Pre-Purchase
Horse Examinations
Make a more informed decision before you buy.
A pre-purchase examination provides an independent veterinary assessment of a horse's health, soundness and suitability for your intended use — whether it's a racehorse, performance horse, pleasure horse, broodmare or young prospect.
Book a Pre-Purchase Exam
Australia-wide Examinations
International Examinations
Understanding the Process
What is a Pre-Purchase Examination?
A pre-purchase examination (PPE) is a veterinary assessment performed before purchasing a horse. It helps identify findings that may affect the horse's health, welfare, performance or suitability for your intended use.
At RVS, we tailor each examination to the individual horse and your goals.
Why Have a PPE?
Identify existing or previously unrecognised findings.
Understand potential risks before purchasing.
Assess suitability for your intended use.
Use veterinary expertise to guide your decision.
Make a more informed purchasing decision.
Choosing an Examination
2-Stage vs 5-Stage Examinations
We offer both 2-stage and 5-stage examinations, depending on your needs, the horse and its intended use.
Assessment at Rest and in Motion
A focused examination that assesses the horse at rest and in motion.
- Stage 1 – Examination at rest
- Stage 2 – Examination in motion
A More Detailed Assessment
Includes exercise and recovery to provide a broader assessment where appropriate.
- Stage 1 – Examination at rest
- Stage 2 – Initial movement
- Stage 3 – Exercise
- Stage 4 – Recovery
- Stage 5 – Final examination
Understanding Findings
Does a Horse Pass or Fail a PPE?
A PPE is not simply a pass-or-fail test. Your veterinarian identifies and interprets findings and discusses their significance in relation to your intended use. The final decision is always yours.
Horse and Purpose
Risk Assessment & Intended Use
The most important question isn't just “Is the horse sound?” — it's “Is this horse suitable for the job I want it to do?” We consider factors such as discipline, level of competition, age, history and your goals to help you understand potential risks and make an informed decision.
Diagnostic Imaging & Testing
Where required, we can include advanced diagnostics as part of your PPE.
Digital Radiography
Assess bones, joints and identify areas of concern.
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Ultrasound
Evaluate soft tissues, tendons and ligaments.
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Dynamic Endoscopy
Assess the upper airway, particularly for performance horses.
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Blood Testing
Additional information to support your assessment.
Learn MoreAdditional Diagnostic Testing
A standard pre-purchase examination does not automatically include every possible diagnostic investigation.
Depending on the horse, its value, intended use and the findings identified during the PPE, our veterinarians may recommend additional testing such as:
- Digital radiography
- Ultrasound
- Resting upper airway endoscopy
- Dynamic endoscopy
- Blood testing
- Other diagnostic investigations considered appropriate to the individual horse
Our veterinarian will discuss the reasoning for any recommended additional investigations with you wherever possible before proceeding.
Specialist PPE Services
Examinations Tailored to Your Horse
Racetrack Veterinary Services works across both the racing and performance horse industries, allowing us to offer PPEs tailored to the demands of different equine disciplines.
Racehorse PPEs
Independent veterinary assessments for thoroughbreds being considered for racing and bloodstock purchases.
Performance & Sport Horse PPEs
Tailored assessments for showjumping, dressage, eventing and other performance disciplines.
Yearling & Sales Assessments
Clinical assessments and diagnostic imaging review for yearlings and horses being considered at sales.
Interstate & International Purchasers
Veterinary examinations for buyers purchasing horses in Victoria who cannot attend in person.
Helpful Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a horse pre-purchase examination?
A horse pre-purchase examination, often called a PPE, vetting or pre-purchase vet check, is a veterinary assessment carried out on behalf of a prospective buyer before purchasing a horse.
The examination is designed to identify relevant clinical findings and help the buyer understand whether those findings may affect the horse’s intended use.
A PPE provides information about the horse at the time of examination. It cannot guarantee the horse’s future health, soundness or performance.
