The pre-purchase exam is the most important investment a horse owner can make. The exam can help you decide if this horse will be appropriate for your intended purposes. Most importantly, the pre-purchase may keep you from making a costly mistake.

Obtain a written, signed history from the owner and/or agent selling the horse. The history should describe the horse, detail any previous medical and surgical problems, indicate the dates of any past radiographs (x-rays), list any medication given in the past 2 weeks, list dates of dewormings and vaccinations in the past year, and the pregnancy status of the horse, if a mare.

Here are examples of the pre-purchase exam:

1. We examine the horse’s general medical condition including temperature, eyes, coat, G.I. Auscult for sand, lungs, and heart.
2. The orthopedic portion of the examination, we palpate all tendons and joints flex and apply hoof testers to all four feet. We then walk, trot, and lunge the horse.
3. The last part of the examination, we would like to have either yourself or the owner ride the horse.

Other Examinations, for additional fees include:

• Radiographic (x-ray) exam of stifles, hocks, knees, fetlocks, and feet.
• Blood Screens to evaluate for infection and anemia. A drug screen can detect any drugs in the horse’s system.
• Reproductive exam including uterine culture or semen evaluation if the horse is going to be used for breeding.

Dr. Garfinkel will perform any of these tests or any other test you might be interested in having done. If you wish to have any of these test done contact us at 619.659.1180.

Confidentiality and Honesty

In most cases when we do find a problem in the horse, the sellers were not aware of issue before the examination. The examination should be used to help you make an educated decision whether or not to buy the horse. Dr. Garfinkel respects the owner’s right to confidentiality, and you should to. She will not examine a horse for you (the buyer) if the seller is her client.

Dr. Garfinkel does not “pass” or “fail” any horse she examines. You the buyer will make the final decision to purchase or not to purchase the horse.

If you have any concerns or questions about Pre-Purchase Examinations contact us at 619.659.1180.

Don't Skip It!

Owning a horse can be a big investment in time, money and emotion. Unfortunately, horses seldom come with a money-back guarantee. That’s why it is so important to investigate the horse’s overall health and condition through a purchase exam conducted by an equine veterinarian. Whether you want a horse as a family pet, a pleasure mount, a breeding animal, or a high performance athlete, you stand the best chance of getting one that meets your needs by investing in a purchase exam.

Purchase examinations may vary, depending on the intended use of the horse and the veterinarian who is doing the examination. Deciding exactly what should be included in the purchase examination requires good communication between you and your veterinarian. The following guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will help ensure a custom-tailored exam:

• Choose a veterinarian who is familiar with the breed, sport or use for which the horse is being purchased.
• Explain to your veterinarian your expectations and primary uses for the horse, including short- and long-term goals (e.g., showing, then breeding).
• Ask your veterinarian to outline the procedures that he or she feels should be included in the exam and why.
• Establish the costs for these procedures.
• Be present during the purchase exam. The seller or agent should also be present.
• Discuss with your veterinarian his or her findings in private.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request further information about your veterinarian’s findings in private.

The veterinarian’s job is neither to pass or fail an animal. Rather, it is to provide you with information regarding any existing medical problems and to discuss those problems with you so that you can make an informed purchase decision. Your veterinarian can advise you about the horse’s current physical condition, but he or she cannot predict the future. The decision to buy is yours alone to make. But your equine veterinarian can be a valuable partner in the process of providing you with objective, health-related information.

For more information about purchase exams, ask your equine veterinarian for “Purchase Exams: A Sound Economic Investment,” a brochure provided by the AAEP in conjunction with Education Partner Bayer Animal Health. Additional information can be found on the AAEP’s horse health Web site, www.myHorseMatters.com.

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.