At Syndicates.Racing, we understand that the key to a successful racehorse investment starts with a thorough pre-purchase veterinary exam. This crucial step helps us ensure the health, soundness, and potential of our horses, mitigating risks and maximizing our chances of success.
1. Comprehensive Health Assessment
A pre-purchase veterinary exam provides a complete health assessment of the horse. At Syndicates.Racing, we employ experienced veterinarians to conduct these exams, looking for any signs of illness, injury, or congenital defects that could affect performance or require costly medical treatment in the future. While we don’t vet every purchase, when we think it’s appropriate we’re lucky to avail of some of the best vets in the world at our disposal.
2. Orthopedic Examination
The orthopedic examination is critical in assessing the horse’s bone and joint health. We prioritize this step to identify any potential issues with the legs, joints, and hooves. Detecting conditions such as arthritis, bone chips, or conformation flaws early helps us make informed decisions and avoid future complications.
3. Radiographs (X-rays)
At Syndicates.Racing, we frequently include radiographs in our pre-purchase exams. X-rays provide a detailed look at the horse’s skeletal structure, revealing any hidden issues not visible during a physical exam. This technology allows us to make more informed purchasing decisions, ensuring the long-term soundness of our horses. An x-ray issue can be an opportunity as well – it’s a balancing act to ensure we don’t rule out any horse that might be good value because of a minor issue.
4. Ultrasound and Endoscopy
On race occasions, we take advantage of advanced diagnostic tools like ultrasound and endoscopy to get a comprehensive view of the horse’s internal health. Ultrasound helps us examine soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, while endoscopy allows us to inspect the respiratory system for any abnormalities.
5. Blood Tests
Blood tests play a part of our pre-purchase process at Syndicates.Racing. These tests can reveal underlying health issues such as infections, metabolic disorders, or other systemic conditions that might affect the horse’s performance and well-being.
6. Review of Medical History
Another part of our approach at Syndicates.Racing is to review the horse’s medical history thoroughly. Understanding past injuries, treatments, and overall health trends helps us predict future health and performance potential.
By conducting comprehensive pre-purchase veterinary exams, Syndicates.Racing ensures that we invest in healthy, sound horses with the best chances of success on the racetrack.