Daventry Equine Appraisal Services Daventry Equine Appraisal Services

Equine Private Investigation

Equine private investigator and fraud examiner since 2005


Services available:

  • Criminal and civil investigation
  • Fraud investigation
  • Insurance fraud
  • Locating witnesses and interviews


Tracy is a Private Investigator and complies with all federal, provincial/state and municipal laws. Some of our clients include:

  • Private individuals
  • Attorneys and law firms
  • Insurance companies
  • Corporations
  • Government


Sample equine private investigation cases:

  • Retained by an American insurance company to investigate and provide research and evidence regarding a large claim involving 12 Quarter Horses that the owner claimed were attacked by a neighbour's dogs. Tracy provided forensic evidence that the horses were most likely attacked by a cougar. She worked directly with the insurance company's Special Investigations Unit and provided evidence that the horse owner was a long-time insurance "serial claimer" and a wanted fugitive by the local authorities with outstanding warrants for multiple animal cruelty charges going back 10 years. As a result of the investigation, local authorities captured the wanted fugitive, and the $50,000+ insurance claim was dropped.


  • Retained by plaintiff in the U.S. to investigate an organization being defamed through libelous comments posted on social media by an anonymous source. Tracy identified the original source, enabling the Plaintiff to pursue legal action.


  • Retained by defendant in the U.S. to investigate plaintiff during a dispute settlement in which plaintiff claimed the subject horse had not been shown or ridden in several years and produced a veterinary report stating the horse was severely lame. Tracy uncovered recent video footage of the horse successfully competing at the Grand Prix level, which refuted the plaintiff's statements and helped resolve the dispute.


  • Retained by an American insurance company to investigate and provide research and evidence regarding a claim on a Quarter Horse mare that the owner stated was a top barrel horse that had been recently purchased for $25,000 US. Tracy was able to track down the previous owner and provided evidence that the subject horse was actually purchased for $1,000 USD and had been green-broke. Due to the owner's fraudulent statements and fictitious bill of sale, the insurance claim was dropped.


  • Retained by an American client looking to hire a new assistant trainer/barn manager, but was having a hard time finding background information and references for the individual. Tracy uncovered several United States Equestrian Federation suspensions for drug violations, a history of minor criminal activity, and several bail-jumping arrests, none of which were listed on the individual's job application. The individual's own equestrian business had also been previously seized due to tax forfeiture. Tracy also provided the client with contact information for past employers who confirmed their own problematic experiences with the same individual and warned that the individual was unsafe to have on the property of an equestrian facility or around minors. As a result, the client avoided hiring an unsuitable individual for their business.



Rates


A few of the services we offer:   $350 & up

  • Locating witnesses and interviews
  • Research related to the case
  • Pre-trial investigation
  • Evidence research
  • Review of opposing valuations and appraisals
  • Deposition review
  • Preparation of rebuttal questions
  • Explanation to counsel on case merits or lack thereof
  • Verbal or written expert opinions
  • Accident reconstruction
  • Equine appraisals
  • Livestock & agricultural appraisals


Expert witness court testimony or deposition

  $800/day
Travel, hotel expenses, etc., must also be covered and are in addition to our expert witness fee.


Trial, hearing or deposition preparation

  $800 & up


Payment in full is required to begin an appraisal, expert witness report, or private investigation. Reports requiring a rush job (less than 10 days) or reports involving litigation, divorce, or bankruptcy must be paid by cash, eTransfer, wire transfer, or retainer through an attorney or insurance company. The appraisal fee may be subject to additional mileage fees, if applicable. 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.


GST will be added to all listed prices for Canadian residents.
Discounts available for multiple horses.


Customer Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying


Click for more reviews

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