Care and Knowledge
Care and Knowledge
Don't Skip the Purchase Exam
Owning a horse can be a big investment in time, money and emotion. Unfortunately,
horses seldom come with a money-
Purchase examinations may
vary, depending on the intended use of the horse and the veterinarian who is doing
the examination. Deciding exactly what should be included in the purchase examination
requires good communication between you and your veterinarian. The following guidelines
from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will help ensure a custom-
* Explain to your veterinarian your expectations and
primary uses for the horse, including short-
* Ask your veterinarian to outline the procedures that he or she feels
should be included in the exam and why.
* Establish the costs for these procedures.
*
Be present during the purchase exam. The seller or agent should also be present.
*
Discuss with your veterinarian his or her findings in private.
* Don't be afraid to
ask questions or request further information about your veterinarian's findings in
private.
The veterinarian's job is neither to pass or fail an animal. Rather, it is
to provide you with information regarding any existing medical problems and to discuss
those problems with you so that you can make an informed purchase decision. Your
veterinarian can advise you about the horse's current physical condition, but he
or she cannot predict the future. The decision to buy is yours alone to make. But
your equine veterinarian can be a valuable partner in the process of providing you
with objective, health-
For more information about purchase exams,
ask your equine veterinarian for "Purchase Exams: A Sound Economic Investment," a
brochure provided by the AAEP in conjunction with Education Partner Bayer Animal
Health.
Additional information can be found on the AAEP's horse health Web site,
Reprinted with permission from the American Association of
Equine Practitioners.
Little Hawk Farm All Rights Reserved 2012