Pre-Purchase Horse Exam: What Every Buyer Needs to Know

Pre-Purchase Horse Exams

What Every Buyer Needs to Know Before Investing

Buying a horse is exciting—and an investment in time, money, and emotion. Whether you’re looking for a family companion or a high-performance athlete, one of the most important steps in the process is a pre-purchase examination (PPE).

A thorough PPE helps avoid costly mistakes, ensures the horse is physically suitable for your goals, and provides peace of mind before you commit.

Understanding the Exam: What Is It and Why It Matters

The purpose of a PPE is to evaluate the horse’s health, soundness, and overall suitability so you can make an informed buying decision—not to give a horse a “pass” or “fail” grade.

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), a successful pre-purchase exam should be tailored to your goals and include the following:

Choose a veterinarian familiar with the breed, discipline, or intended use of the horse. Share your expectations and both short- and long-term plans (e.g., showing, breeding, trail riding).
Ask your veterinarian to outline recommended procedures and explain why each one matters.
Discuss and agree upon the cost of the exam and any optional diagnostics.
Be present during the examination, along with the seller or their agent.
Review the findings privately with your veterinarian.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification on any results.

Learn more about our Pre-Purchase Evaluation Services.

Buyer’s Checklist: What to Expect During the Exam

A typical PPE begins with a comprehensive physical exam, which includes:

Vital signs and overall body condition
Eyes, teeth, heart, and lungs
Skin, limbs, joints, and hooves

Next, the veterinarian will observe the horse in motion—walking, trotting, and possibly performing under saddle—to detect subtle signs of lameness or gait irregularities. Hoof health, shoeing, and limb conformation are also evaluated, as they directly impact performance and long-term soundness.

Advanced Diagnostics: Tests That Reveal Hidden Issues

Based on the horse’s intended use or findings during the initial exam, additional diagnostics may be recommended, including:

Radiographs (X-rays): Evaluate bone structure and detect signs of lameness or joint issues.
Ultrasound: Visualize soft tissue structures, such as tendons and ligaments.
Drug testing and bloodwork: Assess overall health or screen for medications that may mask underlying issues.
Endoscopy: Evaluate airways or gastric health (e.g., signs of ulcers).
Bone scan (nuclear scintigraphy): Detect bone abnormalities not visible on X-ray.
MRI: Provide detailed imaging of both bone and soft tissue, particularly in complex or subtle cases.

Tailoring the Exam: How Your Goals Shape the PPE

A key benefit of a PPE is that it can be customized to your needs. Different types of horses have different physical demands, and the exam should reflect that.

Performance Horses: If you’re purchasing for high-impact sports (jumping, dressage, racing, endurance), your vet may recommend more extensive lameness evaluations, radiographs of high-stress joints, or advanced imaging to assess joint, tendon, and ligament health.
Breeding Horses: Buyers interested in breeding prospects should prioritize reproductive soundness and genetic health. This may involve reproductive evaluations, ultrasound, and screening for heritable conditions.
Pleasure or Companion Horses: These horses may not require as many diagnostic tests, but a general wellness check is essential. Your veterinarian will focus on mobility, dental health, hoof condition, and temperament to ensure the horse is suitable for a lower-intensity lifestyle.

What to Bring to Your Pre-Purchase Exam

To help your veterinarian get the clearest picture possible, come prepared with the following:

Any available medical or vaccination records from the seller
A copy of the bill of sale or purchase agreement (if applicable)
Tack and equipment if an under-saddle evaluation is needed
A list of your goals for the horse (e.g., intended discipline, short/long-term plans)
A notepad or mobile device to take notes during the evaluation

Making a Confident Decision

Once the exam is complete, your veterinarian will walk you through the findings and help you understand how they relate to the horse’s intended use and long-term care.

A PPE empowers you to balance your emotional connection with the horse and the practical realities of ownership. It’s about making the most informed decision possible, not just for today, but for the years to come.