Research shows 57% of horses have PPE findings. Not all matter—here’s how to tell which ones do: Quick Answer: When to Walk Away vs. Negotiate IMMEDIATE DEALBREAKERS (Category 1: Walk Away): Severe navicular changes in young horses (<10 years) Hindlimb proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) Undisclosed positive drug screen or severe multi-limb flexion *Impact varies by …
Quick Answers: Pre-Purchase Exam Costs How much does a Basic Riding Horse PPE cost? • $450–$900 (Includes physical, flexions, trot, and targeted X-rays) How much for a Performance Horse PPE? • $1,200–$3,000+ (Extensive X-rays, ultrasound, drug screen, detailed analysis) What is the single most important diagnostic? • X-rays (Radiographs)—they reveal pre-existing issues like navicular changes …
Disclaimer:This guide is for informational purposes only. I’m a long-time horse owner—raised in Louisiana and part of a family that’s been in horses for generations—not a licensed insurance agent. Costs and coverage vary by carrier, state, and individual circumstances. The ranges here come from my review of 41 policies across eight carriers during the 2023–2025 …
If Your Horse Has Bites Right Now Within the first hour: Rinse the bite area with cool water to remove any remaining saliva and reduce immediate swelling. Pat dry gently—don’t rub. What I keep in my barn: A spray bottle of diluted chlorhexidine (the same thing vets use), a tube of hydrocortisone cream, and Benadryl …
Horse barn air quality refers to the levels of ammonia, dust, humidity, and airflow inside a barn — and poor air quality is the leading preventable cause of chronic coughing, lost performance, and thousands in preventable vet bills. In one 4-stall Louisiana retrofit, simple ventilation and flooring changes reduced ammonia from 15 ppm to 3 …
Save Money with Early Intervention AI is reshaping equine care by detecting lameness early, before it becomes visibly obvious or financially devastating. Whether you’re managing one horse or a full racing stable, today’s AI tools help preserve soundness, improve performance, and reduce treatment costs. After years in racing, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of diagnosing …
Found your dream horse after a thorough vet exam? Now, it’s time to learn how to buy a horse the smart way—by negotiating every detail: from the price and trial periods to the horse sale contract itself. With over 25 years of buying horses, including a barrel racing prospect where I secured a 14-day trial …
📋 Professional Investment Disclaimer This guide is based on Miles Henry’s 30+ years of professional experience in the racing and equine industries. However, every horse purchase is a unique financial and medical risk. Not Veterinary Advice: This checklist is an educational tool. A Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE) must always be conducted by a licensed, independent veterinarian …
Experience & Expertise This guide is based on 30+ years of hands-on experience managing horses through every stage of life — from young Thoroughbreds in training at Fair Grounds and Delta Downs to senior horses well into their twenties. I am not a veterinarian. Always consult your equine vet before beginning or modifying an exercise …
Experience & Veterinary Disclosure This guide draws on 30+ years of hands-on experience managing racehorses and senior horses in Louisiana — including long-term lameness and pain management at Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, and Evangeline Downs. I am not a veterinarian. Always consult your equine vet before starting, stopping, or changing NSAID therapy — especially for …