Why “Must Pass a PPE” Isn’t a Realistic Standard When Horse Shopping — And What a PPE Should Really Be Used For

If you’ve ever shopped for a horse or sold one, you’ve probably heard the phrase “must pass a PPE” more times than you can count. It’s become a kind of shorthand in sale ads and buyer requests — a requirement that sounds reasonable on the surface but is actually vague, overly simplistic, and, in some cases, counterproductive.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE) actually is, what it isn’t, and how to use it as a tool — not a dealbreaker — in making smart, informed decisions when buying a horse.

What a PPE Actually Is

A Pre-Purchase Exam is a veterinary assessment of a horse’s physical health and soundness at the time of the exam. It can include:

• A physical exam (heart, lungs, eyes, etc.)

• Lameness evaluations (flexion tests, hoof testers, movement on different surfaces)

• Diagnostic imaging (x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, etc.)

• Bloodwork or drug screening

• Reproductive evaluation (for breeding prospects)

The depth of the exam depends on the buyer’s goals, the horse’s intended use, and the vet’s recommendations.

What “Passing” a PPE Actually Means (Spoiler: It’s Not a Pass/Fail Test)

The phrase “must pass a PPE” implies there is some kind of standard benchmark — a veterinary stamp of approval that means the horse is 100% sound and problem-free. The reality? That benchmark doesn’t exist.

Most horses have something — an old scar, a minor conformational flaw, slight changes on x-rays, or some degree of asymmetry. A PPE isn’t about looking for a perfect horse. It’s about understanding what you’re getting.

Veterinarians don’t “pass” or “fail” horses. They report findings. It’s up to the buyer to interpret those findings within the context of:

• The horse’s current workload and soundness

• The buyer’s goals (e.g., trail riding vs. upper-level eventing)

• Risk tolerance

• Budget for maintenance or rehab

• Input from a trainer, farrier, or second vet

Why Most OTTBs Won’t “Pass” a PPE — And Why That’s Okay

This is especially important when shopping for Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). These horses come with miles of wear, literal race records, and often radiographic findings that reflect that history:

• Changes in fetlocks, knees, or hocks

• Old bows or soft tissue injuries

• Slight arthritis or remodeling from previous workload

Does that mean they’re unusable? Not even close. It means they were athletes, and like any athlete, their bodies show the work they’ve done.

Most OTTBs are priced to reflect their vet history, and it’s a major reason why these horses are so accessible to riders with limited budgets. If you’re expecting a $2,500 off-track Thoroughbred to come with squeaky-clean x-rays and zero findings, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment — or worse, overlooking great horses that simply need a little management.

The value of an OTTB isn’t in a flawless vet report — it’s in their heart, their brain, and their adaptability post-racing. A PPE should help you plan for success, not scare you off a good match.

Even the Best Competition Horses Wouldn’t “Pass”

Here’s a reality check: if top-level horses were all held to a “must pass a PPE” standard, many would never get sold — because the higher you climb in sport, the more likely a horse has maintenance or chronic findings.

Even horses competing at the FEI level often have:

• Injected joints

• X-rays with changes

• Slight asymmetries or imperfect flexions

• Long-term management plans with vet and farrier involvement

Their owners and riders don’t walk away because of this — they manage it. Smart buyers don’t just look for “clean” horses; they look for rideable horses that can stay sound enough for the job with appropriate care.

So the next time you hear “he wouldn’t pass a PPE,” ask a better question:

• Is he sound for what I want to do?

• Can I manage the findings with the right team and plan?

• Does the purchase price reflect the reality of his needs?

Redefining the Purpose of the PPE

Instead of treating the PPE as a green or red light, think of it as:

1. A Risk Assessment Tool

   It gives you a snapshot of the horse’s current physical condition and any potential red flags for future soundness issues.

   
   

2. A Maintenance Forecast

   The PPE can give insight into what kind of upkeep a horse might require — joint injections, specialized shoeing, bodywork, etc.

3. A Conversation Starter

   It’s a great opportunity to ask questions: Has the horse been maintained for this issue before? Does the current workload match their comfort level? Is there a management plan that works?

   
   

4. A Budget Planning Resource

   If the horse is a good match in every way but needs minor maintenance, that’s not necessarily a dealbreaker — it’s just something to plan for financially.

Realistic Horse Shopping Means Embracing Imperfection

Every horse is an individual. If you hold out for the unicorn that’s 100% sound, 100% sane, 100% trained, and comes with a completely clean PPE — you’ll either be searching forever or paying a premium.

Instead, use the PPE to:

• Confirm the horse is capable of the work you’re asking for

• Understand what you might be taking on in terms of care

• Make an informed decision that fits your goals and resources

Final Thoughts

“Must pass a PPE” sounds like a smart requirement — but it’s actually a vague expectation that doesn’t reflect the reality of horses or vet work. Shift your mindset: the PPE is a tool, not a test. Use it to understand, not to eliminate.

The best horse for you might not be perfect on paper, but it will be a partner you can manage, support, and enjoy for years to come — and that’s worth far more than a clean set of x-rays.