Do You Need a Veterinary Check When Buying a Horse?
This is a common question among buyers—and for good reason. In the case of sport horses, a thorough vet check is almost a must. These horses are under significant physical stress from a young age, and it’s easy for internal issues to develop that aren’t visible from the outside. A detailed examination can help prevent future problems.
The situation is a bit different when the horse comes from a breeder and has only participated in a few competitions, without years of intense training or regular competitive load. In such cases, the horse’s body is likely still in good condition, and the joints are generally healthy. Of course, a vet check is still an option, but the overall risk is usually lower.
A basic general veterinary check—if the buyer requests it—is included in the price. However, more in-depth procedures like X-rays, ultrasound, or EKGs are considered additional services and are at the buyer’s expense if they wish to request them.
