Once you have found the horse that you think is suitable to you and your needs, you should consider a prepurchase exam.
A prepurchase exam is a check of a horse's health and soundness preformed by a veterinarian.
This is a great way to ensure that you are buying a horse that is suitable for the type of use you have in mind.
Below are six things you should know about prepurchase exams.
1.
Prepurchase exams can range from a simple check of health and soundness to a more in-depth exam that includes x-rays, endoscopies, and blood work.
The thoroughness of the exam is determined by horse's intended use.
A pleasure horse usually does not require as thorough of an exam.
2.
The veterinarian performing the exam should be aware of the horses intended use, so he/she will be able to determine if the horse is right for this type of activity.
3.
Both the horse owner and buyer should be present for the exam.
During the exam, the veterinarian will make comments on what he/she is finding and it is important that both buyer and seller are there to hear those comments.
4.
In addition to comments on soundness, the veterinarian should also comment on the horse's temperament and behavior during the exam.
Temperament and behavior definitely will affect the horse's appropriateness for intended use.
The buyer should be aware if the temperament is not suitable.
For example, a horse with an aggressive temperament would not be suitable for the first-time horse owner.
5.
A blood test should be preformed if there is a suspicion of drug usage.
6.
The prepurchase exam will not give you a final verdict.
The report will contain the findings and the pros and cons of those findings related to the horse's planned use.
It is up to the buyer to use the information to make the final decision.