When considering the purchase of a new horse, a pre-purchase examination can help a buyer with his or her decision making process. While a pre-purchase exam is not a guarantee of future soundness, it can help a buyer identify reasons to either go ahead with the purchase of that horse or to possibly keep looking for a horse more suitable for his or her needs. Typically, the buyer is responsible for making an appointment and for the costs of a pre-purchase examination. Pre-purchase examinations are designed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with a buyer’s expectations. Therefore, prices and the time spent on each examination will range significantly. It is important to have an idea of what you expect from the examination and to discuss your expectations with the VMC veterinarian. A basic pre-purchase examination will include a thorough physical examination and a lameness evaluation (including joint flexion tests). For buyers wishing a more extensive examination, upper airway endoscopy, digital radiography, ultrasound, and other assessments can easily be accommodated for an additional fee. At the end of the examination, the potential buyer will be given a typed record of the exam findings and will then be the owner of that information. It will be his or her discretion to share that information with the horse’s current owner. Given the detail of pre-purchase examinations and time required to complete comprehensive evaluations, patients are scheduled at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can expect to spend the morning or afternoon at the hospital while the exam is being completed.