Purchase Examination of the Western Performance Horse

1. Introduction
Performing a purchase examination is a very important service that equine veterinarians provide clients. Equine veterinarians have unique training and expertise that can help the potential horse buyer make informed decisions about the horse being considered for purchase. Although many veterinarians consider purchase exams to be an arduous task burdened by potential litigation, purchase examinations can actually be a rewarding experience, which often results in a long-term veterinarian/patient relationship. Experience in equine practice and knowledge of the horse’s discipline are both advantages in advising clients about the potential of a horse’s medical condition to affect its intended use. The goal of the examining veterinarian should not be to identify any flaw that the horse might have and then discourage the sale based on those flaws. Rather, the veterinarian should thoroughly evaluate the horse and identify any abnormalities and inform the client (based on the veterinarian’s training and experience) of the potential for those abnormalities to affect the intended use of the horse. This information should be only one of many factors to be considered in whether or not to purchase the horse. [...]