Does a pre-purchase vet check= obligation to buy?

Question

I was told that if I had the pre-purchase vet check done and nothing showed up, I was then obligated to buy the horse. I'm having serious second thoughts. The vet is supposed to come tomorrow morning. Please help. I don't know if I really want the horse. HELP?

Answer 1

IF you're really not sure this is the horse for you, call the vet, cancel the appointment and continue looking elsewhere.

I'd be a little leary if someone boxed me in on a horse.  You'd think that if the horse vetted clean, but you changed your mind, they could tell the NEXT prospect that the horse vetted clean.

Answer 2

Did you get your own vet or use the horse owner's vet?  It

is better to use a different vet than that of the owner.  However, any pre-purchase exam is just that.  It does not

mean you are obligated to buy the horse.  Make sure you let

the vet know your intentions for the horse (showing, jumping,

trail etc.) and the age of the rider.  Many times a horse will

pass the vet check but doesn't have the right conformation for

certain events or the right temperment for young riders.  A good vet will take that into consideration too.

Answer 3

good heavens, no! Hopefully, your vet is like mine. He will not "pass" or "fail" the horse - he will only be "optimistic" or "pessimistic". Theres got to be something less than perfect about the horse. Anyway, you are in no way obligated to buy the horse, unless you signed a contract to that effect.

Answer 4

Dont worry the pre purchase vet check is just checking for issues, or future issues Many people get them done on every horse they try. just cuz u get it done doesnt mean ur obligated to buy anything, it just means its a sound horse that will be high on the list of "maybes" Dont let anyone pressure you into purchasing a horse that wont suit you and you know it! good luck on your search

Answer 5

No a pre purchase exam does NOT create an obligation to buy a horse. A contract may create an obligation to buy, but not having an exam done. Even if the horse passes the exam but you aren't comfortable buying the horse, it's your right to not buy.

Answer 6

No it does not. Do not let them con you.

Answer 7

Absolutely not, unless you make the stipulation that you will buy the horse if he/she passes the vet exam.  It might, however determine who pays for the vet exam...for instance, if I were in that situation as buyer, I would make an agreement with the owner that if the horse passes the vet check, I pay for the exam, whether I buy the horse or not...if the horse does not pass the vet exam, the seller pays for the vet exam, whether I buy the horse or not...it's fair and if the seller is telling the truth about the horse, he/.she shouldn't mind making the agreement with you.

Answer 8

Hello,

NO you aren't obligated to follow through with the purchase, UNLESS you signed a contract that states the sale will go through after the pre purchase exam.

I have spent money on several pre purchase exams, and then HAVE NOT purchased the horses.  DO not offer the results to the buyers if you paid for the exam, they can have the next buyers pay for their own.

IF you DON'T want the horse, just call the vet in the morning and cancel, they DON'T want to make a wasted trip, just like you aren't sure you want to pay for the exam!

IF you aren't 100% positive this is the horse you want, WAIT!   Just tell the sellers you need to postpone the exam a week because your having second thoughts...  THAT gives you some time, without the expense to make up your mind.  

IT is a big decision and you should feel pretty confident in your choice!  DON'T feel pressured to buy this horse NO MATTER what!  YOU are the one with the upper hand here, you have the cash to buy a horse.  DON'T worry about what the sellers will say.  IT is all about getting a GOOD horse, not pleasing anyone else!

Answer 9

as said before..NO..however, if you are having x-rays done, you have to realize it can cost approx. $400. for an extensive check like that and,  if you continually do it on horses you are not sure about, well,  it can add up...very quickly.  So, if you are that uncertain about a horse..think if it is worth investing in any type of vet check.  

And I wouldn't purchase a horse without one either!!

Don't let anyone pressure you and be careful of what you are signing.  Have someone look over a sales agreement if you are unsure about the verbiage.

Happy horse hunting!!

Answer 10

you have no obligation to buy this horse....

having a vet check means that u r seriously thinking of getting this horse but it doesnt mean u have to get him

Answer 11

No, I've never heard anything like that. You're never 'obligated' to buy a horse you don't want unless there is some sort of legal written contract that you've signed.

You will however be out 200 bucks, or whatever it costs in your area. Maybe you should go by without the vet once more to check out this horse, before you spend money on a vet check.

If you still aren't sure, go with your gut and skip this one. there are plenty of horses around, and it's a buyers market with the economy so poor. Save the money for a vet check on a horse you're sure of.

Answer 12

No, you are NOT obligated to buy the horse even if it vets out ok. If you are having second thoughts, ALWAYS go with your gut. It is never wrong.

Answer 13

Unless you signed a contract stating you agreed to buy the horse, guaranteed sound per pending vet exam confirmation, you are not obligated to purchase the horse, unless you are in a location that honors verbal contracts.  What do you mean when you say you were told that?  Did you verbally agree to that?  In some states/counties verbal agreements are legally binding and if a majority of evidence suggests that the agreement exists, you will be bound by law to buy the horse.

Your only way out of it, in that case,  lies in the fact that almost any horse will have issues that your vet can find to negate the contract.

Answer 14

The pre-purchase vet check is not an obligation to buy.  It is an obligation to pay the vet bill.   It is your bill not the present owners, especially if nothing turns up.  Oh and if it the present owner telling you this make SURE the vet is your vet not the current owners.  In fact you should do that anyway, but if the current owner is the one saying that a pre-vet check is an obligation to buy then I am suspicious.

Answer 15

The pre purchase vet check is not an obligation to buy. Tell the seller that you are just making sure the horse is healthy. The horse could be as fit as a fiddle and too advanced for you, or too lazy for you, etc.

Whatever the seller says, you don't have to buy the horse, you haven't signed anything.