Purchase Examinations at Morgan Equine
The primary goal of a purchase exam is to identify existing issues that may affect the intended use of the horse and make an informed decision about acceptability. There are really only 2 basic questions.
Is this the right horse for you?
Can you manage any issues that are discovered during an exam whether it be physically, emotionally or financially?
The process required to derive those answers are the tricky part.
Examination on a particular day cannot guarantee future health or soundness for any number of reasons but we can attempt to reduce the number of surprises that can occur when bringing a new horse home.
A purchase exam can be anything you need it to be. A physical and dynamic examination is highly recommended to required. Imaging and further diagnostics might be optional for you. There are 4 questions below that might help keep you on a narrow path to finding Mr(s). Right Horse. If you are still unsure, Dr. Morgan can help you figure out what is cost effective and useful in your situation. There is also a cost schedule below to give you an idea how much each component adds to the examination. A general rule of thumb is to set aside 5 to 10% of the cost of the horse for a purchase exam and diagnostics including imaging.
The physical examination is a thorough inspection of the horse, including assessments of the temperament, body condition, skin, eyes, mouth, heart, lungs, limbs, and feet. The dynamic examination is done in-hand, on lunge-line, and under saddle if requested. Diagnostic tools, such as digital radiography and ultrasonography are utilized to further assess the horse. Additional tests may include laboratory blood work or drug screening or you may have your own request. Dynamic Respiratory Examinations are extremely helpful for some disciplines. Mares and Stallions intended for breeding, should have a breeding soundness examination. Dr. Morgan can help you find the right person to evaluate your breeding prospect and review the findings with you.
There are always lots of questions specifically about purchase radiography.
What should I have done? How many? How much does it cost? Taken by Who? Can Dr. Morgan evaluate them? The answers to those questions are different for each purchase exam. Every horse has a specific job it needs to fulfill. It might take 1 radiograph or 36 to make a decision. Any Equine Veterinarian who has digital radiography and can transmit images will be appropriate to acquire the images. Have images sent to morganequine@gmail.com. Consulting fees based on the amount of time used for interpretation and explanation are applied to reviewing outside radiographs. It can be very affordable.
What about videos?
They can also be evaluated similar to radiographs and are billed as consulting time increments. Videos from an iphone, android phone, YouTube or a link in a sales advertisement are preferred. Please do not send large sized home videos via e-mail, mail them on a jump drive if that's all you have.
A good examination video is important. While tail flipping and a floaty stride, snorting and doing airs above ground, loose in the paddock being chased by a lunge whip is pretty and impressive to some folks, I prefer, controlled in hand or under saddle movement that demonstrates what you would like the horse to be doing. An artistic close up of the eye can be done during an ophthalmology examination in the physical exam. I also turn off the music.
Is this the right horse for you?
Can you manage any issues that are discovered during an exam whether it be physically, emotionally or financially?
The process required to derive those answers are the tricky part.
Examination on a particular day cannot guarantee future health or soundness for any number of reasons but we can attempt to reduce the number of surprises that can occur when bringing a new horse home.
A purchase exam can be anything you need it to be. A physical and dynamic examination is highly recommended to required. Imaging and further diagnostics might be optional for you. There are 4 questions below that might help keep you on a narrow path to finding Mr(s). Right Horse. If you are still unsure, Dr. Morgan can help you figure out what is cost effective and useful in your situation. There is also a cost schedule below to give you an idea how much each component adds to the examination. A general rule of thumb is to set aside 5 to 10% of the cost of the horse for a purchase exam and diagnostics including imaging.
The physical examination is a thorough inspection of the horse, including assessments of the temperament, body condition, skin, eyes, mouth, heart, lungs, limbs, and feet. The dynamic examination is done in-hand, on lunge-line, and under saddle if requested. Diagnostic tools, such as digital radiography and ultrasonography are utilized to further assess the horse. Additional tests may include laboratory blood work or drug screening or you may have your own request. Dynamic Respiratory Examinations are extremely helpful for some disciplines. Mares and Stallions intended for breeding, should have a breeding soundness examination. Dr. Morgan can help you find the right person to evaluate your breeding prospect and review the findings with you.
