Equine Prepurchase Exams: Why Every Horse Buyer Needs One

Equine Prepurchase Exams: What Horse Buyers Need to Know

Purchasing a horse is an exciting and significant investment, whether you’re looking for a performance horse, trail companion, or breeding prospect. However, before finalizing your decision, one of the most crucial steps is a prepurchase exam (PPE)—a thorough veterinary evaluation to assess the horse’s health, soundness, and suitability for your intended use.

At Lewiston Veterinary Clinic, we provide comprehensive prepurchase exams to help buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected health issues down the road. This guide will cover what a prepurchase exam includes, why it’s important, and how to interpret the results.

What Is an Equine Prepurchase Exam?

A prepurchase exam (PPE) is a detailed veterinary evaluation performed before purchasing a horse. While not a pass-or-fail test, the PPE provides critical insights into the horse’s current health, past medical history, and potential future soundness issues.

According to Cornell University, a PPE should be customized based on the buyer’s intended use of the horse. A high-level performance horse will require a more extensive exam than a horse intended for pleasure riding.

Why Are Prepurchase Exams Important?

1. Identifying Potential Health Issues

Some conditions, such as lameness, respiratory problems, or vision impairments, may not be obvious during a casual inspection.
A PPE uncovers hidden issues that could affect the horse’s long-term performance and well-being.

2. Protecting Your Investment

Horses are a financial and emotional commitment—a PPE helps ensure you’re making a wise purchase.
If significant health concerns arise, you may negotiate a lower price, request further diagnostics, or reconsider the purchase altogether.

3. Ensuring the Horse Matches Your Needs

A horse that is sound today may not stay sound for your intended use if underlying issues exist.
Evaluating conformation, gait, and medical history ensures the horse can meet your expectations.

Read more about why PPEs matter from SmartPak Equine.

What to Expect During a Prepurchase Exam

A PPE varies based on buyer preference, intended use, and veterinarian recommendations. However, a standard exam typically includes:

1. Physical Examination

Vital signs: Temperature, pulse, and respiration rate
Heart and lungs: Checking for murmurs, arrhythmias, or breathing abnormalities
Eyes: Evaluating for cataracts, vision impairment, or uveitis
Teeth and mouth: Assessing dental health and age estimation

2. Lameness Evaluation

Hoof and limb palpation: Checking for swelling, pain, or irregularities
Flexion tests: Evaluating joint flexibility and response to stress
Gait assessment: Watching the horse at a walk, trot, and canter on hard and soft ground

Many buyers assume PPEs only focus on lameness, but they also assess metabolic and systemic health. Learn more from The Horse.

3. Neurological Assessment

Evaluating coordination, reflexes, and proprioception
Identifying signs of neurological disorders such as EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis)

4. Hoof and Farrier Evaluation

Assessing hoof condition, shoeing, and structural soundness
Checking for navicular changes, laminitis, or imbalanced hoof angles

5. Advanced Diagnostic Testing (Optional but Recommended)

Radiographs (X-rays): Detecting hidden issues such as arthritis, fractures, or bone abnormalities
Ultrasound: Evaluating soft tissue injuries, tendons, and ligaments
Endoscopy: Checking for upper airway conditions (especially in performance horses)
Bloodwork: Screening for infections, metabolic disorders, or drug use

Learn more about PPE diagnostics from Iowa State University’s Veterinary Medical Center.

How to Interpret the PPE Results

A prepurchase exam does not “pass” or “fail” a horse—instead, it provides an objective assessment of the horse’s health and soundness. The final decision is based on:

The severity of findings (mild issues vs. career-ending conditions)
Your intended use (a trail horse vs. a Grand Prix jumper)
Veterinarian recommendations

Some conditions may be manageable with proper care but could require ongoing veterinary expenses. Learn more from Mad Barn’s guide to prepurchase exams.