Vet Checking! [when buying a new horse]

SOOOOO, as some of you may have read we almost got a horse who had a hind leg problem. I am aware we should always have a vet check done before buying a horse especially if it's going to be used for jumping and not just pleasure. So what I'm asking isss what should we have done in the vet check? And how much will it cost? I want to make sure that I get all the right things checked out! Thanks!

You should get the horses eyes, mouth, heart, lungs, & legs checked out. Make sure the vet flexes all four legs !

A vet check is like an insurance policy - you should spend an approiate amount based on the cost of the animal. A $500,000 throughbred needs gone over very well by a very good vet. A $10,000 trail horse needs a little bit of looking after by your local vet. A $500 backyard horse - you cannot afford to call the vet for a prepurchase exam!

I am having a pre-purchase exam done tomorrow on a $1200 gelding, the vet check should cost about $250, includes head to toe exam, flexion, x-ray of one hoof (a small hoof abnormality and I want to make sure), and coggins. This doesn't include worming or vaccines because he is current.
Good luck!

In my area, it was 300 dollars plus trip fee to have the vet come out and do a basic look over/flexion test. Since my horse was only 700 dollars total (he stayed at his old owners for awhile, so I paid them extra) it seemed like too much to spend.

Cost completely depends on how indepth you want to get.

If you are jumping, I would recommend a full set of radiographs. If the current owner has a previous set to compare a new set to - even better.

I disagree with this. A vet check on a $500 back yard horse is just as useful as the vet check on the expensive horse. They both cost the same to keep long term. Why not give yourself a little insurance that the day you had the vet look at them there was nothing seriously wrong to start with? You also have the bonus that the vet check gives you a base line for all your future vet care.

And yes, I realize a horse can break it self as soon as the vet climbs back in their truck.

I totally feel a vet check is worth it on any horse if you do not have the ability to easily take long term care of an unsound horse.


Call the vets in your area and get an idea of the standard prices. The price for a PPE is something they can usually quote over the phone. I agree that if you are planning on jumping planning to do x-rays is a good idea.

Most vets are willing to start out with the basic PPE (Flexion tests, etc) and add on X-rays if determined to be a good idea from the rest of the test.

I must say.....getting the vet check done is very important. When I got my mare (from my Dad who is the breeder) I had her vetted! She was given to me but because I would like to use her as a show horse and do dressage and jumping, I needed to make sure there was not Any issues!
I have heard that in some area's if the horse does not pass the check the seller ends up paying rather than the prospective buyer. Do not quote me on this as it is only something I have heard. Never seen it happen.
Hope all goes well ....
HP

Since there really is no passing and failing a vet check I have a hard time believing this. Add that I have never heard such a thing.

The buyer pays for it, they decide if the results make the horse work for what they intended.

^^I have also heard of this. Although, there can be many variations to it. If the seller pays for it, s/he also has the right to disclose the results to future potential buyers if the initial one falls through.