Equine Bill of Sale | Pre Purchase Exam

Avoid Scams When Purchasing a Horse

Avoid Scams

Anytime business is transacted there is an opportunity for scams. Here is a very thorough discussion of best practices to avoid being the victim of a scam as a horse buyer or horse seller. Most of this advice applies to all horse trading, whether online or in person, and is worth a read. Avoid Scams

Every Horse Sale Should Have a Horse Bill of Sale

Horse Bill of Sale Form

Equine Pre-Purchase Exams

Avoid Future Disappointment and Financial Loss When Purchasing a Horse

My personal experience with two different horse purchases indicates the necessity for exercising caution. The first instance involved finding a dressage horse for my daughter. Using classified ads we tracked down a likely candidate in South Carolina. We drove from Florida and met with the horse owners at the barn where the horse was housed.

After my daughter did her test ride and we talked about the horse with the owner, we decided to order a pre-purchase exam from a local equine veterinarian. We had to return to Florida before the vet was able to do the exam but with every hope in mind that we found our horse.

Subsequently we received a report from the vet that the horse could not sweat and would be unsuitable for the Florida climate. The seller knew we were from Florida but was willing to take my money and put this horse in danger.

The second instance resulted in a vet report indicating the horse had some issues that would require ongoing treatment that we were unwilling to get involved with. Again, the seller did not report this problem.

Buyer Beware

When purchasing a horse at almost any level, it pays to have an equine veterinarian do a pre-purchase exam to assure the horse's soundness and suitability. The buyer or an agent should be present at the exam, so any questions and concerns can be addressed in person.

The equine pre-purchase examination is a veterinarian's evaluation of the horse to discover any problems that might affect the horse’s current or future performance and health. Most equine pre-purchase exams include a physical exam where the heart, lungs, eyes, conformation, skin, teeth, legs, and feet are evaluated.

After the initial exam, the horse's gaits are evaluated (in hand, under saddle or both) before flexion tests are performed to identify any areas of soreness. The buyers should obtain a detailed medical history from the seller, including any radiographs, ultrasounds, vaccinations, dentals, lameness, joint injections, illnesses, etc.

If the buyer is comfortable with the findings of the examination up to this point, further diagnostics can be pursued. Radiographs are recommended to check for any boney abnormalities, particularly of any potential problem areas identified during the exam. A full set of radiographs is always recommended and will provide a baseline should any issues arise in the future.

Ultrasound can be performed on any old injuries, or thickened tendons. Additionally, laboratory testing can be performed, most commonly general health screening and toxicology (drug testing for any pain killers, sedatives or other medications). When all lab and x-ray results are complete, the buyer is sent the final report.

Pre Purchase Exam Results

Equine veterinarians do not pass or fail a horse in a pre-purchase exam. The purpose of the pre-purchase exam is to provide information to the buyer about the horse's condition, and it is ultimately up to the buyer to decide whether or not to purchase the horse.

Save Money and Heartache

Using the information gathered, equine pre-purchase exams have saved many horse buyers much disappointment and financial distress.