The Most Important Step When Buying a Horse

You’ve searched and searched, and finally you’ve found a horse that you think might fit the bill. But before you purchase, make sure you remember the most important step when buying a horse: the prepurchase exam. 

A prepurchase exam is also known as a veterinarian check and can provide you with insights into how the horse will perform. Before you make the large financial commitment that comes with owning a horse, it’s important to have a vet verify that the horse you are about to buy is the right choice for you.

The Prepurchase Exam Process

The first step in the prepurchase exam is to make sure you use your own vet and not one that the seller organizes. It is also important you take an active role in the examination process. Discuss with the vet your goals from the examination, including your intended use of the horse and whether you are concerned only with the major issues of the horse or all of the smaller details as well. The seller should also be a participant because they have a thorough knowledge of the horse and its health history. 

Every vet’s examination process will be different but the exams should always start with a basic physical evaluation, including listening to heart and lungs; examining the eyes, ears, and teeth; taking pulse, temperature, and respiration readings; and getting an overall impression of the horse’s condition. The vet may also evaluate the horse’s conformation, pay attention to the horse’s hooves and observe how the animal is shod. 

The lameness evaluation is an important part of the examination that can point out the need for additional diagnostics. The results from this are frequently a deciding factor in whether a buyer continues with the purchase. The veterinarian will conduct this test by observing the way the horse moves in a couple of different scenarios. Results from this test may show signs of lameness, abnormalities in the footfalls or the pattern of the footfalls, a shortness of stride, and so on.  

Joint flexions is considered to be the central element of the soundness assessment by many buyers. The test is meant to simulate stress on a particular region or joint, and can reveal signs of lameness based on how the horse responds.

Depending on how thorough you want the test to be, the vet can also conduct x-rays, ultrasounds, bloodwork, and more. This is usually conducted if a red flag has popped up during the examination or if the buyer wants a complete look at the horse’s health.

Listen to Your Vet

It is important to listen to your veterinarian’s findings fully. If you already had your heart set on a horse but the examination did not go well, do not disregard the results even if you are already attached to the horse. 

By preparing yourself for the vet exam, you will know exactly what you are getting yourself into and it will help you determine whether you are making the right choice in moving forward with a purchase. The exam can also prepare you for what to expect from the horse after you buy it.