Purchase examinations for performance horses

Performance horses should be thoroughly examined before sale to detect any defects that could render them unsuitable for the purchaser's intended use. With the horse in its stall, the eyes, nasolacrimal puncta, external ear canals and mouth are examined, the rectal temperature measured and the heart, lungs, trachea and sinuses auscultated. Moving the horse out of the stall, the head, parotid glands, mandibular lymph nodes, larynx, neck muscles, jugular veins and cervical vertebrae are inspected. The scapula, point of the shoulder, withers, tuber sacrale and point of the hip are palpated, after which the ventrum, tail, and pelvic and thigh muscles are examined. Structures of all limbs and feet are palpated and inspected for disease and evidence of past surgery. The horse is then worked, on a longe line and under saddle, to evaluate limb carriage and gait. Radiography and other diagnostic procedures are performed as indicated.