Purchasing a horse is both an exciting milestone and a big responsibility. At Black Brook Veterinary Services, we offer mobile prepurchase exams tailored to your goals. We’ll meet you at the farm, take the time to understand what you're looking for, and provide a detailed, objective evaluation of the horse’s health and soundness. No matter if you're looking for a trusted trail companion or a performance prospect, a prepurchase exam (PPE) gives you the information you need to make the right decision.
Buying a horse? Let’s make sure they’re the right fit. Click below to request an appointment.
The Importance of a Prepurchase Exam for Every Horse
No horse is perfect, but the right one for you should be a good match for your experience, goals, and budget. A prepurchase exam helps take the guesswork out of the process by identifying both current issues and potential long-term concerns.
We recommend a PPE before any horse purchase, whether you’re looking at a seasoned lesson horse or a green prospect. These exams can help:
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Identify concerns for health or soundness early
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Guide decisions around performance suitability
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Offer peace of mind for both first-time and experienced buyers
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Set expectations and support long-term planning
We’ll also take time to talk through your riding plans and risk tolerance. For some buyers, a mild joint change may be manageable; for others, it might be a dealbreaker. Our goal is to help you make a well-informed decision based on facts, not surprises later.
What’s Included in a Prepurchase Exam
Our PPEs are customized to the horse’s background, your intended use, and your comfort level. Here’s what a standard exam may include:
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Full Physical Exam: We’ll evaluate the horse’s heart, lungs, eyes, skin, teeth, conformation, and overall health at rest.
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Lameness Evaluation: This includes movement evaluation at a walk and jog, flexion tests, and lunging (when appropriate). We’re looking for asymmetries, soreness, or signs of underlying orthopedic issues.
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Neurological Assessment: We’ll perform a basic neurologic exam to check for any signs of incoordination, weakness, or unusual behavior.
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Optional Under-Saddle Evaluation: For performance horses, we may recommend observing the horse under saddle to assess gait, behavior, and overall rideability.
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Add-On Diagnostics: Based on our findings and your goals, we may suggest additional testing such as:
- Digital radiographs (commonly hocks, feet, stifles, spine)
- Ultrasound of tendons or ligaments
- Gastroscopy to check for ulcers
- Upper airway endoscopy
- Bloodwork
Objective, Thorough, and On Your Side
We don’t pass or fail horses. Instead, our job is to give you a clear picture of their health and soundness. After the exam, you’ll receive a full report and our honest, experience-based insights so you can make the best decision for you and your program.
We’ll help you buy with confidence. Request a prepurchase exam today.