You have found a lovely pony, everyone is excited, and the seller seems honest. Do you really need to spend money having a vet check it over? In almost every case, yes. A pre-purchase examination — a "vetting" — is the single best way to avoid an expensive or heartbreaking mistake, and it costs a fraction of the price of buying the wrong pony.
This guide explains what a vetting is, the difference between a 2-stage and a 5-stage, what it costs, and how to arrange one properly.
What is a pony vetting?
A vetting is a health and suitability examination carried out by an independent vet before you buy, to help you make an informed decision. Crucially, it is not a pass/fail test and not a guarantee. The vet assesses the pony on the day and advises whether, in their opinion, anything found is likely to affect the pony doing its intended job — in our case, being a safe, sound family pony. You then decide whether to proceed.
2-stage vs 5-stage: what is the difference?
There are two standard levels of vetting.
The 2-stage vetting
Covers the first two stages of the full examination:
- Stage 1 — preliminary examination: a thorough clinical check at rest — eyes, heart, lungs, teeth, skin, limbs and feet.
- Stage 2 — walk and trot in hand: the pony is walked and trotted up, often with flexion tests and turns, to look for lameness or abnormal movement.
A 2-stage is quicker and cheaper, and for a modestly priced first or family pony it is often perfectly adequate. Its limitation: it does not assess the pony under hard exercise, so a problem that only shows when the pony is worked harder may be missed.
The 5-stage vetting
Adds three further stages:
- Stage 3 — strenuous exercise: the pony is ridden or lunged to raise its heart and breathing rate.
- Stage 4 — rest and re-examination: heart and lungs are monitored as the pony recovers.
- Stage 5 — second trot-up: the pony is trotted again to reveal any stiffness or lameness brought out by the exercise.
A 5-stage usually also includes a blood sample, stored so it can later be tested for pain-relieving or sedative drugs if a problem emerges. For a more expensive pony, a competition prospect, or simply for full peace of mind, the 5-stage is well worth it.
Which should I choose?
As a rough guide: a 2-stage is often enough for an inexpensive, steady first pony where the risk is modest; a 5-stage is the wiser choice for a pricier pony, a competitive one, or whenever you want the fullest picture. If in doubt, ask the vet — they will advise based on the pony and your plans. Your budget should always include the vetting.
What does a vetting cost?
Costs vary by region and vet, but as a rough guide expect from around £100–£150 for a 2-stage and £200–£350 or more for a 5-stage, plus mileage and the cost of any extras such as X-rays or blood testing. It is money extremely well spent: it can save you thousands, and save your child from losing a pony they have already fallen in love with.
How to arrange a vetting properly
- Use an independent vet. Never use the seller's own vet. Instruct a vet with no connection to the seller, so the examination is genuinely on your side.
- Tell the vet the pony's intended job. "A first pony for a nervous 8-year-old to hack and do Pony Club" helps them judge suitability, not just soundness.
- Be there if you can. Seeing the examination and talking to the vet is invaluable.
- Consider insurance implications. A vetting is often required — and the findings noted — for insurance, so arrange cover to start from purchase.
A vetting is part of buying safely — not the whole of it
A clean vetting is reassuring, but it works alongside the rest of safe buying: viewing in person, trying the pony more than once, checking the passport and microchip, and never paying for a pony you have not seen. Read our buying safely guide and take our questions to ask a seller and viewing checklist to every visit.
Ready to look? Browse first ponies for sale — and when you find the one, book the vet before you fall completely in love.