Purchasing a horse is a big investment - in time, money and emotion. This is why we recommend having the horse's current condition and soundness assessed. Rather than a pass-fail type exam, the purpose of the pre-purchase exam is to help a buyer make a more informed decision. Exams can be as extensive as the potential buyer desires, however, the basis of a pre-purchase is a thorough, complete physical examination, as well as a lameness examination. Additional diagnostics include radiographs and ultrasound. It's ideal for the purchaser or trainer to be present. If they are unable to be present, the purchaser should be available by phone so any abnormal findings can be discussed immediately. Whether you are buying a horse to hit the trails or the show ring, we highly recommend a pre-purchase exam.
If you're in the market for a new horse, contact us today to schedule an equine pre-purchase exam. We'll evaluate your horse's health and athletic soundness so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase them. Horses are a big investment, so it's important to make sure you're getting the right one! Get in touch with us at Countryside today to get started.
As the equine buyer, there are a few steps that you can take to prepare for a horse's pre-purchase exam and ensure it goes quickly and smoothly. First, request the horse's full health history from the seller — everything from vaccinations to deworming to x-rays — and have them send it to your examining veterinarian, such as Countryside. Then, it's important to ask yourself a few questions to determine if this purchase is the right investment for you, such as:
If you're having a horse assessed before purchase, there are a few issues that the examiner might come across. Here are just a few examples to be aware of:
Additional recommended checks includes:
If you're in the market for a new horse, it's important to have them checked out by a veterinarian first. At Countryside Veterinary Services in Covington, we offer comprehensive pre-purchase exams to fully assess a horse's condition and soundness before purchasing.
Contact us today to schedule an equine pre-purchase exam — we'll be happy to help you get started on the process of finding your new horse.
As many of our clients know, we love sharing our knowledge and important animal health news. Our blog contains valuable educational resources in one easy location.
