Re: prepurchase exam

["Lauren Horn" <4horn@cox.net>]

I've done a few of the "out-of-state"  purchases and had vet exams done . You have asked for comments and advice and here's mine:

 

Communicate with the vet. Don't assume he knows everything or he will check everything. Tell him exactly what you want and what you expect. Fax a list over for him so it is accessible and he won't forget.

 

Unless you tell the vet, he/she will do a standard pre-purchase exam which is checking out the horse for the discipline stated and giving you the information of his findings whether the horse should do O.K. for the stated use. He will tell you what he finds and you will make the final decision. Most vets will not look for the things that I suggest because they are not "trained" to look for these subtle clues. That's why it is important for you to communicate fully. Pre-purchases are not a pass or fail.  I do tell the vet that not only am I paying for a pre-purchase but I am paying for his opinion, as I am out of state and I can't see the horse in person.

 

Try to get a vet that is familiar with endurance.

(stay away from vets who do a lot of QH types and western pleasure)

 

Have him evaluate temperament and manners. 

Have the vet watch the horse under saddle.

Check hoofs for symmetry. Explain that you don't want club feet or high/low hoofs.

Check shoulders for symmetry and evenness. (stand behind and above horse looking down to wither area)

Check hindquarters for even muscle development.

Check upper forelimbs for muscle symmetry.

Check to see if hip bones are even (stand behind horse)

Check conformation.

Special attention to: off set cannons, tied in at knees, sickle hocks, pastern length.

Check to see if horse is balanced. Is front end proportionately larger then the hind end, meaning that the horse "pulls" himself along, instead of pushing.

Have him check the shoes for signs of uneven wear.

 

 

See if you can arrange a person (sometimes the vet will bring an assistant) to video the exam.

Insist that the radiographs be of above average quality. (Yes, you have to say this)

Tell the vet that your stated use is 100 mile rides (even if you only want to do LD) because the vet, in the back of his mind, will know that you plan to ride this horse hard and he will be more thorough  and critical in his exam.

 

Of the 6 horses that I have had  vet checked , most vets "missed" important clues. One vet (endurance vet) strongly suggested that I NOT buy the horse, and I didn't. One vet had such bad radiographs that it was impossible to accurately see the joints. One vet overlooked so many indicators that said the horse was in pain and not using themselves properly (uneven muscle development).  I could go on.

 

Assuming you've asked the right questions to the seller and your vet is thorough, you won't be surprised when the horse is delivered to you. You will have a great horse and you will be pleased. Good Luck.

 

Lauren

 

Lauren & Allan Horn
San Juan Capistrano, CA