The pre-purchase exam is done before purchase, at the buyer’s expense. The veterinarian will assess a horse’s general health, soundness, and (to the best of his ability) determine if the horse is physically suited for what the buyer intends to do with it. Information from the exam is confidential between the veterinarian and buyer – the buyer may wish to share this information with the seller to negotiate price. The seller may wish to be present during the exam, but the buyer and veterinarian should have a private consultation.
The pre-purchase exam is not a guarantee of the horse’s immediate health or future soundness. It is a professional, third party opinion of the horses health, soundness and suitability.
Any horse you buy should already have a negative coggins test (it is illegal to trailer your horse without proof of negative coggins with you). Sometimes a seller will offer to pay for a health certificate, or minimal per-purchase exam. But the veterinarian is working for the person who is paying him. When you pay for the pre-purchase exam you’re able to talk with him and discuss the type of riding you intend on doing and any concerns either of you may have.
No matter what your price range, a pre-purchase exam should be included in your budget. You will save yourself the expense, many times over, in future vet bills on a horse that is not physically suited to the type of riding you will be doing. This can be especially true if you are offered a “free” horse. Exactly what you will need in a pre-purchase exam and how much it will cost depends on the type of riding you do, and the purchase price of the horse.
The pre-purchase exam usually begins in the stall or barn with a screening of the eyes, listening to the lungs and heart, and taking the horse’s temperature. The vet will then run his hands over the horse. He is looking for swollen glands, lumps, bumps, inflammation in the tendons, and tender spots. He is also feeling for heat anywhere in the legs or hooves that would indicate an injury. He will gently flex all of the horse’s joints to see if there is any stiffness or pain in them. As he is doing this he will also be sizing up the horse’s overall condition and conformation. Conformation refers to the way the horse is built; how well proportioned and balanced he is, and how properly aligned his legs are.
