Thinking about buying a horse? A pre-purchase exam is one of the most important steps you can take, but it isn’t as simple as a horse “passing” or “failing.”
In this episode of Equine Vet Life, Dr. Jenna travels to Shelburne, Ontario to perform a complete pre-purchase examination on a promising young dressage prospect. Follow along as she walks through every stage of the exam, explains what she’s looking for, reviews the horse’s x-rays, and shares the biggest misconceptions horse buyers have about pre-purchase exams. Whether you’re buying your first horse or your next competition partner, you’ll learn: What a pre-purchase exam can (and can’t) tell you, Why horses don’t simply “pass” or “fail” a vet check, When x-rays and additional imaging are worth it, How your intended use of the horse changes the exam, Common mistakes buyers make before purchasing, How veterinarians help buyers make informed decision. A pre-purchase exam provides valuable information, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Dr. Jenna explains how to balance veterinary findings with training, temperament, and your long-term goals to make the best decision possible.
This article is for education. Every horse is different, so talk to your own veterinarian before making treatment decisions.
