The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has launched a new Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE) Seller’s Declaration, as part of its updated online PPE toolkit for vets.
Created with support from British Equestrian and the British Horse Society (BHS), the new form aims to make buying and selling horses simpler and more transparent for everyone involved.
The five-stage PPE helps buyers make informed, objective decisions about a horse before purchase. The new Seller’s Declaration is now a separate document that the buyer can request directly from the seller before the PPE begins. This means sellers share important details upfront – such as any history of lameness, management needs, or previous veterinary treatments – so the buyer has a clear picture from the start.
Lucy Grieve, Veterinary Projects Officer at BEVA, explained that the new process “makes things smoother and more efficient for buyer, seller, and vet alike,” by cutting out unnecessary back-and-forth and ensuring key information is available early on.
Gemma Stanford, Director of Horse Care and Welfare at the BHS, welcomed the update: “Buying a horse is a big decision and shouldn’t be rushed. BEVA’s new Seller’s Declaration helps ensure buyers have all the facts they need, while keeping the horse’s welfare at the heart of the process.”
For horses on sales livery, responsibility for completing the Seller’s Declaration remains with the legal owner of the horse, as they hold the most accurate information about its history and care. However, sales agents or livery yards facilitating the sale can help coordinate and share the form with potential buyers. This ensures all parties are clear and transparent from the outset, helping the process run smoothly and with the horse’s welfare as the top priority.
The new PPE toolkit also includes a digital PPE guide, updated worksheets, and useful links to support vets and horse owners.
Find out more about the Seller’s Declaration here