Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose an equine appraiser?
An equine appraisal is a unique service created to establish past, present, or future market values of horses for purposes such as charitable donations, insurance policies and claims, divorce, estate settlements, and litigation. A professional report is created for each appraisal. This service is vital to all horse owners, as well as attorneys, accountants, and insurance companies that deal with cases involving horses. If a client is involved in a litigation case and has hired a non-equine attorney, a knowledgeable and experienced equine appraiser can go over key evidence and help draw up rebuttal questions or research important evidence for the case, as well as provide invaluable equine expert witness testimony.

What can an equine appraisal be used for?

• To establish past, present, or future market value
• For insurance purposes
• For legal matters, estate matters, matrimonial agreements, wills, and dissolving or establishing partnerships
• For bank financing and/or collateral
• Any other reason for placing a value on a horse

What does your Daventry Equine Appraisal include?

• We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation by telephone
• Detailed data collection, including all pertinent information
• Analysis of the subject animal
• Comparison of the subject animal to others in the current or past market
• A Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) complaint report that is also considered a qualified appraisal by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Completed and signed IRS Form 8283 (for U.S. donation appraisals)
• A professional report that is admissible in court
• All appraisals are strictly confidential

What types of horses does Daventry Equine Appraisal Services appraise?
Tracy is a long-time competitor on the hunter/jumper and dressage circuits, active in the breeding of Warmbloods and Welsh & Half Welsh Hunter Ponies, a respected equine judge with both the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Equestrian Canada in multiple disciplines, and an inspector for various breeds. She is most often asked to appraise hunter/jumpers, equitation horses, dressage horses, eventers, ponies, western pleasure horses, reiners, team penning and barrel horses, trail, and companion horses. We have appraised some of the more rare breeds - Akhal-Teke, Andalusian, Canadian Horse, Cleveland Bay, Connemara, Friesian, Gypsy Vanner, Haflinger, Knabstrupper, Lusitano, Norwegian Fjord, Spotted Draft Horse, Welsh Cob, and have trained and/or judged them throughout the years as well. Over the years, Tracy has appraised everything from the beloved family horse to seven-figure Olympic show jumpers. Read more about Tracy's equine experience with various breeds HERE. If we are unable to appraise your horse, we may be able to point you in the right direction of someone who can.

Does Daventry Equine Appraisal Services appraise other horse-related items or personal property?
Yes. We also appraise horse trailers, english & western tack, veterinary medical equipment, frozen semen, frozen embryos, and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) breeding doses. As a division of Daventry Appraisal Services, we also regularly appraise livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep as well as farm equipment. Daventry Appraisal Services is also known in the industry as the go-to appraiser for obscure and exotic animals. We have extensive experience appraising breeding and show dogs, breeding and show cats, animal actors for film & television, as well as game, exotic, and endangered animals (both land and marine) for various private zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and non-profit organizations throughout North America.

Does Daventry Equine Appraisal Services appraise farm land and equine facilities?
No. Our specialty and certification involve personal property only. If you require an appraisal for agricultural land or an equestrian facility, it is crucial to hire a certified real estate appraiser who is licensed to appraise both agricultural land and commercial equestrian properties. Real estate appraisers must be licensed directly with the Appraisal Institute of Canada, or, in the case of the United States, licensed with their State real estate organization.

Do you provide services to Attorneys, Accountants, or Insurance Agents?
Yes. Daventry Equine Appraisals have been used in litigation for civil disputes, fraud, tax disputes, and for some of the major insurance companies in the United States, Canada, and overseas. You can be confident that your appraisal will meet the highest standards, including those required for litigation and the IRS/CRA. Typically, most cases resolve after our expert reports are submitted to opposing counsel. We have completed appraisals for countries as far away as Saudi Arabia and Australia. We also provide additional services, such as expert witness consulting, pre-trial investigation, and explanations to counsel on the merits or lack thereof of the case.

Are your appraisals qualified to be used in a court of law?
Yes. Daventry Equine appraisals are considered qualified for legal purposes internationally. Tracy has also been qualified as an equine expert in court proceedings in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Can Daventry Equine Appraisals determine the value of a horse they haven't physically seen?
Yes. Inspections, expert witness depositions, and testimony are available remotely via FaceTime, Skype, Zoom & Microsoft Teams. Due to a horse that is no longer available for inspection (i.e., deceased, stolen, previously donated, inaccessible, or the appraisal is based on a point in the past), much of our work involves conducting appraisals under extraordinary assumptions. This type of appraisal requires that we assume some facts by using information obtained through documentation and validation from other sources. It should be noted that appraisals required for litigation involving a healthy, living horse and a current appraisal date may benefit from an in-person inspection of the animal. It is always best to discuss options with legal counsel.

