Southern Equine Associates, L.L.C.

Pat Garrett, D.V.M.

Pre-purchase examinations are designed to assist the buyer of a horse in making a sound investment. Horses are not passed or failed, but evaluated critically to assess any gait deficits or physical abnormalities.
A pre-purchase examination has several parts:
Physical Examination including auscultation of the heart, lungs, and abdomen
  • Ophthalmic Examination
  • Conformational Examination
  • Observing the horse at a walk and trot, in a straight line and in a circle
  • Flexion tests including fetlock, carpus, hock, and stifle
  • Hoof testers to check for any foot soreness
  • Digital Radiograph/Ultrasound examination as deemed necessary