Pre-Purchase Evaluations

A pre-purchase evaluation is a critical step in any horse purchase. It allows the buyer to glean essential information about the prospective horse's health and soundness in order to make the most informed purchase decision possible.

Our pre-purchase evaluations begin with a discussion of the horse's history as well as the prospective buyer's goals for the horse. A complete and thorough physical examination is then performed. This includes (but is not limited to) assessment of overall condition and conformation, an evaluation of heart and lungs, an ophthalmic (eye) exam, an oral (dental) exam, evaluation of feet and shoeing, and palpation and range of motion of all limbs. Next a soundness exam is performed which involves observing the horse's gait for lameness or other abnormalities on the lunge and/or under saddle on soft and hard ground followed by flexion tests on all four limbs.

All abnormal findings will be discussed with the prospective buyer or their authorized agent. The veterinarian's responsibility is not to "pass" or "fail" the horse or make a purchasing decision for the buyer. Rather, it is to give you the most complete picture of the horse on the day of the exam and bring to light issues that may need to be monitored/managed or that may discourage buyer from moving forward with the purchase. Additional testing such as radiographs (x-rays), labwork, and ultrasounds can be performed at the buyer's request for an additional charge.

In order to provide you with the most complete and efficient pre-purchase evaluation possible we request that you submit the "Pre-Purchase Request Form" by clicking the link below as well as having the seller complete the "Pre-Purchase Seller Questionnaire" linked below.