Whats the point of getting a Pre-purchase Exam?
PPEs are an important step in the process of acquiring your horse. The exam can help you decide whether or not the horse is right for you. The point of the exam is not to pass or fail the horse in question but to lay out any findings and allow you to decide whether or not you are comfortable moving forward. Even a free horse should be examined because he or she may require a great deal of care that can be very disappointing and expensive to the new owner.
The exam findings will:
- answer whether the horse is fit enough or sound enough to meet your performance expectations
-give you an overview of what type of treatments the horse might need over time to help maintain their soundness and fitness
-give you proper guidance on any shoeing or hoof trimming changes that may be indicated
-commit the seller to signing a documented questionnaire/history
-potentially provide information that can help in negotiations with the seller
What does the PPE Entail?
The buyer will fill out a form providing their goals and expectations. The form will provide the buyer with a breakdown of the exam and their options.
The seller will also be required to fill out and sign a detailed questionnaire about the health and history of the horse and provide any pertinent medical records.
The clinical examination includes a basic evaluation of the horse's respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems as well as of their eyes, ears and mouth. During the moving evaluation, the horse will be examined at a walk and trot on a firm surface, and lunged at the walk, trot and canter in both directions on both a firm and arena surface if possible. In addition, flexions of the forelimbs and hind limbs will be evaluated. The limbs and back will be palpated to find any regions of soreness, swelling, or stiffness.
Following the moving examination, the horse will proceed to
radiographs if elected by buyer.
Blood work will be recommended and discussed on a case by case basis.
Buyer and Seller Forms:
|
| ||||