Impulsion Unlimited Dressage Horse Sales and Representation

Navigating the Pre-Purchase Exam - Page 2

Decide which veterinarian to use on a case by case basis.  

The way I make this decision is on a case by case basis.  If I don't feel comfortable with the seller's integrity I will be much more inclined to look for an outside veterinarian.  In that case, I might use my own veterinarian to recommend a veterinarian in the horse's geographic vicinity.   When my customers buy a horse in Europe, I'm able to help them by making available the veterinarians that I use regularly over there. 

The vets then understand that they're not working for the seller, and my clients are connected with veterinarians that I happen to know are world class. Many times when professionals come to my farm, they'll asked which veterinarian I normally use because they assume that it's the most competent in the area.   

The seller may want to have a say in which the pre-purchase veterinarian will be.  

That's who they'll use in many cases.  I think that's also because they like the idea of having an insider knowledge of the horse, which my veterinarian can often give them.  Sometimes customers like to use their trainer to help them make this decision.

Keep in mind that the seller may reserve the right to have a say in which veterinarian examines the horse and to what extent.  As a number of veterinarians are now openly admitting that their clients often don't buy horses after they do a pre-purchase exam, and many veterinarians conduct (what seems to the seller like) a pre-purchase "witch hunt" (as opposed to a practical appraisal of health), sellers are understandably nervous, defensive and selective.  If you encounter this in a seller, don't assume that he or she is unreasonable or has anything to hide.  

Similarly, you may encounter a seller that is unwilling to have a horse hauled to a university or outside clinic for the pre-purchase exam.  The "norm" is quite different in various parts of the country and in Europe as well.  Again, don't assume that the seller is being unreasonable with this position.  Technology has improved the ability for veterinarians to get great radiographs at a farm location.  Also, many farms have much better places to lunge, ride and do flexion tests than do equine hospitals.       

Don't ask a veterinarian questions about a horse's suitability for dressage, potential or specific gait analysis unless they've had extensive training in these areas.    

Some have recommended that the buyer finds a veterinarian that has knowledge and experience in dressage.  Unless the veterinarian has had extensive experience and training in dressage, don't assume they have enough expertise about a horse's dressage potential, the specific movements, and biomechanics specific to the sport or temperament requirements.  Use an experienced trainer with specific education and proven expertise in these areas and ask them questions regarding sport. 

For that reason, I think that finding a veterinarian that "knows about dressage" can be a dangerous focus.  I have had surprisingly frequent encounters with veterinarians that are eager to speak authoritatively about a horse's potential for dressage, speaking about biomechanics, conformation and movement when indeed they have had only exposure to dressage sport and no extensive education to draw from on these subjects. 

For this reason I would recommend that you don't ask your veterinarian questions relating to potential, sport suitability and gaits as you may tempt them to answer outside of their realm of expertise.  Ask your trainer or a knowledgeable professional these questions.  Along the same lines, be careful how much veterinary counsel you take from your dressage trainer.       

Try to use a veterinarian that has had experience with the type of horse you are vetting.  

While I don't recommend seeking out a veterinary "dressage expert" you should certainly choose one who is familiar with and has had significant field experience with horses in the breed that you are buying.  For instance, there are significant differences of interpretation of vascular lesions of the navicular bone if you ask a veterinarian that has practiced on thoroughbred race horses than those who have looked at warmbloods.  Certain breeds have inherent weaknesses and strengths that should have a strong impact on your examination's focus and your findings.  

The unique litigious environment in the USA has changed the way everyone does business - and this is especially true in the medical profession; the veterinary world included. Veterinarians now feel the growing need to protect themselves from legal recourse and receive training on how to do just that.  Sadly, this has created a situation in which American veterinarians have a strong incentive to not act in a way that is working for your purchase.  If they err on the side of caution, they're safe.  

This is exasperating to sellers and confusing to buyers.  Understand one thing:  Most veterinarians will rarely "pass" a horse.  They will sometimes "reject" a horse but usually only if the horse is clearly unsound on the day of the examination.  Most buyers realize that much.  But what they don't realize is that there is likely to be some discussion about a bone chip, arthritis, remodeling (or whatever) that will often not have a conclusive resolve.  

Many buyers drop the sale at that point because they have the feeling that because there is a discussion about "something" it must mean that there is a problem - because there is a discussion.  That's especially true for riders that haven't bought a horse for a few years.