There are always lots of questions specifically about purchase radiography.
What should I have done? How many? How much does it cost? Taken by Who? Can Dr. Morgan evaluate them? The answers to those questions are different for each purchase exam. Every horse has a specific job it needs to fulfill. It might take 1 radiograph or 36 to make a decision. Any Equine Veterinarian who has digital radiography and can transmit images will be appropriate to acquire the images. Have images sent to morganequine@gmail.com. Consulting fees based on the amount of time used for interpretation and explanation are applied to reviewing outside radiographs. It can be very affordable.
What about videos?
They can also be evaluated similar to radiographs and are billed as consulting time increments. Videos from an iphone, android phone, YouTube or a link in a sales advertisement are preferred. Please do not send large sized home videos via e-mail, mail them on a jump drive if that's all you have.
A good examination video is important. While tail flipping and a floaty stride, snorting and doing airs above ground, loose in the paddock being chased by a lunge whip is pretty and impressive to some folks, I prefer, controlled in hand or under saddle movement that demonstrates what you would like the horse to be doing. An artistic close up of the eye can be done during an ophthalmology examination in the physical exam. I also turn off the music.
The 4 minutes of 8 Videos Checklist for Dr. Morgan:
1. Lunge to the left at the trot for 20-30 seconds showing the transition from the walk to trot
2. Lunge to the right at the trot for 20-30 seconds showing the transition from walk to trot
3. Lunge to the left at the canter for 20 seconds showing the transition from the trot to the canter
4. Lunge to the right at the canter for 20 seconds showing the transition from the trot to the canter
Notes about lunging: Its best if you can video from the side rather from the center but we understand if you are the only one able to manage the horse and camera. Please follow the horse, showing the whole horse, taking up most of the screen, eliminating shaky movement as much as possible.
5. Walk away from the camera in a straight line approximately 40 feet then back to the camera.
6. Trot away from the camera in a straight line approximately 40 feet then back to the camera.
Notes about the straight away: The camera should focus on the TOP of the butt as the horse walks and trots away. Be sure to have the feet in the image as well and follow the horse as it walks and trots away. Videos that show a horse getting smaller and smaller as it goes away are difficult to evaluate.
7. Conformation video 30 seconds. Slowly walk around the horse, starting at the front, moving to the left, going behind, then videoing the right side of the horse. You should always have the whole horse in the image filling the frame.
8. One video showing the horse doing the job you want it to do. If it is a young or unproven horse, a simple walk, trot & canter under saddle in both directions and backing up will do. This video should be no more than 2 minutes.
Notes about the videos: Most people e-mail or text each video separately. They are smaller to send and easier to keep track of. Please e-mail to morganequine@gmail.com or 607-592-2573.
I do not accept videos in FB messenger. It is not private. Use whatsapp, email or text videos to me.
1. Lunge to the left at the trot for 20-30 seconds showing the transition from the walk to trot
2. Lunge to the right at the trot for 20-30 seconds showing the transition from walk to trot
3. Lunge to the left at the canter for 20 seconds showing the transition from the trot to the canter
4. Lunge to the right at the canter for 20 seconds showing the transition from the trot to the canter
Notes about lunging: Its best if you can video from the side rather from the center but we understand if you are the only one able to manage the horse and camera. Please follow the horse, showing the whole horse, taking up most of the screen, eliminating shaky movement as much as possible.
5. Walk away from the camera in a straight line approximately 40 feet then back to the camera.
6. Trot away from the camera in a straight line approximately 40 feet then back to the camera.
Notes about the straight away: The camera should focus on the TOP of the butt as the horse walks and trots away. Be sure to have the feet in the image as well and follow the horse as it walks and trots away. Videos that show a horse getting smaller and smaller as it goes away are difficult to evaluate.
7. Conformation video 30 seconds. Slowly walk around the horse, starting at the front, moving to the left, going behind, then videoing the right side of the horse. You should always have the whole horse in the image filling the frame.
8. One video showing the horse doing the job you want it to do. If it is a young or unproven horse, a simple walk, trot & canter under saddle in both directions and backing up will do. This video should be no more than 2 minutes.
