FAQ Answer #5
- A prepurchase examination is almost always a good idea for both the buyer and the seller.
- For the seller it eliminates any implied warranty of soundness. Often some degree of buyer's remorse
comes into play shortly after the horse goes to its new home and the buyer recognizes it is not the one and
only perfect horse. This is especially true when the purchaser is selecting a young and inexperienced horse
and does not have the help of a trainer.
- For the buyer many possible pitfalls can be avoided. Buying the wrong horse can be very expensive. What
will you do with a horse that "just has sore feet from a recent too short trim" when it is still lame two or three
months later. Or how about that twelve year old bargain price horse that "the kids just don't ride anymore"
when you learn it is really twenty eight.
- For resale prospects getting baseline radiographs will help protect your investment and make sure it will
pass a vet exam when you move it up in value and offer it for sale. Prepurchase examinations can also
include
- Laboratory work such as:
- Fecal egg counts,
- Blood work - CBC, Chemistries
- Drug testing
- Coggins testing for transport
- Radiographs-lower legs, feet, hocks, knees, stifles
- Ultrasound Exam of tendons, ligaments, or reproductive tract
- Endosopic exam of upper airway
