Equine Pre-Purchase Examinations
Buying a horse is a significant investment, whether you are looking for a family horse, show prospect, performance horse, breeding animal, or your first horse.
An equine pre-purchase examination (PPE) provides an independent veterinary assessment of the horse's health and physical condition at the time of the examination. The goal is not to determine whether a horse “passes” or “fails,” but to give the prospective buyer valuable information to consider when deciding whether the horse is appropriate for their intended use.
Jacksonville Equine Associates provides comprehensive pre-purchase examinations throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, as well as at our Green Cove Springs clinic.
Why Have a Pre-Purchase Exam?
No horse is perfect, and abnormalities discovered during a PPE do not necessarily mean that a horse should not be purchased. Instead, the examination helps identify existing conditions and potential areas of concern that may be relevant to the horse's intended use.
A PPE may help you better understand:
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The horse's current overall health
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Current soundness and musculoskeletal findings
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Evidence of previous injuries or abnormalities
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Findings that may warrant additional diagnostic testing
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Potential management or maintenance considerations
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Areas that should be monitored in the future
The significance of a finding can vary considerably depending on whether the horse is being purchased for pleasure riding, breeding, youth competition, jumping, dressage, barrel racing, eventing, or another discipline.
For this reason, it is important to tell our veterinarian exactly what you intend to do with the horse.
What to Expect During a Pre-Purchase Examination
A PPE is a detailed, systematic evaluation of the horse. The exact examination may vary based on the horse's age, intended use, purchase price, history, and the buyer's individual concerns.
A typical examination may include evaluation of:
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General physical condition and body condition
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Heart and lungs
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Eyes and vision-related structures
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Oral cavity and dentition
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Skin and identification markings
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Limbs, joints, feet, and musculoskeletal structures
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Evidence of previous injuries, scars, or surgical procedures
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Conformation
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Gait and movement
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Soundness at the walk and trot
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Neurologic or other findings when indicated
The veterinarian may also perform flexion tests and additional movement evaluations as appropriate. Whenever possible, the horse should be examined on a suitable surface where the veterinarian can safely evaluate the horse both standing and in motion.
Additional Diagnostics
A pre-purchase examination does not automatically include every diagnostic test available.
Based on the horse, intended use, examination findings, and buyer's preferences, additional testing may be recommended or requested.
This can include:
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Digital radiographs
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Ultrasonography
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Bloodwork
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Drug screening
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Additional ophthalmic evaluation
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Other diagnostic testing when indicated
For higher-level performance horses or horses with particular areas of concern, buyers may elect to obtain a more extensive set of radiographs or other diagnostics even when the initial examination does not identify an obvious abnormality.
Our veterinarians can discuss available options with you so you can determine the appropriate scope of the examination.
Should the Buyer Be Present?
We strongly encourage the prospective buyer to be present whenever possible.
Being present allows you to see findings as they are identified, discuss their potential significance directly with the veterinarian, and ask questions throughout the examination.
If you cannot attend, discuss this with our office ahead of time so arrangements can be made for communication during or following the examination.
What Do the Results Mean?
A pre-purchase examination is not a pass-or-fail test.
Our veterinarian's role is to evaluate the horse, document relevant findings, explain their potential significance, and provide you with information to help you make an informed decision.
An abnormal finding does not automatically make a horse unsuitable. Likewise, a normal examination cannot guarantee that a horse will remain healthy or sound in the future. The significance of each finding must be considered in relation to the horse's intended use, age, history, level of performance, and the buyer's individual expectations and risk tolerance.
The final decision to purchase the horse remains with the buyer.
Pre-Purchase Examination Report
Following the examination, the buyer will receive documentation of the veterinarian's findings.
Our veterinarian will discuss significant findings with you and can answer questions about recommended additional diagnostics, potential management considerations, or areas that may warrant future monitoring. We encourage buyers to ask questions. If you are purchasing your first horse, we are also happy to help you better understand the veterinary findings and what they may mean for the horse's future care.
A PPE Is a Snapshot in Time It is important to understand that a pre-purchase examination reflects the veterinarian's findings on the day the horse is examined. A PPE cannot predict every future injury, illness, or soundness problem, nor can it guarantee a horse's future performance. Its purpose is to provide as much objective veterinary information as reasonably possible so that you can make a more informed purchasing decision.
Equine Pre-Purchase Exams in Northeast Florida & Southeast Georgia
Jacksonville Equine Associates provides equine pre-purchase examinations throughout our Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia service area and at our Green Cove Springs haul-in clinic.
If you are considering purchasing a horse, we recommend scheduling the PPE before finalizing the sale and letting our office know in advance if you anticipate requesting radiographs, ultrasound, bloodwork, or other additional diagnostics.
To schedule an equine pre-purchase examination, contact Jacksonville Equine Associates at (904) 387-3330.