Does a horse pass or fail a pre-purchase examination?
A horse does not simply “pass” or “fail” a pre-purchase examination.
The veterinarian’s role is to examine the horse, identify and document relevant findings and explain their potential significance to the purchaser.
The purchaser then decides whether the horse represents an acceptable level of risk for their intended use.
A finding that may be acceptable in a recreational horse may be more significant in a horse intended for elite racing, showjumping, eventing or another demanding athletic discipline.
What is the difference between a 2-stage and 5-stage horse PPE?
A 2-stage pre-purchase examination generally includes:
- A detailed clinical examination of the horse at rest.
- Assessment of the horse walking and trotting in hand.
A 5-stage pre-purchase examination includes the first two stages as well as exercise, recovery and a further trot-up after exercise.
A 5-stage examination therefore provides additional information about how the horse responds to exercise and whether any abnormalities become apparent after exertion.
Your veterinarian can discuss which type of PPE may be most appropriate for the horse you are considering purchasing.
Should I choose a 2-stage or 5-stage pre-purchase examination?
The most appropriate examination depends on factors such as:
- The horse’s age
- Intended use
- Level of competition
- Purchase price
- Previous racing or competition history
- Available facilities
- Any known veterinary concerns
For horses intended for racing or athletic performance, a more comprehensive examination may provide valuable additional information.
Your veterinarian can discuss the benefits and limitations of each option before the examination.
Should I get X-rays as part of a horse PPE?
Radiographs are not automatically required for every pre-purchase examination, but they can provide important additional information in some horses.
Pre-purchase radiographs may be particularly relevant for:
- Racehorses
- Yearlings
- Performance horses
- Horses competing at higher levels
- Horses with previous injuries
- Horses where an abnormality is identified during the clinical examination
The number and location of radiographs will depend on the individual horse, the purchaser’s concerns and intended use.
Radiographs should always be interpreted alongside the horse’s clinical examination rather than considered in isolation.
What happens if the vet finds something during the PPE?
It is common for pre-purchase examinations to identify some clinical or radiographic findings.
Not every finding means that a horse is unsuitable to purchase.
If an abnormality is identified, your veterinarian can explain:
- What was found
- How significant the finding may be
- Whether further investigation is recommended
- How it may relate to the horse’s intended use
- What uncertainty may remain
Additional tests such as radiographs, ultrasound or endoscopy may sometimes be recommended before you make your final decision.
How long does a horse pre-purchase examination take?
The length of a horse PPE depends on the type of examination being performed and whether additional diagnostic testing is required.
A 5-stage examination will generally take longer than a 2-stage examination because it includes an exercise and recovery period.
Additional procedures such as radiographs, ultrasound or endoscopy will also increase the time required.
When booking the examination, our team can advise what facilities and approximate time should be allowed.
How much does a horse pre-purchase examination cost?
The cost of a horse PPE varies depending on:
- Whether a 2-stage or 5-stage examination is performed
- The horse’s location
- Travel requirements
- Whether radiographs are required
- Whether ultrasound or endoscopy is requested
- The number of additional diagnostic tests performed
For an accurate estimate, contact Racetrack Veterinary Services with the horse’s location, intended use and the type of examination you are considering.
Who should choose the veterinarian for a horse PPE?
Where possible, the purchaser should arrange the veterinarian performing the pre-purchase examination.
The veterinarian’s responsibility during the PPE is to the prospective purchaser requesting the examination.
You should advise the veterinarian of your intended use for the horse and any particular concerns you would like assessed.
Can the seller’s usual vet perform the PPE?
There may be circumstances where a veterinarian who has previously treated the horse can perform the examination.
However, any potential conflict of interest or relevant previous professional relationship should be disclosed.
If appropriate, the purchaser may prefer to appoint an independent veterinarian who does not routinely treat the horse.
Does the vet need to know what I plan to do with the horse?
Yes.
