The Horse Pre-Purchase Exam: Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Next Horse

Acquiring a new horse is an exciting journey, often filled with anticipation and dreams of future partnership. However, before finalizing the sale, one critical step stands between you and your new equine friend: the Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE), often referred to as a “vetting.” A PPE is an indispensable tool that provides an objective assessment of a horse’s current health and soundness, helping you make an informed decision and protect your investment. 

What Is a Horse Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE)?

A horse pre-purchase exam (PPE), often called a vetting, is a veterinarian-led evaluation performed before a sale to assess a horse’s current health, soundness, and suitability for its intended job. It documents existing medical findings and soundness risks so buyers can make an informed decision based on performance expectations and financial investment.

A standard PPE typically includes:

• Comprehensive physical exam (eyes, heart, lungs, teeth, body condition)
• Conformation assessment at rest
• Movement evaluation at the walk and trot (straight lines and circles)
• Flexion tests to detect joint pain or subtle lameness
• Neurologic screening when indicated
• Optional diagnostics such as radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound, bloodwork, or drug testing based on value and intended use

Why is a Pre-Purchase Exam Necessary?

A PPE is not a guarantee of future soundness or longevity, but rather a snapshot of the horse’s condition on the day of the examination. Its primary importance lies in several key areas:

• Risk Assessment: It helps identify existing conditions, injuries, or conformational flaws that could affect the horse’s ability to perform the intended job, now or in the future.
• Establish a Baseline: The findings create a medical record for the horse at the time of purchase, which can be invaluable for future veterinary care.
• Informed Negotiation: Findings can influence the final purchase price or help you decide if the horse is unsuitable for your needs.
• Peace of Mind: It gives you confidence in your decision, knowing you have thoroughly investigated the horse’s health.

Should You Use Your Own Veterinarian for a PPE?

Whenever possible, buyers should select an independent veterinarian who has no prior relationship with the seller.

An objective evaluation is essential. While most equine professionals operate ethically, using a neutral veterinarian helps eliminate perceived conflicts of interest and ensures the findings are presented solely in the buyer’s best interest.

If purchasing across state lines, many buyers coordinate with a local equine veterinarian recommended by trusted trainers or industry professionals, provided that the veterinarian has not been the horse’s regular practitioner.

Setting Realistic Expectations: Findings vs. Intended Use

This is perhaps the most crucial—and often misunderstood—aspect of the PPE. No horse is perfect. Nearly every horse, especially those that have been actively ridden or competed, will have some findings on a veterinary exam. The key is to assess the significance of these findings in relation to the work the horse is expected to do. 

There are times when one needs to consider the value of the horse’s education when compared to a novice rider’s skills. A schoolmaster horse is likely to be middle-aged or older and have had an active life, allowing it to acquire the knowledge needed to teach a novice rider the ropes. 

A minor finding that is irrelevant for a casual trail horse might be a serious limiting factor for a high-level jumper.

The veterinarian’s role is not to “pass” or “fail” the horse, but to report the facts and offer an opinion on the suitability for the stated purpose. The final decision always rests with the buyer.

Intended Job	Realistic Expectation of Findings	Example of Acceptable Finding	Example of Potentially Limiting Finding
Light Trail Riding/Hacking	Expect minor wear and tear, perhaps mild arthritis in non-critical joints.	Slight sidebone or mild, non-painful windpuffs.	Severe navicular changes or a history of recurrent laminitis.
Amateur Dressage/Low-Level Jumping	Minor maintenance issues are common, but serious mobility-limiting issues should be absent.	Mild hock arthritis managed with routine injections; old splint that is cold and non-painful.	Significant osteochondritisdissecans (OCD) in a major joint; grade 3/5 lameness.
High-Performance/Competition	Expect the horse to be highly scrutinized; even minor issues carry higher risk given the physical demands.	Minimal radiographic changes that are consistent with age and performance and have not yet required treatment.	Any current or developing issue that is likely to require immediate or frequent intervention to maintain soundness.

When to Consider Radiographs (X-rays)

Radiographs can add significant cost to a PPE but are often the only way to truly assess the internal health of a horse’s bones and joints. While not necessary for every purchase, they should be strongly considered in the following situations:

1. High-Priced or High-Performance Horses: When the financial investment and performance expectations are high, a full set of 20-30 baseline X-rays (including feet, hocks, stifles, and potentially the neck/back) is standard practice.
2. Clinical Findings: If the veterinarian notes pain, swelling, or reduced mobility during the flexion tests or physical exam, specific X-rays of that area are mandatory to determine the extent of the issue.
3. Young Horses: X-rays can reveal developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) like OCD lesions, which can severely limit a young horse’s future career.
4. Feet/Navicular Area: If the horse has upright feet, has shown a short stride, or is suspected of heel pain, X-rays of the hooves are critical to check the navicular bone and surrounding structures.

Cost Management: Balancing PPE Expense with Horse Price

The cost of a horse’s PPE can range widely, depending on the veterinary practice, location, and the extent of the testing (basic physical vs. full vetting with radiographs and ancillary tests).

A good rule of thumb is to budget a percentage of the horse’s purchase price for the PPE.

Purchase Price Range	Suggested PPE Budget (Approximate % of Price)	Rationale
$1,000 – $5,000	10% – 20% (Likely a basic exam and flexions)	Cost-effectiveness is key; expensive diagnostics may not be warranted unless clinical signs are present.
$5,000 – $20,000	5% – 10% (Basic exam + select X-rays, often hocks/feet)	A higher investment warrants a more detailed investigation to protect the buyer.
$20,000+	3% – 5% (Comprehensive exam + full set of baseline X-rays)	Standard practice for higher-value horses; baseline X-rays are expected by insurers and often for resale.

Important Note: The financial risk involved in not doing a thorough PPE usually outweighs the savings. A skipped $1,000 PPE could lead to buying a horse that requires $5,000+ in vet bills or long-term medical management within the first year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse PPEs

How long does a horse pre-purchase exam take?
Most PPEs take between one and three hours, depending on the scope of the exam and whether diagnostic imaging is included.

Can a horse “fail” a PPE?
There is no formal pass or fail. The veterinarian reports findings and offers an opinion on suitability for the intended use. The final decision rests with the buyer.

Are X-rays always required in a PPE?
Not always. Radiographs are strongly recommended for higher-value or performance horses, but may not be necessary for lower-level or pleasure mounts unless clinical concerns are present.

Who pays for the pre-purchase exam?
The buyer typically covers the cost of the PPE.

Is bloodwork necessary?
Bloodwork is commonly used to screen for medications that could mask pain or inflammation and may be required by insurance companies. Check with your insurance company or trainer if you aren’t sure. 

Making a Confident, Informed Purchase

Buying a horse is both an emotional and financial commitment. A pre-purchase exam does not promise perfection—but it does provide clarity. It allows you to weigh medical findings against intended use, performance expectations, and long-term goals.

Nearly every horse will have imperfections. The difference lies in understanding which findings are manageable, which may require maintenance, and which present unacceptable risk. That clarity is what transforms uncertainty into confidence.

When approached thoughtfully—with the right veterinarian, realistic expectations, and appropriate diagnostics—a PPE becomes more than a formality. It becomes one of the most important tools in building a successful, lasting partnership with your new horse.