You just bought a horse for $15,000. You didn’t do a Pre-Purchase Exam (PPE) because “he looked sound.” You apply for insurance. The underwriter emails back: “Please provide a five-stage vetting and flexion tests.” You panic. You don’t want to pay $1,000 for a vetting on a horse you already bought.
Key Takeaways
- Value Thresholds: Insurers have lines in the sand. Under $50k? Maybe just a health cert. Over $50k? Full vetting required. Over $100k? X-rays required.
- Justification of Value (JOV): If you don’t have a vetting, you need strong proof of value (show record, purchase receipt).
- The “Soundness” Statement: Even for low-value horses, you must sign a statement declaring the horse has no history of lameness or colic. If you lie, it’s fraud.
- Recent Exam: The vetting usually must be within 30 days of the policy start date.
The “Why” (The Trap): Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurers want to avoid buying a lame horse.
The Trap: You try to insure a $25,000 horse without a vetting. They might accept it, BUT they will exclude “Any pre-existing conditions.” Later, he goes lame. They say, “Prove this wasn’t pre-existing.” Without a clean PPE on file, you can’t prove he was sound when you bought the policy.
The Investigation: Carrier Requirements
I checked the 2026 guidelines for new policies.
Markel
- $0 – $50,000: Usually requires only a “Veterinary Certificate of Examination” (basic health check) or just an owner declaration for lower values.
- $50,000 – $100,000: Full PPE required.
- $100,000+: X-rays of front feet and hocks often mandatory.
The Hartford
- Policy: Slightly stricter on older horses. If the horse is 16+, they want a vet form regardless of value.
Great American
- Policy: Allows “Justification of Value” (Purchase Price) to bind mortality, but Medical coverage often triggers the need for a health certificate.
Comparison Table: What Vet Work Do You Need?
| Horse Value | Requirement | Cost of Exam |
| $5,000 – $15,000 | Owner Declaration | $0 |
| $15,000 – $50,000 | Vet Certificate (Basic) | $150 |
| $50,000 – $100,000 | Full Vetting (Flexions) | $600 |
| $100,000+ | Vetting + X-rays | $1,500+ |
[IMAGE: Checklist graphic: “Owner Statement” vs “Vet Cert” vs “X-Rays”]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Do the PPE: Always do a PPE when buying. It serves as your baseline for insurance.
- Submit the PPE: Send the report to the insurer immediately. It locks in the horse’s condition as “Sound” on Day 1.
- Read the Exclusions: If the PPE showed a “small spur on the hock,” expect a hock exclusion.
- Truthful Declaration: If you skip the vetting, disclose EVERYTHING on the owner statement. “Occasional stiffness” is better than a denial later.
FAQ
Can I use a PPE from 6 months ago?
No. Usually needs to be within 30 days. You might need a “Health Certificate” update (cheaper) to bridge the gap.