Intended use is one of the most important parts of a pre-purchase examination.
A horse being purchased for recreational riding may have very different requirements from one being purchased for:
- Thoroughbred racing
- Showjumping
- Dressage
- Eventing
- High-level competition
- Breeding
- Pony Club
The veterinarian interprets the findings in the context of the horse’s proposed workload and the purchaser’s expectations.
Should I tell the vet my budget or the horse’s purchase price?
You should provide the veterinarian with enough information to understand the context of the purchase.
The horse’s value, intended use and your level of investment may influence how extensively you wish to investigate particular findings.
For example, a purchaser investing significantly in a racehorse or elite performance horse may choose to perform additional diagnostic imaging that may not be considered necessary for another type of purchase.
Can a PPE predict whether a horse will remain sound?
No.
A pre-purchase examination provides information about the horse at a particular point in time.
Even a horse with no significant findings can subsequently develop illness, injury or lameness.
A PPE should therefore be considered a risk assessment rather than a guarantee of future soundness or performance.
Can you tell from X-rays whether a horse will stay sound?
Radiographs can identify changes within bones and joints, but they cannot predict with certainty whether a horse will remain sound.
Some horses may have radiographic abnormalities and never develop a clinical problem, while other horses may develop future issues despite having relatively unremarkable radiographs.
Radiographic findings should therefore be assessed alongside the horse’s clinical examination, history, age, intended use and workload.
Should I get a blood sample taken during the PPE?
A blood sample may be collected and stored as part of some pre-purchase examinations.
Depending on the circumstances, blood testing may be requested to investigate whether certain medications or substances were present around the time of examination.
If you would like blood collection included, discuss this with the veterinarian when arranging the PPE.
Is an endoscopy included in a horse pre-purchase examination?
Endoscopy is not automatically included in a standard PPE.
However, upper airway examination may be particularly relevant when purchasing a racehorse or high-performance horse.
Depending on the horse and intended use, a veterinarian may recommend:
- Resting upper airway endoscopy
- Dynamic endoscopy during exercise
- Additional respiratory investigation
These examinations can usually be arranged separately or incorporated into a more comprehensive pre-purchase assessment where appropriate.
Do racehorses need a different type of PPE?
Racehorses often require a more specialised approach because of the physical demands of training and racing.
A racehorse pre-purchase examination may include a clinical and musculoskeletal assessment together with additional investigations such as:
- Radiographs
- Review of existing sales radiographs
- Upper airway endoscopy
- Dynamic endoscopy
- Ultrasound
- Review of relevant veterinary history where available
The extent of the examination should reflect the horse’s age, racing history, purchase price and intended future campaign.
What should I look for when buying a yearling?
When purchasing a yearling, veterinary assessment is only one part of the overall purchasing decision.
A veterinary examination may include:
- General clinical examination
- Limb and joint assessment
- Conformation assessment
- Review of repository radiographs
- Additional radiographs where required
- Assessment of relevant surgical history or previous findings
Radiographic findings are interpreted in the context of the individual horse. They should not be considered a guarantee of future racing performance.
Can you review sales repository X-rays for me?
Yes.
For buyers considering horses at thoroughbred sales such as Inglis or Magic Millions, our veterinarians can review available repository radiographs and discuss relevant findings with the prospective purchaser.
Where required, additional imaging or veterinary examination may be recommended.
Repository radiographs should be considered alongside the horse’s clinical examination, conformation, history and intended use.
Can you perform a PPE if I am interstate or overseas?
Yes.
Racetrack Veterinary Services can perform pre-purchase examinations on behalf of purchasers who are interstate or overseas.
Before the examination, we can discuss:
- The horse you are considering
- Your intended use
- Your level of competition
- Any particular concerns
- The type of PPE required
- Whether additional imaging or diagnostic testing is requested
Following the examination, the veterinarian can discuss the findings with you so you can make an informed purchasing decision without needing to be present.
