The pre-purchase veterinary examination

Before you buy a horse, ask your veterinarian to give it a thorough examination, advises Dr Mac.

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The term 'horse trading' for tough bargaining originated for good cause! The qualities and faults of a horse are often difficult to assess objectively unless you're an expert, and the buyer and seller have opposing financial goals: minimising and maximising the price paid.

Between these two shadow boxers stands the veterinarian, who has to act as a referee, based on a professional opinion. To reduce the chance of bias, the veterinarian always acts on behalf of, and is paid by, the buyer, and should not be the seller's usual veterinarian.

The seller's veterinarian is not obliged to give the buyer the horse's veterinary history. However, the seller can give his or her vet permission to do so, as it will show integrity. In addition, if the seller is aware that the horse needs special shoeing or a specific diet to perform well, this should be mentioned to the buyer. A satisfied buyer who gets the expected results from a competition horse spreads the news and this will result in more sales.