An Investigation of the Role of Ridden Exercise, Including Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, in Pre-Purchase Examinations of Sports Horses.

Many horses undergo a pre-purchase examination (PPE) prior to acquisition by a new owner; however, despite evidence that lameness and canter dysfunction may only be apparent during ridden exercise, ridden exercises assessing gait quality is not a routine part of PPEs. The objectives were to determine the influence of the results of ridden exercise on decision-making concerning risk assessment for purchase and to establish the long-term performance of horses. Twenty-five sports horses underwent PPEs including ridden exercises to assess gait quality and to apply the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE). Follow-up information concerning performance was acquired from British Eventing, British Dressage, and British Showjumping. Eight horses were considered a reasonable risk for purchase, none of which showed lameness during ridden exercises. All had RHpE scores ≤ 4/24. Six of these horses fulfilled the purchaser's expectations, all competing at a higher level than previously. One horse sustained a freak accident necessitating humane destruction. One horse developed lameness. Three horses with RHpE scores of 3 or 4/24 were considered suitable, but with reservations. None were purchased, and only one competed after an 18-months' interval. The remaining horses were considered high risk, and the twelve that were ridden had a median RHpE score of 6/12 (interquartile range 5-7, range 4-16). Of these, six horses showed overt lameness when ridden and six had gait dysfunction. Only one horse continued in competition; three horses returned to competition after six to eighteen months. The study included only 25 horses evaluated over six months; however, this facilitated acquisition of accurate long-term follow-up information. In conclusion, there were benefits of evaluating ridden exercise, including the application of the RHpE and identification of lameness or canter dysfunction, during PPEs.