Can you perform a PPE for a horse being exported overseas?
Yes.
Racetrack Veterinary Services can assist with horses being purchased for interstate or international use.
It is important to distinguish between a pre-purchase examination and an export veterinary examination, as importing countries may have separate health, testing, quarantine and certification requirements.
Where relevant, these requirements can be discussed separately as part of the purchase and export process.
Can I attend the horse’s pre-purchase examination?
In many cases, yes.
Purchasers may attend the examination where practical and with the agreement of the horse’s owner or agent.
However, attendance is not essential.
Our veterinarians regularly perform PPEs for purchasers who cannot be present and can communicate the findings directly following the examination.
What information should I give the vet before a PPE?
Before the examination, it is helpful to tell your veterinarian:
- What you intend to use the horse for
- Your expected level of competition or racing
- Any concerns you already have
- Whether you would like radiographs performed
- Whether existing radiographs are available
- Whether the horse has undergone previous surgery
- Whether you would like blood collected
- Whether respiratory endoscopy may be required
The more clearly the veterinarian understands your expectations, the more useful the examination will be.
What facilities are needed for a horse PPE?
Ideally, the examination should be performed somewhere with:
- A safe area to examine the horse
- A firm, level surface for walking and trotting
- Suitable space for exercise where required
- Appropriate horse-handling facilities
A 5-stage examination requires suitable facilities to safely exercise the horse.
If appropriate facilities are unavailable, this may limit parts of the examination and should be discussed before the PPE.
Should I organise a PPE before buying a horse privately?
A pre-purchase examination can be useful whether you are buying from a private seller, trainer, breeder, agent or at a horse sale.
Even when a horse has an extensive competition or racing history, a veterinary assessment can provide additional information about its current health and soundness before you complete the purchase.
Is a PPE worth doing on a lower-priced horse?
Purchase price is only one consideration.
The potential financial and emotional cost of owning a horse extends well beyond the initial purchase price.
A veterinary examination may identify information that could influence your decision or help you better understand the horse’s future management requirements.
The extent of the examination can be discussed with your veterinarian and tailored to the circumstances of the purchase.
What should I do after receiving the PPE results?
Take time to discuss the findings with the veterinarian and make sure you understand:
- What abnormalities were identified
- Whether they are currently clinically significant
- Whether they may affect your intended use
- Whether further testing is recommended
- What limitations apply to the examination
You can then consider the veterinary information alongside the horse’s performance, temperament, suitability, price and your own tolerance for risk before making your purchasing decision.
Independent Equine Veterinary Care
Arrange a Horse Pre-Purchase Examination in Victoria
Racetrack Veterinary Services provides equine pre-purchase examinations across the Mornington Peninsula, Greater Melbourne and surrounding racing and equestrian regions, including horses located around Mornington, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Caulfield, Flemington and other Victorian training and performance centres. Whether you are purchasing a racehorse, performance horse, sport horse, yearling or recreational horse, our goal is to provide a thorough, independent veterinary assessment and communicate the findings clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Buying a horse? Contact Racetrack Veterinary Services to discuss the most appropriate pre-purchase examination for your prospective horse.
Racehorse Pre-Purchase Examinations
Purchasing a thoroughbred racehorse requires an understanding of the particular physical demands of racing.
Our veterinarians work extensively within the Victorian racing industry and regularly assess thoroughbreds in training, at racing stables and around sales and racing environments.
We work with potential buyers who are looking to purchase horses on the Magic Millions and Inglis Digital online sales. Our vets will travel to the horse at the vendor's property on your behalf.
A racehorse pre-purchase examination may include a comprehensive clinical and musculoskeletal assessment together with additional investigations where requested or indicated.
