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
