Don’t Skip the Pre-Purchase Exam

Purchasing a horse is a significant investment, both emotionally and financially. To ensure that the horse meets your expectations and is suitable for its intended purpose, a pre-purchase examination (PPE) conducted by a qualified veterinarian is essential. This comprehensive assessment provides valuable insights into the horse’s current health status, uncovering potential issues that may not be immediately apparent.

Understanding the Pre-Purchase Examination

A PPE is a detailed veterinary evaluation aimed at determining a horse’s health and soundness before finalizing a purchase. The scope of the examination can vary based on factors such as the horse’s age, intended use, and level of training. It’s important to note that a PPE is not a simple “pass” or “fail” test; rather, it identifies existing conditions that could affect the horse’s performance or suitability for specific activities.

Components of a Comprehensive PPE

A thorough PPE typically includes several key components:

Physical Examination: The veterinarian conducts a comprehensive assessment of the horse’s body condition, conformation, and identifies any signs of previous injuries or abnormalities. This includes evaluating the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, eyes, skin, and oral cavity.

Lameness Evaluation: Observing the horse’s movement on various surfaces and in different gaits helps detect any lameness or irregularities. Flexion tests may be performed to identify joint pain or stiffness.

Diagnostic Imaging: Depending on initial findings, the veterinarian may recommend radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasounds to examine the horse’s internal structures more closely. These imaging techniques can reveal issues such as bone abnormalities or soft tissue injuries that are not visible externally.

Laboratory Tests: Blood tests can screen for underlying health conditions, infections, or the presence of substances that might affect the horse’s performance.

The Value of Investing in a PPE

While the cost of a PPE can vary, it is a prudent investment when considering the long-term expenses associated with horse ownership. Identifying health issues before purchase can prevent unforeseen veterinary bills and ensure the horse is fit for its intended purpose.

As Dr. Mike Schoonover, associate professor of equine surgery and sports medicine at Oklahoma State University, emphasizes, “It is better to financially invest in a sound, healthy horse than one with a condition that makes it unfit for its intended use.”

Selecting the Right Veterinarian

Choosing a veterinarian experienced in equine medicine and familiar with the specific breed or discipline of the horse is crucial. Their expertise ensures a thorough and relevant assessment, providing you with the information needed to make an informed decision.

Effective communication between the buyer and veterinarian before, during, and after the examination is essential to address any concerns and understand the findings fully.

A pre-purchase examination is an invaluable tool for prospective horse owners. It offers a detailed understanding of a horse’s health and soundness, aiding in making purchasing decisions. By investing in a PPE, buyers can protect their investment and ensure a harmonious partnership with their new equine companion.

References

Schoonover, M. J. (2020, October 19). The Value of the Pre-Purchase Examination. Oklahoma State University. news.okstate.edu

Crabbe, B., & Moneta, L. (2018, Winter). Pre-Purchase Exam Essentials. Practical Horseman. practicalhorsemanmag.com

Norton, J. (2017, November 27). The Buyer’s Guide to Prepurchase Exams. The Horse. thehorse.com

By Krista Lucas Wynn

            The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo kicked off January 17. The first full weekend is the annual ranching heritage weekend, showcasing the top ranches, cowboys, cowgirls, and horses in the industry. The weekend includes a ranch horse show, the Best of the West Invitational Ranch Rodeo and three horse sales.

           This was the first year to combine the three featured sales into one day. Saturday, January 18th, held the Invitational Ranch Horse Show and Sale, the American Quarter Horse Association Best of the Remuda Sale and the 68th Annual Select Quarter Horse Sale.

            Each sale had some of the most sought after horses from the biggest ranches in Texas. The invitational sale’s consignors included iconic ranches like Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co., Sandhill Cattle Co., Stuart Ranch, Tongue River Ranch, and XIT Ranch. With three sales in one day, buyers also saw horses from Haythorn Ranch, Muleshoe Ranch, Spade Ranch, and others in the Best of the Remuda Sale, followed by the Select Sale. There were over 50 horses offered to the public.

            There were 9 lots sold in the Invitational Sale, held after a ranch horse show where the top three were awarded cash and awards. The high seller, a seven year old red roan gelding named Lil Purple Rein, won first place in the show and brought $150,000 for Sandhill Cattle Co. “LP” began his show career as a three year old, winning over $61,000 in his career, and was bought by Bonnie Hammond from Corrales, NM. The average for the Invitational Sale was $42,100.

            The reserve champion in the Invitational Show was TCR BigJohnsnCowtown. The six year old bay roan gelding, consigned by Tee Cross Ranches, sold for $29,000. The third place finisher was Cowboys Boon A612, consigned by A Bar Ranch. The nine year old palomino gelding brought $35,000.

            The Best of the Remuda sale saw 27 horses go through the sale ring, with the average price being $9,364. Lot 116, SS Smooth N Wicked, was the high seller going for $37,000. “Otis,” a seven year old palomino gelding, was sold as a seasoned ranch horse, gentle for anyone. He was consigned by Silver Spur Operating Co LLC and purchased by Rodney and Marcy Urbanczyk of Hobson, Texas.

            Eighteen horses were sold in the last sale of the day. Although the average price was $24,736, there were seven horses repurchased during the sale. A five year old sorrel gelding, named Pushinn P, brought $44,000. Slick Robison Rope Horses consigned the high seller for the Select Sale for the second year in a row. “Pete” was a solid ranch horse, had been started in the heeling and sold to 3 String Cattle Co. LLC from Poolville, Texas.

            There was something for everybody offered at the three sales at the FWSSR, and over $1.3 million worth of Quarter Horses was sold in one day. The FWSSR ran through February 8th. For full results, visit https://www.fwssr.com/p/horse-shows/sale-catalogs.

By Krista Lucas Wynn

Each year, when the professional rodeo season wraps on Sept. 30, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announce the Nutrena Horse of the Year, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, in each event. This is a prestigious award, voted on by the members of the associations. To be named Horse of the Year by fellow competitors is a high honor only a few achieve.

To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.