse's identification documents, its passport, and whether they match the horse being examined.
This first step allows us to confirm the basic information before continuing the examination.
General clinical examination
The veterinarian observes the horse's general condition: heart, respiration, temperature, eyes, mouth, skin and overall physical condition.
The goal is to detect any signs that might warrant special attention.
Static orthopedic examination
The veterinarian examines the horse while it is standing still: stance, limbs, back, joints and general symmetry.
This observation allows us to identify certain visible points before seeing the horse in motion.
Dynamic orthopedic examination
The horse is observed in motion at the walk, trot and canter, in a straight line and on a circle, on soft ground and on hard ground when conditions permit.
These observations are generally made without a horse rider, on the lunge line, in order to assess the regularity of the gaits, the locomotion and any visible discomforts in movement.
The veterinarian also performs flexion tests, then observes the horse trotting in a straight line after each flexion.
X-rays
X-rays can provide additional information about certain joints or sensitive areas.
They are particularly useful for sport horses, younger horses, or projects with a higher budget.
Additional analyses and examinations
Depending on the horse, its destination or your project, additional analyses may be recommended: blood tests, piroplasmosis, infectious anemia or other specific checks.
The veterinarian will advise you on the most appropriate tests for the situation.
POINTS TO CLARIFY BEFORE CONFIRMING THE EXAM
Before scheduling a veterinary appointment, it is important to define the type of examination desired and to know clearly who will cover the costs.
WITH OR WITHOUT X-RAYS?
The decision to take x-rays depends on the horse, its price, its age, its intended use, and the level of security you want before purchasing.
In some cases, a clinical examination may be sufficient.
In other cases, particularly for a sport horse or a high budget, radiographs can provide important information.
WHO PAYS FOR THE VETERINARY EXAMINATION?
The cost of the veterinary examination is the responsibility of the buyer.
Even though IberHorse helps you arrange the appointment, the veterinarian works for you, as the buyer.
He will send you his opinion, his report and, if applicable, the videos or X-rays taken during the examination.
The protocol
IberHorse veterinarian
To secure this important step, IberHorse works with a trusted veterinarian in each region of Spain and Portugal.
Wherever the horse is located, we organize a structured, clear and documented pre-purchase veterinary examination, according to the IberHorse protocol.
We have been working for years with veterinarians who are used to our way of doing things, both in Spain and Portugal.
This allows us to send a professional we know well, regardless of where the horse is located.
Everything is designed to ensure the examination is done properly from the start, with a thorough, clear and useful file to help you make your decision with confidence:
We have been working for years with veterinarians who are used to our way of doing things, both in Spain and Portugal.
This allows us to send a professional we know well, regardless of where the horse is located.
At the end of the examination, you will receive an IberHorse veterinary report written in Spanish-French or Spanish-English.
This document helps you understand the veterinarian's conclusions, easily share them with your own veterinarian, and maintain a clear record for insurance or a possible future resale.
Not all horses require exactly the same level of control.
Depending on the horse, its age, its price, its intended use and your destination, we help you define the most appropriate examinations: clinical examination, radiographs, analyses or additional checks if necessary.
The examination follows a pre-purchase control protocol created by IberHorse, in order to check each important point methodically and rigorously.
The goal is to avoid oversights, standardize checks, and provide you with a clear, complete, and directly usable file to help you make your decision.
When useful, we also document the examination with photos and videos: flexion tests, locomotion, scars, melanomas or any other element that needs to be shown clearly.
This helps to avoid areas of ambiguity and to convey more visual and precise information.
The veterinarian's contact details are included in the report.
If your own veterinarian wishes to ask a question or request clarification, they can contact him directly.
INDICATIVE RATES FOR VETERINARY EXAMINATIONS
Here are the most requested services before purchase, with their base price.
The prices below are shown in euros, excluding VAT.
The applicable VAT will be confirmed according to the buyer's situation and the context of the transaction.
VETERINARY SERVICES
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Clinical examination without x-rays 290
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Clinical examination with 14 x-rays 650
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Extra x-ray 35
From 20 x-rays onwards, the price is €25 per x-ray.
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General control 140
Blood test. Results in 3 to 6 days.
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Piro test 160
Blood test. Results in 3 to 6 days.
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Infectious anemia 120
Blood test. Results in 3 to 6 days.
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Doping test 260
Analysis. Results in 15 to 21 days.
The veterinary appointment is confirmed after payment for the examination.
A travel surcharge may apply if the stable is located too far from the veterinarian's service area.
Some horses or foals may require sedation for radiographs, which may result in an additional cost.
Any additional charges will always be confirmed to you before the service is validated.
AFTER THE VETERINARY EXAMINATION
Once you receive the veterinary report, you take the time to study it, ask your questions, and decide if you wish to proceed.
If the results allow you to move forward with confidence, the next step is to prepare for the purchase: reserving the horse, contract and necessary documents.
Step 5 — Booking, contract and payment