Depending on the individual horse and purchase, these may include:
- Pre-purchase radiographs
- Review of existing radiographs
- Upper airway endoscopy
- Dynamic respiratory assessment where appropriate
- Ultrasound
- Assessment of previous veterinary information where available
- Additional diagnostic investigations based on examination findings
Our aim is to provide the purchaser with clear veterinary information that can be considered alongside the horse's pedigree, racing history, performance, purchase price and future plans.
Book a Pre-Purchase ExamPerformance and Sport Horse Pre-Purchase Examinations
Performance horses place very different stresses on their musculoskeletal systems depending on their discipline.
We perform PPEs for horses being purchased for disciplines including:
- Showjumping
- Dressage
- Eventing
- Showing
- Pony Club
- Adult riding
- General performance and recreational competition
The examination can be tailored to the horse's age, level of competition and intended workload.
Where appropriate, additional imaging or diagnostic testing can be incorporated into the examination.
Book a Pre-Purchase ExamYearling and Sales Assessments
Our veterinarians are experienced in examining thoroughbred horses associated with racing and sales environments.
For buyers considering a yearling or sales horse, assessments may include clinical examination together with review or acquisition of diagnostic imaging.
Radiographs can be interpreted in the context of the individual horse, its age, intended racing career and other clinical findings.
It is important to understand that radiographic findings do not necessarily predict whether a horse will or will not become a successful racehorse. They form one component of an overall assessment.
Book a Pre-Purchase ExamInterstate and International Horse Purchasers
You do not necessarily need to be physically present for us to perform a PPE on your behalf.
Racetrack Veterinary Services regularly works with purchasers, trainers, agents and equine professionals located outside Victoria and can assist interstate and international buyers purchasing horses in Victoria.
Before the examination, our veterinarian can discuss:
- The horse you are considering
- Your intended use
- Your areas of concern
- The level of examination required
- Whether additional radiographs or diagnostic testing are requested
Following the examination, findings can be discussed directly with you so that you can make an informed purchase decision even when you are unable to attend in person.
For international purchases, additional veterinary examinations, diagnostic imaging, export certification or testing may be required depending on the horse's destination and circumstances.
Book a Pre-Purchase ExamDoes a Horse Pass or Fail a PPE?
One of the most common questions we are asked is:
“Did the horse pass the vet check?”
A pre-purchase examination is not best understood as a simple pass or fail test.
Our veterinarian's role is to examine the horse, document relevant findings and explain their potential significance to the purchaser.
The final decision about whether to proceed with the purchase belongs to the buyer.
For example, the same clinical or radiographic finding may have very different implications depending on whether the horse is being purchased for:
- Elite thoroughbred racing
- Amateur competition
- Showjumping or dressage
- Eventing
- Pony Club
- Recreational riding
- Breeding
- Resale
International equine veterinary guidance similarly emphasises that the veterinarian reports the findings of the examination and their significance, while the purchaser ultimately decides whether the horse meets their requirements.
Rather than asking simply whether a horse has “passed”, we encourage purchasers to ask:
What was found, what does it mean, and how does it affect the level of risk for the job I want this horse to do?
Risk Assessment and Intended Use
No horse purchase is completely without risk.
The purpose of a pre-purchase examination is therefore not to guarantee the future health or soundness of the horse. It is to provide the purchaser with as much relevant veterinary information as reasonably possible before making a purchase decision.
Before performing a PPE, our veterinarian will consider the intended use of the horse.
This is particularly important because the acceptable level of veterinary risk may vary significantly between purchasers.
A finding that may be relatively unimportant for a lightly ridden pleasure horse could be much more relevant in a horse expected to race, jump, event or compete at an elite level.
Factors that may be considered include:
- Age
- Breed
- Previous workload
- Competition or racing history
- Intended discipline
- Expected level of performance
- Future racing or competition plans
- Previous injuries
- Clinical findings on examination
- Relevant veterinary history where available
- Findings on radiographs or other diagnostic tests
- The purchaser's individual tolerance for risk
Current equine veterinary guidance recommends tailoring the purchase examination to the individual horse, purchaser and proposed use rather than applying exactly the same assessment to every horse.
