You’ve finally found your dream horse! Next up is the pre-purchase exam (PPE). You want to be as familiar with the horse’s health history as possible and open the channel of communication with the veterinarian performing the exam. Follow these steps to ensure you get the most out of the PPE.
The More You Know
Before you schedule a PPE, make sure you do your homework. “In most cases, we have a set of radiographs available on each of our sales horses,” says Quinnten Alston, sales manager at Iron Spring Farm. “We know our horses very well and are transparent about their health history. We will answer any questions our clients or their veterinarian might have. Our goal is for every sale to be a perfect match.”
The more questions you ask, the better you’ll understand the horse’s potential for the job you want him to do.
● Have you asked the seller about the horse’s health and soundness history, including any previous PPEs?
● Do you feel the horse’s current level of work, fitness and training are compatible with your goals?
● Are you confident the seller knows the horse well and that you’ve received accurate information about the horse?
● Has your veterinarian reviewed any radiographs or other available health history?
● If you have a trainer, have they weighed in up to this point?
If you can answer a resounding yes to the questions above, you’re well on your way to a useful PPE.
Determine Your Team
Another important step for a successful PPE is to determine in advance who will be present during the evaluation or who may need to weigh in on the exam. Will you want your trainer to review the reports? Is your own veterinarian available to review radiographs and other findings?
“All of our clients and their trainers are welcome to attend the PPE in person,” Quinnten says. Of course, not everyone can do so, which is why working out the details and expectations in advance helps the entire process flow smoothly.
Select the Right Veterinarian
If your dream horse is not local to you, you will need to select a veterinarian in the area. “Most clients ask us for PPE vet recommendations,” Quinnten explains. “You can also get suggestions from your own trainer or your veterinarian. It’s important to connect with a veterinarian who knows what you’re looking for.”
Be sure the veterinarian performing the PPE is knowledgeable about your goals and familiar with your discipline. Components of a PPE can include a physical exam, lunging or ridden exam, hoof testing, flexion testing, a neurological exam and bloodwork. You may want to add additional diagnostics, so confirm with the veterinarian in advance that those services are offered.
With the advent of portable digital x-ray machines, you get in-the-field radiographs. This has been a gamechanger and allows you to make decisions in the moment regarding additional diagnostics. You can also take films of areas not previously considered, such as the back and the neck.
If you’re planning to breed the horse in the future, make sure the vet is up-to-date with reproductive work and can perform a reproductive exam.
Manage Your Own Expectations
“We manage our horses very carefully so we can present an accurate picture of their health and soundness history,” Quinnten says. “Before most of our clients schedule a PPE, they know they want to buy the horse and look at a PPE as research for how to manage the horse for the goals they have in mind.”
Sellers may ask for a deposit or other commitments prior to the PPE. “ISF requires a sales agreement and deposit to be in place prior to allowing a PPE on one of our sales horses,” Quinnten says. “This ensures there’s serious interest in the horse and also that the horse is taken off the market while the PPE is completed. This means we won’t show the horse to other clients during that time.”
Before the PPE, be honest with yourself about everything you’ve learned so far about the horse. Make sure you’ve discussed any issues with your trainer and veterinarian so you know what you can and cannot live with.
With the groundwork in place, you’re ready for the PPE and welcoming your new horse into your barn and heart.
Disclaimer:
All content provided by Iron Spring Farm is general and for informational purposes only. Content may also not constitute the most up to date information. Nothing in this content is intended to constitute veterinarian advice or to serve as a substitute for consultation with a veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified provider with any questions that you may have about the treatment and care of your horse.
Any reliance that you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk and Iron Spring Farm, its officers, employees, representatives, and agents, hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, consequential or other damages arising directly or indirectly from access to or use of any content provided to the maximum extent permitted by law.
