Having a vet evaluate your prospective horse is always a wise idea. This is called a pre-purchase exam.
Some sellers of horses have mastered the art of drugging the horse before you arrive to view it to make it look calm or to mask illness or injury. This is where the vet exam comes in handy. A vet can tell you if a horse is drugged as well as find out the general condition of the horse you intend to buy.
Some things the vet will look at when examinig the horse are:
Lameness
Heaves
Disease
Conformational Abnormailites
Arthritis
Worm Infestation
Founder/Laminitis
The vet will have the horse trotted out to view abnormailities in it's gait. He will listen the heart, check all four legs for signs of lameness, look at it's teeth, eyes and ears. They can also do blood tests such as coggins.
Make sure the horse is up to date on shots, deworming and trimming. Find out if the horse has ever had it's teeth floated. Always make sure you can ride the horse to try it out.
Once the vet gives the ok and you are comfortable with the horse's temperament, and he suits your purpose, then go ahead and buy and enjoy your new horse.
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