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Re: Re: prepurchase exam



I recently spent $475 to have my horse 'pre - purchased' and I own him!!  I had a full set of over 30 radiographs done so I could assess how to proceed with his training and maintenance.  He is 14 and in his third year of endurance - last year being in the top six of all 6 fifty milers with exception of the first one in the spring. He was pulled at the last 100 of the season for a pulled muscle suffered when he tripped, and I wanted to make sure there was not an underlying reason why he did trip.
 
I wanted to know he was ok to go this year, even though I have had virtually no lameness problems.  It was money well spent.  I have a HUGE peace of mind knowing I am not starting the year with problems, or aggrivating something he may be too stoic to show.  My husband is a vet, but we took him to a specialist with better quality x-ray equipment, and of course, my husband was able to help me completely understand the evaluation.  My horse passed with flying colors and except for a narrowing in one hock joint space that we can maintain with adaquan, he is ready to roll. 
 
I heartily recommend this process to anyone who is asking for high performance from their partner.  I can now compare radiographs of him as he gets older, and better assess his ability to continue competing.
 
Laura Hayes AERC #2743

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


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