The Strathbury's Horse

Our Selection & Vetting Process

Only the very best horses are selected to become a Strathbury's Horse. Every horse we consider goes through a rigorous, multi-stage selection and veterinary process designed to identify quality, soundness, and long-term potential.

We work exclusively with a trusted network of responsible breeders who introduce horses only when they are genuinely ready. From that point, each horse is produced carefully and progressively.

This uncompromising approach means that only 1 in every 39 horses makes the grade.

​

Step 1: Initial Video Assessment

We request a detailed and specific set of videos, including:

• Full conformation videos while standing

• Movement on hard ground from multiple angles

At this stage we also include a detailed questionnaire designed to get the required information before wasting any of our time.

This allows us to make an informed first assessment before progressing further. This will typically eliminate 11 of the original 39 Horses

​

Step 2: In-House X-Ray Review

All x-rays are reviewed internally by our experienced team.
Thanks to our depth of knowledge, we typically eliminate 11 of the remaining 28 horses at this stage.

​

Step 3: Independent Veterinary X-Ray Review

The remaining x-rays are then reviewed by one of our trusted English vets, who will usually eliminate a further 3 of the remaining 17 horses.

​

Step 4: Comprehensive 5-Stage Veterinary Examination

Horses that pass the x-ray stage undergo a full 5-stage vetting carried out by one of our trusted local veterinary practices.
This typically eliminates 10 of the remaining 14 horses.

​

The 5-Stage Vetting Includes:

Stage 1 – Rest
Full clinical examination including eyes, teeth, heart, lungs, skin, conformation, limbs, and feet.

Stage 2 – Movement
Walk and trot in hand, flexion tests, tight circles, backing up, and where appropriate, lunging on hard ground.

Stage 3 – Exercise
Strenuous exercise (ridden or lunged) in a ménage to assess fitness and expose any underlying issues.

Stage 4 – Rest & Recovery
Observation during cool-down, monitoring heart rate recovery and checking for stiffness.

Stage 5 – Re-assessment
Final trot-up on hard ground (straight lines and circles) to identify any delayed lameness.

Blood Sample
A blood sample is also taken and securely stored.

​

Step 5: Ridden Assessment

We visit the horse in person to:

• Watch the trainer ride

• Assess movement, balance, and ability

• Ride the horse ourselves to evaluate temperament, willingness, and feel

This stage typically eliminates 2 of the remaining 4 horses.

​

Step 6: Final Temperament & Behavioural Assessment

Finally, we assess the horse’s temperament and personality in detail, checking for:

• Stable vices

• Unusual marks or lesions

• Any behaviour or physical traits out of the ordinary

This final stage usually eliminates 1 of the final 2 horses.

​

The Result

Only horses that pass every single stage earn the title of a Strathbury's Horse — selected for soundness, temperament, and long-term potential.