In my opinion, the first vet check may prove to be one of the best investments in preparing for the purchase of a new horse. It is probably best to have your own vet examine the horse BEFORE writing the check, but even though I know it's a good idea, most of my horses have been bought through reliable and trustworthy sources. Nevertheless, with each new horse I buy, the first thing I do is have a vet come and give a thorough exam. On one such occasion, routine bloodwork indicated that my horse had a liver problem. So the vet advised me to feed a low protein diet and add a supplement to his feed to ease the workload on the liver. I also have teeth checked by the vet in addition to the routine procedures. Then after a few days, I worm my horse with an ivermectin and, if I don't know the prior worming schedule, I'll stall the horse so I can check manure. I once had a pony that was so full of bot larvae, it was unreal!  

     I vet my horses regularly. Ask your vet what shots are needed for the area you live in. Two years ago, IL suffered a severe outbreak of West Nile Virus. It caused quite a bit of anxiety for awhile. Sometimes the vet gives the shots and other times I have the serum dispensed. I hold while my husband shoots; I would rather receive an injection as to have to GIVE one.......YUK!