Obviously, a multitude of reasons exist as to why it is useful, important is a better word, to have a horse thoroughly examined prior to purchase. The most logical reasons being: 1. horses are an expensive investment (that includes both the purchase price and the cost of maintaining the horse after purchase); 2. most horses that are sold are in the category of a used car, that is, they have had other owners. This implies that they are being sold for several reasons (hoped for profit, perhaps not doing their job as well as was hoped, etc.); 3. some horses are sold that have defects which are only apparent with a careful examination.

I suggest the following procedures and philosophy be employed when considering purchases and examination. Select a veterinarian who has experience with not only the procedures but with horses that are used in the athletic discipline that you are potentially acquiring this horse for (for example, a show jumper has somewhat different needs than a Thoroughbred race horse, a team roping horse, dressage, driving, rodeo, a mare being purchased as a brood mare, etc.). Find out from the selected pool of practioners as to what to expect in the examination and the fees. Be sure that you are aware of how the information will be communicated to you (report, form, letter, etc.) but do ask for said information in a written form.

Assuming that you wish to get such an animal examined, ask that the owner or owner's agent be present at the time of the examination. Information about the horse's history is only valid from the owner or the owner's agent. It is not at all unusual that a qualified equine practitioner will find defects on most any given horse and may wish to ask specific questions concerning his or her findings of the owner. Be also aware that a practitioner will wish to see the horse worked at whatever his or her intended use is - therefore, be sure that the examination can occur in a locale where he or she can be ridden. This means that the owner or the owner's designate be present to accomplish this. It is not your job or the examining veterinarian's to provide a rider and equipment and, in fact, it is foolish for purposes of liability to do so.

Most examinations include a thorough physical examination, observation when exercised, and usually some ancillary examinations (x-rays, laboratory work, etc.). When the examination is completed, you as the potential buyer, should take the opportunity to discuss the examining veterinarian's findings and the implications of such findings. Do not hesitate to get a second opinion if you are confused. Know, however, that the examiners ability to predict the future is always limited. A prepurchase examination is NOT A WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE OF FUTURE SOUNDNESS.

Over the years this examiner has picked up all kinds of both potential and real problems which the buyer had not. This included things such as: a different horse for me to examine relative to the one the buyer thought he was purchasing; horses represented as being a quoted age - only to find out they were considerably older; a gelding that was represented as a mare; and obviously any number of leg, respiratory, cardiac and other physical dilemmas. Basically, the examination helps to reduce the risk involved in purchasing an unfamiliar horse. The prepurchase examination, especially if you, the potential buyer, feel that you are new to the horse world, provides an excellent opportunity to begin a health plan (worming schedules, dental management, feeding practices, vaccination schedules, etc.).