"Certain concepts apply to any horse in any discipline being evaluated for a prepurchase exam," commented Kent Carter, DVM, MS, as he addressed the topic Purchase Exam of the Western Performance Horse at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention, held Dec. 6-10 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Carter noted the examining practitioner should be familiar with breed-associated rules, intended use, and athletic discipline. His or her objective should be to evaluate the health of the horse and determine problems that might inhibit serviceability, then communicate that information to the buyer to enable an informed decision.

"A perfect horse is rare," commented Carter. He noted athletic horses develop problems, and although not perfect, a horse can still perform well. He cautioned that some horses perform better for one owner than another. A buyer should communicate his or her expectations for a suitable animal to the veterinarian.

Carter urged having both buyer and seller present, or at least in immediate phone contact, since a seller's permission might be necessary for further evaluation and diagnostics. Both medical and performance history are relevant, including a buyer's riding assessment of the horse–the veterinary exam is only one of many factors considered in a purchase decision. Carter stressed that the veterinarian works for and reports to the buyer, and he or she should speak directly to the buyer