Pet Talk: Get a vet to look that horse in the mouth

It may be just one horsepower, but before riding off into the sunset on that new horse you’ve just purchased, make sure you know what you are getting.

Dr. Michael Martin, equine field service clinician at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, has some tips on selecting a horse and how your veterinarian can help.

“There are many aspects involved when buying a horse, in addition to answering health questions,” Martin says.

“The concern for a first-time buyer should, most importantly, be the safety of the horse,” says Martin. “Buy a horse that is experienced and dependable, one with a good attitude.”

Martin recommends that the “attitude” judgment be made by a friend or trainer who is qualified and knowledgeable about horses.

“Veterinarians only spend a very limited amount of time with the horse evaluating its medical condition, so many veterinarians may be reluctant to make a judgment about the disposition of the horse,” he adds. In addition, veterinarians may be reluctant to make judgments about conformation unless it relates to a lameness issue.

Martin says three basic medical examinations are performed by a veterinarian on any individual horse. A health certificate, insurance exam and a pre-purchase exam provide different levels of information about the health status of a horse.

The health certificate is used to determine if a horse is free of any infectious or contagious diseases and is usually done when a horse is crossing state lines. An insurance exam is more in-depth and focuses on satisfying the specific questions of an insurance company. The company may be more concerned with what kind of mortality risk is present with the particular horse.

The pre-purchase exam is performed to inform the prospective buyer of the medical status of the horse at the time of examination so that a more knowledgeable decision can be made.

“Find a veterinarian to perform the pre-purchase exam who is knowledgeable and familiar with the discipline in which you desire to use the horse,” Martin notes. “Then the veterinarian can evaluate the horse performing in that particular discipline and provide a more accurate assessment of possible medical problems.”

Another important aspect of buying a horse is to become aware of the management techniques used to care for the horse.

“When buying a horse, be sure to have a plan and be knowledgeable about how the horse will be managed to include feeding and exercise programs,” Martin stresses. “Ask several questions about the horse’s history and specific needs.

“It is important to recognize differences between farriers. Ask if the horse requires special shoes or if leg or hoof problems exist.”

In addition, Martin suggests buyers ask questions about the amount of time the horse is kept in a stall versus outside. “Horses are managed differently as far as turnout time. Turnout time (meaning outside the stall) can make a huge difference in attitude,” says Martin.

Before you purchase the horse, a particular problem may not have been present, but because of a change in management techniques, horses may develop bad habits as a result of excess energy from confinement, Martin says.

Horses are different concerning the amount of time they will tolerate in the stall. Martin suggests that horses be turned out for at least three to five hours a day on days they are not ridden. “The ideal situation is if your horse could be out eight to 12 hours a day,” he notes.

“New horse owners will generally not be as realistic about all the requirements of managing a horse to get the most enjoyment out of it. Asking questions about the horse that you are thinking about purchasing, taking someone knowledgeable with you, and including a veterinarian’s evaluation in the process can go a long way towards making the right decision for you and your new horse.”

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed at http://tamunews.tamu.edu/