After narrowing down your list and finding a horse you’re seriously interested in, the next critical step is scheduling and analyzing a Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE). The PPE is a veterinary evaluation that gives you insight into the horse’s current health and soundness, helping you make an informed final decision. Even if a horse looks perfect on paper and feels great to ride, hidden issues can surface through this exam and catching them early could save you from expensive problems down the line.
A standard PPE typically includes a physical exam (heart, lungs, eyes, skin, teeth), limb flexion tests, lameness evaluation, and often, radiographs (x-rays) of the joints. Depending on the age, discipline, and price point of the horse, additional diagnostics such as ultrasounds, bloodwork, or drug screening might also be recommended. While this process can seem technical or intimidating, your vet will guide you through the findings and give an overall impression of whether the horse is sound and suitable for your intended use. Use the vets as a resource and ask them any questions that may come up in this process. They are there to help you make your decisions and provide the support you need.
It’s important to remember that no horse is perfect and many will have minor findings on a PPE. The goal is not to find a horse with a completely clean slate (which is rare), but to determine whether any existing conditions are manageable or pose a serious concern for future performance. For example, an older horse may have mild arthritis that’s easily maintained with proper care, while a young horse with signs of early joint degeneration might raise more red flags. Discuss your long-term goals with your vet so they can frame the findings in the context of your intended use, whether that’s upper-level competition, training up the levels, or recreational.
Once the PPE is complete and you’ve reviewed the results with your veterinarian, it’s time to weigh all the information and make a final decision. This includes not just health findings, but also how well the horse matches your riding style, your goals, your emotional connection with them, and your long-term budget for care. It can be helpful to revisit your notes or spreadsheet from earlier steps to see how the horse stacks up against your original criteria and other horses you considered.
Once you have decided on a horse, it is important to ask the previous owners what the horse's maintenance treatment is. This includes feed, supplements, medications, turnout schedule, and any additional therapy treatment. Research what parts of this schedule you can maintain and what you will need to slowly wean the horse off of or add to their routine.