What does fair market value mean?
This is the highest price, estimated in terms of money, that an informed buyer would pay for a particular horse on any given day.

I am considering donating my horse. What do I need to know before making a donation?
Daventry Equine Appraisal Services is a qualified appraiser with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Donating your horse to a school or non-profit organization is a good, charitable contribution you can make. First, ensure that the school or organization qualifies as a charity or non-profit organization under the IRS and CRA guidelines. Then, consult with an accountant to determine if you are eligible to receive a tax deduction. The IRS/CRA will allow you to deduct the "fair market value" price your horse would bring on the day you make the donation. Example: If you donate an aged horse that has been retired from hunter/jumper competition, you cannot claim the same amount you paid for the horse when it was a young, sound jumper champion.

If the value is more than $5,000, you will need to support the donation with a written appraisal by a qualified, independent expert. It is essential to note that appraisal reports completed more than 60 days prior to the date of donation will not be accepted by the IRS or CRA. It is essential to inquire with the school about their plans for keeping your horse for at least three years. If your horse is removed from the program before the three years are up, you may get a notification from the IRS reducing your donation tax credit.

I am currently involved in an IRS dispute/appeal. Can Daventry Appraisal Services help me?
Yes. Our appraisal reports are both IRS and USPAP compliant and are considered qualified appraisals by the IRS. Although none of our current clients have had appraisal reports denied by the IRS, we have been retained by new clients involved in IRS appeals or that have had a previously submitted appraisal report, completed by another appraiser, deemed non-compliant by the IRS. We have successfully helped these clients navigate the appeals process and have also been retained to write new appraisal reports for resubmission to the IRS.

What can affect your horse's value?

• Physical traits such as age, health, and conformation
• Breed type and breed characteristics
• Bloodlines
• Disposition
• Accomplishments including training, show records, and earnings
• Value and success of offspring
• Current economic and marketing trends

Factors that do not affect your horse's value?

• Emotional attachment
• Perceived value
• Direct or indirect costs of ownership maintenance, veterinary bills, and financial needs

How much does it cost to get an Equine Appraisal done?

• An average appraisal costs approximately $700. However, each appraisal is unique, so please call for your individualized quote.
• Discounts are available for multiple horses.
• Feel free to contact us for fees and information.

How long does it take to get a completed appraisal report?
Normal time required for a single horse appraisal is 10 to 14 days from receipt of pertinent information and payment. We do offer rush service for an additional fee for clients who require a report in 9 days or less.

We are one of only a handful of Senior Equine Appraisers in North America. What is the difference between an Accredited Equine Appraiser and a Senior Equine Appraiser?
An Accredited Equine Appraiser is an entry-level appraiser with the American Society of Equine Appraisers (ASEA). Accredited Appraiser applicants should complete the ASEA Principles of Valuation course (35 hours), ASEA Advanced Principles of Valuation course (70 hours), and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) 15-hour course. It should be noted that there are no mandatory continuing education requirements; all activities are conducted on a strictly volunteer basis. So, while an accredited appraiser may hold a valid and current appraisal membership, it does not necessarily mean they have completed all of the courses and programs set out by the appraisal organization.

A Senior Equine Appraiser is an accredited member who has successfully completed ASEA's Professional Appraisal Courses (105 hours), has met the Appraiser Qualifications Board's Personal Property Appraisal Minimum Qualification Criteria (minimum 700 appraisal hours), completed the 15-hour Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course, and is an ASEA member in good standing. Senior Appraisers are encouraged to meet the AQB's continuing education requirements every five years to retain their Senior status, but as mentioned above, this is not mandatory. When hiring an appraiser, it is essential to inquire about the appraiser's continuing education and courses. As markets are constantly changing, it is essential that an appraiser stays current and understands how to properly perform, develop, and write a personal property appraisal.

Daventry Appraisal Services is committed to providing our clients with the most up-to-date and knowledgeable appraisers. As a result, we comply with all of the Appraiser Qualifications Board's Personal Property Appraisal Minimum Qualification Criteria. This includes attending a 7-hour USPAP updating course every two years, as well as completing 70 hours of continuing education every five years, which includes 20 hours of coursework related to valuation theory.

I am in need of an equine attorney. Are there any you can recommend?

While we may not always be able to recommend a specific attorney in your State or Province, we can certainly help point you to the equine attorneys available in your area. It is important to note that if you do seek the help of an equine attorney, it may be beneficial to find an attorney who practices in your home State or Province, as laws may vary from State to State or Province to Province.