A purchase of a horse, whether a top competition prospect or an entry-level companion animal, is a big step both financially and emotionally.

A pre-purchase examination is meant to identify any underlying abnormalities that would potentially lead to lameness or illness down the road.  The pre-purchase examination begins with a full physical examination followed by a soundness examination.

Digital radiographs can be pursued after the examination to rule-out evidence of degenerative joint disease, subchondral bone cysts and other bone lesions that can lead to poor performance and possible discomfort.

Pre-purchase examinations are not meant to pass or fail a horse, but instead to give the purchaser all of the information needed to make a decision on purchasing.