Pre-Purchase Examinations

Helping You Make Confident, Informed Buying Decisions

Purchasing a horse is a significant financial and emotional investment, and having a clear understanding of the horse’s health, soundness, and long-term potential is essential. Homestead Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive pre-purchase examinations for buyers throughout St. Clair, Franklin County, Washington, Union, Sullivan, and neighboring Missouri communities. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision—whether you’re buying a pleasure horse, performance athlete, or breeding prospect.

Buyers Form: Download PDF

Seller Form: Download PDF

What a Pre-Purchase Exam Includes

A pre-purchase exam is not a pass-or-fail evaluation but a detailed assessment designed to give buyers a complete picture of the horse’s current condition. We tailor each examination to the horse’s age, breed, history, and intended use.

A standard exam typically includes:

• Thorough physical examination
• Evaluation of heart, lungs, eyes, teeth, and skin
• Conformation assessment
• Hoof and limb evaluation
• Basic neurologic screening

These findings can help identify health concerns, performance limitations, or management needs that may influence your purchase decision.

Lameness and Performance Evaluation

Because soundness is a critical factor in most buying decisions, a complete lameness evaluation is often included. This may involve observing the horse in hand, on a lunge line, or under saddle, depending on the horse’s training and intended discipline. Flexion tests and palpation may be performed to identify areas of discomfort or early indications of musculoskeletal issues.

Digital Imaging for Additional Insight

When warranted or requested, we can incorporate diagnostic imaging into the pre-purchase exam for a more in-depth assessment. Radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopy can reveal conditions not visible on external examination.

Imaging may be recommended for:

• Performance or sport prospects
• Horses with previous injuries
• Older horses
• Pre-breeding evaluations for broodmares

Breeding Soundness for Mares

For buyers evaluating a prospective broodmare, we offer breeding soundness exams that may include palpation, ultrasound, uterine culture and cytology, and a speculum exam. These assessments help determine a mare’s reproductive health and suitability for breeding programs.

Clear Communication & Written Findings

After the examination, we provide a clear explanation of all findings and answer any questions you may have. Written reports can be prepared upon request, and buyer or seller forms are available as needed. Our role is to support you with objective, thorough information so you can proceed confidently—whether you choose to move forward with the purchase or continue your search.

Making the Best Choice for Your Goals

A thoughtful pre-purchase exam can save time, money, and stress by identifying health or performance concerns before a commitment is made. With experience in performance horses, companion horses, and breeding animals, Homestead Veterinary Hospital offers the practical insight and clinical expertise needed to guide your decision-making process.