What is a pre-purchase examination in sport horses?

A structured veterinary evaluation designed to identify clinical risks that may affect the horse’s future athletic performance.

Is the examination the same for every horse?

No. The scope of the examination is adapted to the horse’s discipline, age, training level, and buyer objectives.

What is included in a pre-purchase examination for a sport horse?

A pre-purchase examination includes a full clinical evaluation, detailed orthopedic and lameness assessment, flexion tests, gait analysis, and diagnostic imaging such as digital radiography and ultrasound when indicated. The goal is to assess performance risk and long-term athletic durability rather than a simple pass or fail result.

Why should I choose an independent veterinarian for a pre-purchase exam?

An independent veterinarian has no relationship with the seller, agent or training stable. This ensures objective evaluation, transparent interpretation of findings and unbiased advice focused solely on protecting the buyer’s investment and long-term performance goals.

Is a basic vet check sufficient when buying a show jumping horse?

A basic pass/fail vet check is often insufficient for show jumping or high-level sport horses. These horses require performance-oriented orthopedic assessment and careful interpretation of subtle findings that may impact future soundness, durability and competition potential.

Can I purchase a sport horse in Europe without attending the examination?

Yes. Many international buyers purchase sport horses remotely. Clear communication, detailed diagnostics, and comprehensive English reports allow informed decisions even when the buyer cannot be physically present during the examination.

How should radiographic findings be interpreted in sport horses?

Radiographic findings must be interpreted in a clinical and performance context. Some changes may be common and acceptable depending on the horse’s discipline, age and intended use, while others may increase long-term orthopedic risk. Interpretation should focus on relevance rather than isolated images.

Who is this veterinary service best suited for?

This service is designed for professional riders, competitive amateurs, trainers, owners and investors purchasing sport or show jumping horses in Europe, particularly international buyers seeking independent, performance-focused veterinary guidance.

Does a pre-purchase exam guarantee future performance?

No veterinary examination can guarantee future performance. A pre-purchase exam provides a risk assessment based on current clinical and diagnostic findings, helping buyers make informed, risk-aware decisions rather than offering guarantees.

In which regions does SportHorses.Vet operate?

SportHorses.Vet operates primarily in Belgium and across Europe, supporting both local and international buyers purchasing sport and show jumping horses.

Services

Pre Purchase Exam

Consultas: +32 493 86 44 91

+32 493 86 44 91

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01/FEB/2024

Pre-Purchase Examination & Veterinary Inspection for Sport Horses

Clinical and performance-oriented risk assessment

Professional veterinary evaluation for informed purchasing decisions

At Sporthorses.vet, we provide professional pre-purchase examinations and veterinary inspections for sport horses, serving international buyers, agents, trainers, owners, and investors.

Our approach goes beyond identifying clinical findings.
We focus on their true relevance to athletic performance, sport longevity, and risk-based decision-making, particularly in show jumping and high-performance sport horses.

Pre-Purchase Checklist for Buyers

Before scheduling a pre-purchase examination, international buyers are encouraged to review this practical checklist outlining key points to consider when evaluating a sport horse.

Download Pre-Purchase Checklist (PDF)

What Is a Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE)?

A Pre-Purchase Examination (PPE) is a structured veterinary assessment designed to identify health risks that may influence a horse’s future athletic performance, durability, and suitability for its intended discipline.

The goal of a PPE is not to deliver a binary “pass/fail” outcome, but to:

support an informed purchasing decision

identify current or potential risks

assess their clinical relevance

interpret findings within a sport performance context

Performance-Oriented Clinical Approach

Our examinations are not limited to standardized checklists.
Each evaluation is adapted to the specific demands of the sport horse.

Findings are interpreted considering:

biomechanics and functional soundness
age and training level
expected workload
discipline-specific demands (especially show jumping)

Priority is given to clinical and performance relevance, avoiding overinterpretation of incidental imaging findings without functional impact.

What Does the Examination Include?

Depending on the horse and buyer requirements, the examination may include:

General clinical evaluation
Complete orthopedic examination
Dynamic movement assessment
Flexion tests when clinically indicated
Diagnostic imaging (radiography, ultrasound, etc.)
Risk interpretation tailored to the intended athletic use

The scope of the examination is always individualized, never automatic.

Who Is This Service Designed For?

This service is intended for:

International sport horse buyers
Professional riders and trainers
Agents and purchase advisors
Owners and investors
Buyers seeking an objective, professional veterinary evaluation

What Does the Buyer Receive?

Following the examination, the buyer receives:

a clear and structured clinical summary
interpretation of findings in relation to athletic performance
analysis of short-, medium-, and long-term risks
veterinary guidance to support decision-making

Communication is based on clarity, clinical honesty, and performance-oriented judgment.

Common Mistakes in Sport Horse Purchases

(and how we prevent them)

Mistake: Overemphasis on minor radiographic findings
Our approach: Functional relevance and performance impact

Mistake: Expecting a simple “yes or no” answer
Our approach: Risk-based interpretation

Mistake: Ignoring the final sport objective
Our approach: Discipline- and performance-adapted evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does a pre-purchase examination guarantee future soundness?
No. The examination evaluates the current clinical status and identifiable risks, not future events.

Is the same examination performed on every horse?
No. The scope is adapted to the horse, discipline, and buyer objectives.

Is the examination focused only on orthopedics?
Orthopedics is central, but the approach is global, clinical, and functional.

Why Sporthorses.vet?

Specialized expertise in sport horses and orthopedic performance
Experience working with international buyers
Clear, honest, and performance-oriented clinical interpretation
Professional, independent, evidence-based veterinary approach

Contact

For information regarding Pre-Purchase Examinations or Veterinary Inspections,
please contact us directly to discuss your case and specific requirements.

Direct Contact via WhatsApp

For international buyers and agents, WhatsApp is the fastest way to discuss availability, location, timing, and examination scope.

Request Pre-Purchase Examination via WhatsApp

Response time may vary depending on travel schedule and ongoing examinations.