The purchase examination of the horse has become an important part of the horse industry, and the equine practitioner plays an integral role in the procedure. Horses must be bought and sold for the industry to progress. The number of horse owners has increased, as has the value of the equine athlete. The medical examination of the horse for purchase has become an important and significant part of the process.

The veterinarian should be an asset to the purchase examination and not an obstacle. Legal references of this procedure date back to 1842. The American Association of Equine Practitioners has been working to define the purchase examination since 1968.

The specific reasons for a purchase examination are 1) to identify existing problems, 2) to identify the potential for future problems, 3) to interpret the results of the examination relevant to the intended use of the horse, and 4) to establish baseline values of abnormalities for future references.

The veterinarian performing the examination only can report and advise the client about specific conditions, conformation, or findings. The client must realize that this information only applies to that moment on the day of the examination. The role of the veterinarian is to inform involved parties of relevant facts and risks. It is always the owner/buyer’s decision to purchase the horse. Time spent prior to the examination to establish communication might prevent subsequent misunderstandings or problems. It is imperative that the buyer understands the examination results