Where our veterinarian identifies a finding that may warrant further investigation, additional diagnostics may be recommended before you make your final decision.
These could include radiographs, ultrasonography, upper airway endoscopy or other investigations depending on the individual horse and circumstances.
What is a Pre-Purchase Examination?
A horse pre-purchase examination, commonly referred to as a PPE, pre-purchase vetting or horse vet check, is a veterinary examination carried out on behalf of a prospective purchaser before they buy a horse.
The purpose of a PPE is to identify and document relevant clinical findings and help the purchaser understand how those findings may relate to the horse’s proposed use.
A pre-purchase examination provides information about the horse at the time it is examined. It cannot predict every future illness, injury or performance issue, and no horse can be guaranteed to remain sound.
Importantly, a PPE should be considered in the context of the individual horse and purchaser. The veterinary considerations for a horse being purchased for elite racing or high-level competition may be very different from those for a horse intended for recreational riding.
Before the examination, we will usually discuss with you:
- What you intend to use the horse for
- The level at which you expect the horse to race or compete
- The horse’s age and previous history
- Your future plans for the horse
- Any specific concerns you have
- Whether additional diagnostic testing or imaging may be appropriate
This allows our veterinarian to tailor the examination and provide information that is relevant to your individual purchase decision.
2-Stage and 5-Stage Pre-Purchase Examinations
Depending on the horse, intended use and circumstances of the purchase, a 2-stage or 5-stage pre-purchase examination may be performed.
Our veterinarians can discuss the most appropriate level of examination for the horse you are considering.
2-Stage Pre-Purchase Examination
A 2-stage PPE is a more limited examination that generally includes an examination of the horse at rest followed by assessment of the horse walking and trotting in hand.
Stage 1 – Clinical Examination at Rest
The veterinarian performs a detailed examination of the horse at rest. This may include assessment of:
- Identification and general appearance
- Eyes
- Heart and cardiovascular system
- Respiratory system
- Skin and visible abnormalities
- Limbs, joints and feet
- Muscles, tendons and ligaments
- Conformation
- Palpation for heat, swelling or abnormalities
- Other clinical findings relevant to the individual horse
Stage 2 – Walk and Trot in Hand
The horse is observed walking and trotting in hand so the veterinarian can assess its gait and identify evidence of lameness, asymmetry or abnormal movement. Additional manoeuvres may be used where clinically appropriate.
A 2-stage examination can provide useful information, but it does not include the exercise and post-exercise components of a full 5-stage PPE. For this reason, the limitations of a 2-stage examination should be considered carefully, particularly for horses intended for athletic or performance purposes.
5-Stage Pre-Purchase Examination
A 5-stage PPE provides a more comprehensive assessment and includes examination before, during and after exercise.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
A detailed clinical examination of the horse at rest, including assessment of the horse’s general health, heart, lungs, eyes, limbs, feet and musculoskeletal system.
Stage 2 – Walk and Trot in Hand
The horse is assessed moving in hand, generally at walk and trot, to evaluate gait, symmetry and soundness.
Stage 3 – Exercise Phase
The horse undergoes controlled exercise appropriate to the circumstances. This allows the veterinarian to assess the horse under greater physical demand and may reveal abnormalities that are not apparent while the horse is resting or being trotted in hand. The horse’s respiratory and cardiovascular response to exercise may also be assessed.
Stage 4 – Rest and Re-Examination
Following exercise, the horse is allowed a period of recovery and is reassessed. This provides an opportunity to evaluate the horse after exertion and identify changes that may become apparent during recovery.
Stage 5 – Second Trot-Up
The horse is trotted again following exercise and recovery. This final assessment allows the veterinarian to determine whether exercise has produced or increased any gait abnormality or lameness.
The recognised five-stage format assesses the horse before, during and after exercise, providing substantially more information than an examination limited to the first two stages.