Looking at buying a new horse? A Pre-purchase exam is a smart step to help you decide if this is the horse for you.
What to expect from a pre-purchase exam
Pre-purchase exams (PPEs) are extensive and can be time consuming, so be sure to block-off a couple hours for the exam.
The standard PPE starts with a thorough physical exam checking for heart/lung problems, potential skin issues, masses, and many other potential health problems. Once that is complete, an extensive lameness exam is performed. This includes trotting in straight lines on soft and hard ground (if available) and lounging at both the trot and canter (both directions) along with a complete set of flexion tests. Other exams included in the PPE are an ophthalmic exam (assessing the eyes) and a neurologic exam. A brief assessment of the horse’s dental health is also done.
Optional additional tests and exams include basic blood screens for liver/kidney/immune system assessment, drug screenings, sedated dental or urogenital exam, reproductive exams (if the horse is meant to be a broodmare or breeding stallion), and x-rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Does the buyer need to be present at the exam?
-Ideally the buyer would be present to see/discuss any problems uncovered in real time, but if the buyer is out of state or otherwise unavailable, we ask they be reachable by phone.
2) Does the seller need to be present?
-We ask the seller to fill out a history and permission form before the exam, but it is often better if the seller is not present for the exam.
3) Which x-rays are recommended?
-This is highly case dependent. Breed, age, discipline, and price of the horse all influence the recommendation or desire for x-rays and which ones are most useful.
4) Do additional tests/exams cost extra?
-Yes, if you are interested in additional testing we would be happy to give you a quote.
Pre-purchases are a great way to catch problems that might influence your desire to buy a horse or prepare you for what to expect if you do buy the horse, but any exam is only showing us the horse in a snap-shot in time. Regardless of the findings of a pre-purchase exam, we cannot guarantee the future health or soundness of any horse.
For more information, please feel free to call us at (303) 775-4061 to request an appointment.
