The veterinarian should be consulted on the health of the animal and not necessarily the pedigree. There are extremely qualified bloodstock agents available for the study and recommendation of bloodlines. Horses in intermediate training often are medicated for prolonged periods. The buyer might ask the seller to consult with his or her veterinarian for a medication history. Alternatively, the buyer might request drug testing as part of the purchase examination.
Drug testing is very expensive, but helps ensure examination of a drug-free horse.
The actual purchase examination is a comprehensive exploratory process to evaluate the physical condition of the horse at the time of sale. The physical examination includes temperature, pulse, respiration, ophthalmic exam, auscultation of the heart and lungs, oral examination, a neurological evaluation, and general conformation. The next step is to evaluate the gait of the horse. The feet should be properly trimmed, shod, and in good condition for proper gait analysis. The results of the assessment of the gait when the horse is lunged on a hard surface are considered of more importance than response to flexion.