Two questions, really. First, assume you have luxury of a PPE in this market. Would you do one on a young, sound prospect under $10K? And what would you do - flexions and only x-ray if something seems off, or???
Second, if worth doing, anyone have good vet recommendations in Versailles, KY area for a reasonable exam for a dressage prospect? I know there are a gazillion vets in that area;)
Thanks!
Probably a basic PPE, but definitely insurance.
True story with many similarities: Years ago I purchased a young (5 YO), sound prospect from a friend. I think we did a minimal PPE, flexions, etc., but can’t remember exactly what all it encompassed. Once the deal was done, my friend told me to be sure to insure him. Because he wasn’t terribly expensive (under $10K) I hadn’t thought about insurance, but I decided to go ahead and get it.
You didn’t ask about insurance, but in case you are undecided about it, not four months after I bought him he was in a pasture altercation resulting in a wound that was open to a now-shattered splint bone. Due to the incompetence of a local vet, the wound became badly infected. He spent 10 days at a university vet hospital getting IV antibiotics and daily wound dressings. My insurance covered everything but the transportation to and from the vet hospital.
So, probably yes to basic PPE, and definitely yes to insurance.
I would never not insure a performance horse again. I know there are plenty of people who never had a claim and feel it was totally wasted money, but one surgery and one medical issue and I more than paid for my premium with my horse and didn’t have to come up with $10k+ at a single shot.
Yes…I’ve bought a few yearling/early 2yos somewhat recently. I don’t ask for flexions on a youngster…but do ask for a general gait/soundness eval and standard PPE. I also do xrays…part to catch anything really worrisome that might be a deal breaker…but mostly to have a baseline for the future, if needed.
Rood & Riddle is in that area, and they have great vets for doing a PPE…I’ve used Dr. Hopper and he’s been great to work with.
You said young, but didn’t state age. If under 3, the owner/breeder is not going to let you do flexions, nor should you. If over 3, and reasonably “broke” on the ground, you can certainly try. Sometimes just getting them to walk/trot a straight line or even longe is a challenge, lol! I like to at least x-ray the big problem makers: Stifles, hocks, front feet. Beyond that, your current vet can make recommendations. I did a PPE a few years ago on a horse near Lexington, used Sarah Mouri. I thought she was excellent for my needs. Not sure if that’s anywhere near this youngster is. Lastly, I will wholeheartedly agree with everyone who recommends insuring your young horse, even if it’s not for a large amount (mortality), it’s more likely you’ll use your major medical. You have no idea if said horse is accident prone, will colic, whatever…just do it! And good luck, how exciting!!!
I actually backed off this particular horse - just a little petite for me. At 4, he may sprout like a weed, but I’ve also had friends with warmbloods that topped out short at 4 and did NOT grow. But I’ll be visiting Versailles again - great place to see lots of horses, so appreciate the inputs!
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