13/05/2026
Here is some great info for horse enthusiasts from our friends Naturaliste Veterinary Services - Equine Services
Are pre-purchase exams just a bag of BS?
We reckon they’re the best money you’ll spend on a new horse.
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the idea that a horse either “passes” or “fails” a vetting.
That’s not really how a good pre-purchase examination works.
A PPE is about identifying findings and assessing the level of risk those findings may pose for the horse’s intended use. And this is exactly why having an experienced equine veterinarian perform the examination matters.
Recently, during a PPE, we identified an OCD lesion within the dorsal sagittal ridge of the fetlock joint on radiographs.
Importantly:
- it was NOT visible on standard standing radiographs
- it was only identified on flexed fetlock views
- and it would have been very easy to miss for an inexperienced eye
OCD (osteochondrosis dissecans) is a developmental orthopaedic condition where a small area of cartilage and underlying bone does not form normally during growth. Some horses with these lesions remain completely sound throughout life. Others may go on to develop joint inflammation, reduced longevity or performance limitations — particularly in high-demand athletic careers.
This horse showed:
✔ No lameness
✔ No joint effusion
✔ No response to flexion tests
✔ No clinical abnormalities at the time of examination
But the intended use was high-level jumping (~130cm), where the fetlock joints are subjected to enormous repetitive concussive forces.
Did the horse “fail” the PPE?
No.
The purchaser was provided with a clear risk assessment based on:
- the clinical examination
- the imaging findings
- the intended athletic demands of the horse
That is the entire purpose of a quality PPE.
Not predicting the future with certainty.
Not trying to “pass” or “fail” horses.
But reducing uncertainty so buyers can make informed decisions, budget appropriately, understand potential future management requirements, and avoid costly surprises down the track.
And often, the most important findings are not the obvious ones.
They’re the subtle findings that require:
- the correct imaging
- the correct positioning
- experience interpreting performance horses
- and understanding how those findings relate to the horse’s intended career
A well-performed PPE can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars, years of heartache, and help match the right horse to the right job.