Notes about the videos: Most people e-mail or text each video separately. They are smaller to send and easier to keep track of. Please e-mail to morganequine@gmail.com or 607-592-2573.
I do not accept videos in FB messenger. It is not private. Use whatsapp, email or text videos to me.
Four Questions that will help you determine what kind of purchase exam you need & how much it might cost. Use the drop down menus.
1. General type of horse?
- A young horse that looks fabulous in every way but has done nothing. Seller says “Blue Skies for this one!”
- A young horse that has just begun training, is not doing the intended work or showing yet. Seller claims there are no lameness issues.
- A young horse that is in work and showing. Seller claims there are no lameness issues.
- A middle age horse that used to do the work, but has not been in work for a few years. Plus or Minus a lameness history.
- A middle aged horse that is in work and showing at the level you are intending the horse to show. Plus or Minus a lameness history.
- An older horse that had a successful career, is out of work, not showing. Plus or Minus a lameness history.
- An older horse that is still going strong but has a few lameness or maintenance issues.
- A breeding Filly, Mare or Stallion
2. What are your expectations for this horse?
- To enjoy as a riding companion
- Safe for my child(ren) to horse around on
- For my child to show
- For me to show and enjoy
- A sport or performance horse for me or my child(ren)
- For a professional to ride
- Sales Prospect
3. How much risk are you willing to take on this horse?
And, what Dr. Morgan would recommend.
And, what Dr. Morgan would recommend.
- Least Amount of Risk Possible (NONE does not exist, you are buying a horse)
- Some Risk (You might have purchased other horses with out an exam and you were sorry, making sure this one is good)
- Medium Risk (You will NOT regret spending more on a purchase exam if a problem with the horse develops, or you were just wondering about a specific blemish or existing lameness)
- High Risk (You just want to know the horse does not have a glaring problem)
- Ready for Vegas: (You say you have no real expectations for the horse. If it works, it works, if it doesn't, it doesn't)
4. Budget
When you can answer these questions: 1. General Type of Horse, 2. Expectations for the horse and 3. How much risk, you should have a good idea of the purchase exam you need. The next step is to determine your budget. It's been recommended that 5% of the purchase price be set aside for purchase examination. I think you should do what ever makes you feel comfortable.
Estimates
Digital Radiography "Full Set" = 34 views |
$45 ea |
Digital Ultrasonography Per focal area, dependent on time used |
$75-300 |
Coggins Bloodwork & Certificate |
$45 |
Insurance Exam & Forms Please supply insurance form electronically |
$35 |
US Health Certificate |
$20 |
Canadian Health Certificate Electronic certificates take 1 week to process |
$95 |
Breeding Soundness Exam Requires scheduling reproductive specialist |
$350 |
Drug Screening 30+ Drug Panel |
$80-250 |
Blood Work Chemistry/CBC/Fibrinogen |
$175 |
Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopy |
$400-600 |
Physical & Lameness Exam Purchase Report with Lameness Locator |
$500 |
Routine Lameness Examination with Lameness Locator |
$375 |
Notes:
Horse’s serum can be tested for over 30 different drugs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers and sedatives. Samples are sent to a toxicology lab. Results can take up to seven days.
Basic blood work provides information regarding organ function.
Dynamic Endoscopy is visualization of the upper respiratory tract while the horse is performing the job he is intended to do. Requires up to 2 weeks advance scheduling for highly specialized equipment.
Horse’s serum can be tested for over 30 different drugs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers and sedatives. Samples are sent to a toxicology lab. Results can take up to seven days.
Basic blood work provides information regarding organ function.
Dynamic Endoscopy is visualization of the upper respiratory tract while the horse is performing the job he is intended to do. Requires up to 2 weeks advance scheduling for highly specialized equipment.
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Buying horses is a very tedious process
When we searched for Oracle, we orchestrated 12 purchase exams in 3 days. When we found Happy Feet, over a thousand internet ads were sorted through and narrowed down to 40 horses, 30 were viewed in person, 16 were physically ridden between Canada and Florida, 3 were fully examined and one was successful. You don't even want to know what we went through to find Dave. Bottom line, we know what you are going through. |