PPE's are not bad ideas, but I sympathize that they may not be a great cost/benefit in many situations.
I did want to bring up a few points so that everyone understands what to expect and how a PPE should be run.
1) The Vet of the Seller should NEVER do a PPE. It creates a conflict of interest. PPE information should never go from Vet to Seller, the Buyer can do whatever they want, but the Vet should stay quiet. I would also encourage not getting recommendations for other Vets from the Seller, they will omit the most critical Vets because they want the horse to 'pass' and, in fact, I would consider the Vet that they may say they don't ever want on their farm as that Vet is likely to be quite critical.
2) Be clear and up front with the Vet about cost of the horse, intended purpose, and how complete of an exam you are wanting (do you want x-rays, blood work, or a reproductive exam).
3) Vets do not 'pass' or 'fail' a horse, we provide additional information for the Buyer to use any way they would like (I've had Buyers lie about what I found to create dicker room and pay less for the horse. That is their prerogative, I will stay quiet.).
4) Vets are responsible for what they find and do not find. If something happens years down the road then the Vet is financially responsible.
5) When I do a PPE, I always find issues. Horses are not cars stamped out of a factory. They have little or large issues and I will always find at least 1. I wouldn't trust a Vet who said everything is fine.
Dr Taylor
PPE's are not bad ideas, but I sympathize that they may not be a great cost/benefit in many situations.
I did want to bring up a few points so that everyone understands what to expect and how a PPE should be run.
1) The Vet of the Seller should NEVER do a PPE. It creates a conflict of interest. PPE information should never go from Vet to Seller, the Buyer can do whatever they want, but the Vet should stay quiet. I would also encourage not getting recommendations for other Vets from the Seller, they will omit the most critical Vets because they want the horse to 'pass' and, in fact, I would consider the Vet that they may say they don't ever want on their farm as that Vet is likely to be quite critical.
2) Be clear and up front with the Vet about cost of the horse, intended purpose, and how complete of an exam you are wanting (do you want x-rays, blood work, or a reproductive exam).
3) Vets do not 'pass' or 'fail' a horse, we provide additional information for the Buyer to use any way they would like (I've had Buyers lie about what I found to create dicker room and pay less for the horse. That is their prerogative, I will stay quiet.).
4) Vets are responsible for what they find and do not find. If something happens years down the road then the Vet is financially responsible.
5) When I do a PPE, I always find issues. Horses are not cars stamped out of a factory. They have little or large issues and I will always find at least 1. I wouldn't trust a Vet who said everything is fine.
Dr Taylor
