FAQ's

General Question

Being educated about the appraisal process will ensure you
receive the appropriate type of appraisal for your needs.

Daventry Equine Appraisal Services Daventry Equine Appraisal Services

An equine appraisal is a unique service designed to establish the past, present, or future market value of a horse 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 horse owners, as well as to attorneys, accountants, and insurance companies that handle 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.

  • To establish past, present, or future market value
  • For insurance purposes
  • Charitable donation purposes
  • For legal matters such as estate & divorce settlements, dissolving or establishing partnerships, and litigation
  • For bank financing and/or collateral
  • Any other reason for placing a value on a horse

  • We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation by telephone
  • Detailed data collection, including all pertinent information
  • Analysis of the subject animal(s)
  • Comparison of the subject animal(s) 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

Tracy was 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, Irish Draught, 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 to someone who can.

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 Ltd., 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.

No. Our specialty and certifications are limited to personal property only. If you require an appraisal for agricultural land or an equestrian facility, it is crucial to hire a certified real estate (aka real property) appraiser who is licensed to appraise both agricultural land and commercial equestrian properties. Real estate appraisers must be licensed in Canada or, in the United States, licensed by their State real estate organization.

Yes. Daventry Equine Appraisals have been used globally in litigation for civil disputes, fraud, and tax matters, as well as by insurance companies. 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.

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.

Yes. Inspections, expert witness depositions, and testimony are available remotely via FaceTime, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. When a horse is no longer available for inspection (e.g., deceased, stolen, previously donated, inaccessible, or the appraisal is based on some point in the past), much of our work involves conducting appraisals under extraordinary assumptions. This type of appraisal requires us to assume certain facts, based on information obtained from 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 your legal counsel.

This is the highest price, estimated in terms of money, that an informed buyer would pay for a particular horse on any given day.

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 and 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 donation date will not be accepted by the IRS or the CRA. It is essential to inquire with the non-profit organization 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.

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 who previously submitted appraisal reports completed by other appraisers that were 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.

  • 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

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

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

Normal time required for a single horse appraisal is 10 to 14 days from receipt of pertinent information and payment. For clients who require a report in 9 days or less, we do offer a rush service for an additional fee.

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.


We are one of the few senior equine appraisers in North America. 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 (AQB) 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 and completing 70 hours of continuing education every five years, which must include 20 hours of coursework related to valuation theory. Click here to learn more about the different levels of appraisal credentials.

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.
Customer Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying


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As a lawyer specialising in equestrian litigation, I am only too aware that it is imperative in this niche field to have the world's leading experts on your team. Tracy has an unparalleled, encyclopedic knowledge of the competition horse market globally. Her expertise is invaluable and her opinion is supported by the most thorough analysis. Her exceptional attention to detail means that her reports command authority. She is the go to expert for any equestrian valuation issue.

Hannah Bradley, Solicitor

The Equine Law Firm, United Kingdom

Tracy provided us with multiple reports in relation to the valuation of a horse. Her reports were very thorough and it was evident that a great deal of research had been undertaken in preparation of the report. The reports were of great assistance to us. Tracy was very approachable and it was an absolute pleasure dealing with her. I would 100% recommend Tracy to anyone wishing to obtain an equine appraisal.

Tanya Sayers, Lawyer

Meridian Lawyers, Australia

Tracy served as a testifying expert where she opined on the value of a horse in litigation pending in Circuit Court of Fairfax County, Virginia. Tracy's opinions were supported by a thoughtful and well-reasoned expert report, and the judge accepted Tracy's testimony as reasonable and credible.

I was impressed with Tracy's ability to articulate her opinions in a manner that was well-reasoned, clear, and understandable to a layperson. I was also impressed with Tracy's willingness to travel to and testify on relatively short notice. I am quite pleased with her services and would highly recommend them to those in need of horse valuation expert who can likewise serve as a testifying expert in a court of law in the United States.

Chris Campbel, Lawyer

Virginia

As a lawyer practicing primarily personal injury litigation, we rely on expert reports to make the best possible case for our clients. In niche situations where accidents involve horses, having a strong expert report can make a night and day difference in how a case could proceed. I was impressed by the depth and breadth of Tracy's knowledge, and her expertise proved invaluable. I cannot recommend her enough.

Karamveer Lalh, Lawyer

James H. Brown & Associates, Alberta

Working with Tracy has been super refreshing. To call up and have a super hard deadline to meet and have her and her team take on the challenge of a quick turn around, meet it and be so helpful and friendly thru the process, to say the least was amazing. I wish we had more business like this. I would totally use her again and will tell others about this great appraisal company. Thanks for working with us!!

Kacy Bradshaw

Idaho

My stallion was killed by a distracted driver. Tracy was compassionate, professional and exceptionally helpful. We sued and when the opposing attorney read her appraisal he settled in less than 15 minutes for the full amount. I don't think you could find a better appraiser. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how exceptional I think she is.

Pat Kultgen

Texas