Appendix 3. Prospective Horse Evaluation

Downloadable Word file of the Prospective Horse Evaluation form

PROSPECTIVE HORSE EVALUATION

The screening process for equines before their acceptance into the EAS program typically occurs in four phases. Phase one involves gathering preliminary information through equine advertisements and conversations with the seller. Phase two consists of an in-person assessment, during which the buyer handles and rides the equine. Phase three is a pre-purchase examination conducted by a veterinarian. Finally, phase four entails providing recommendations regarding the equine’s acceptance into the program.

PHASE 1 SCREENING

The most important questions to ask during the pre-screening phase are related to your current Horse Search Parameters. By asking questions about the equine, you can determine if there are immediate deal breakers that make the equine a poor fit for your program at this time. Take notes from the advertisement and conversations you have with the seller. Request photos and videos of the horse for additional assessment. If any section is incomplete, finish it during phase two, the in-person assessment.

Owner Information

Owners name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Reason for donating/selling the equine:

Horse Information

Name:

Age:

Sex:

Breed:

Registration:

Height:

Weight:

Color:

Distinguishing features:

Health

Health history (injuries and illnesses):

Soundness (past and current):

Training & Temperament:

Training and performance history (discipline, duration, professional/formal, indoor/outdoor arena, trail, show experiences):

Type of riders (adults, kids, beginners, intermediate, advanced):

Temperament and behaviors (vices, negative or dangerous behaviors):

Behavior around other horses (in arena, in living environment):

Observations from Photos

Conformation:

Build:

Body condition (strength, weight, hair coat, etc.):

Observations from Videos

Behavior:

Skills:

Movement:

Current Care

Feeding schedule:

Type of feed:

Supplements/concentrates (note if they are required):

Current medications:

Health Care

Known allergies:

Date of last vaccines:

Vaccination types used:

Date of last deworming:

Deworming product used:

Date of last dental exam:

List any problems during the dental exam:

Current veterinarian:

Phone number:

Vet records:

Date of last farrier visit:

List any current or past problems:

Does the horse wear shoes? If so, are they corrective?:

 

PHASE 2 IN-PERSON EVALUATION

Schedule an in-person trial with the seller to evaluate the equine. You should observe the equine being handled and ridden by the seller, then perform your evaluation by handling and riding the equine. Make sure to observe all responses and trial skills you will need the equine to perform in your program.

Movement & Soundness (circle all that apply)

Walk: sound / unsound

straight / crooked / under tracks / tracks up / over tracks / tracks evenly / tracks unevenly

Quality: front to back / side to side / rotational / smooth / choppy / uneven / flat / elevated

Trot: sound / unsound

straight / crooked / under tracks / tracks up / over tracks / tracks evenly / tracks unevenly

Quality: front to back / side to side / rotational / smooth / choppy / uneven / flat / elevated

Canter: sound / unsound / left lead / right lead

straight / crooked / under tracks / tracks up / over tracks / tracks evenly / tracks unevenly

Quality: front to back / side to side / rotational / smooth / choppy / uneven / flat / elevated

Foot flight pattern

walk trot

Conformation & Posture (circle all that apply)

Overall posture: relaxed / neutral / tense

Tail carriage: flat / left / right / clamped / up

Balance: even thirds / large shoulder / long back / large hindquarters / small shoulder /

short back / small hindquarters

Neck: ties in well / ties in high / ties in low / ewe neck / balanced neck

Stance: square / front legs not square / hind legs not square

Front legs

Back legs

Health

Body condition (score 1-9):

Topline condition:

Hoof condition:

Overall health and condition (mark and describe scars, swellings, etc.):

 

Training, Temperament, Behavior

Temperament:

Unmounted skills:

catching, leading (basic, trot, liberty), standing tied, park, grooming, picking feet, backup, arena obstacles, loud noises, activity, ground tying, cross ties, yield the hindquarters, pivot, lateral yield, set up for inspection, advanced backup, lunging

Mounted skills:

tacking, mounting, dismounting, walk, trot, canter, halt, reinback, arena obstacles, activity, loud noises, untacking, sidewalkers, horse leader, rider behaviors/exercises/tools, advanced skills

Additional Notes

PHASE 3 PREPURCHASE EXAM

Exam Information

Veterinary clinic name:

Name of veterinarian:

Notes (attach a copy of the pre-purchase exam)

PHASE 4 RECOMMENDATIONS

Date:

Where will the equine fit into the program?

Training and conditioning needs:

Request a trial period: yes no

If no, explain

Make an offer on the equine: yes no

If no, explain:

Price:

Personnel 1 name:

Personnel 2 name: