Prepurchase Examination.

A pre-purchase examination is NOT a pass or fail examination. It is an examination to evaluate the health and soundness of the horse at the time of examination and is not a guarantee against future breakdown or problems. It should be considered an investment, as the purchase price of the horse is only the beginning and buying a horse that may not suit your purpose can be an expensive mistake.

A pre-purchase examination begins with a conversation with the potential buyer about their expectations of the horse and its potential use.  The examination is then tailored to best fit with the buyers expectations.  It starts with an  evaluation of the entire horse at rest. The heart, lungs, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system and overall body condition are evaluated. The horse is then evaluated on soft and hard surfaces, in both a straight line and on the lunge.. Flexion tests are then performed to evaluate each limb region separately. Depending on use, the horse may also be evaluated under saddle.

Radiographs are commonly performed. Other common tests, depending on future use, include endoscopy, ultrasonography, blood work, drug testing, breeding soundness and ECG.

Finally, anything abnormal or undesirable, found by the veterinarian, and the potential implications or management  of these, is discussed with the potential buyer.