Equine Prepurchase Exam - The Importance of Being "Sound"

The Importance of Being "Sound"

Upon completion of the prepurchase exam, the veterinarian may utilize a variety of terms to describe the horse’s current health status. The ultimate goal for horse buyers is to purchase a horse classified as “sound,” or “...one that cannot be faulted in any physical way, from the inside out”. A horse may be categorized as “serviceably sound” if it has some structural problems, but is able to perform its intended purpose. If a veterinarian deems a horse unfit for its intended use, the horse will most likely be considered “unsound”. An unsoundness usually refers to any condition which will severely inhibit the horse from performing. Examples of unsoundnesses include dental diseases, blindness or other eye problems, founder and tumors.