Understanding the appraisal process helps ensure you receive the
appropriate type of appraisal for your specific needs and intended use.
Tracy has spent decades immersed in the equine industry as a competitor, breeder, licensed judge, inspector, and appraiser. A long-time competitor on the hunter/jumper and dressage circuits, she has also bred Warmbloods and Welsh and Half-Welsh Hunter Ponies. She is a respected equine judge with both the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Equestrian Canada, holding judging credentials in multiple disciplines and serving as an inspector for several breeds.
She is most frequently retained to appraise hunter/jumpers, equitation horses, dressage horses, eventers, ponies, western pleasure horses, reiners, team penning horses, barrel horses, trail horses, and companion horses. Her appraisal experience also extends to numerous rare and specialty breeds, including the Akhal-Teke, Andalusian, Canadian Horse, Cleveland Bay, Connemara, Friesian, Gypsy Vanner, Haflinger, Irish Draught, Knabstrupper, Lusitano, Norwegian Fjord, Spotted Draft Horse, and Welsh Cob. Throughout her career, Tracy has trained, judged, and appraised many of these breeds, providing her with a depth of practical knowledge that few equine appraisers can match.
From cherished family horses to seven-figure Olympic show jumpers, Tracy has appraised horses across virtually every level of the equine industry. To learn more about her experience with specific breeds and disciplines, click HERE. If your horse falls outside our area of expertise, we maintain an extensive network of appraisers and are happy to refer you to a trusted professional with the appropriate experience.
Daventry Equine Appraisal Services provides qualified appraisals for charitable donations that meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Donating a horse to a qualified charitable or non-profit organization can provide meaningful support to the recipient while potentially offering valuable tax benefits to the donor. Before making a donation, confirm that the receiving organization qualifies under the applicable IRS or CRA regulations, and consult your accountant or tax advisor to determine your eligibility for a charitable tax deduction or tax credit. In most cases, the allowable deduction is based on the horse's Fair Market Value as of the date of the donation—not the original purchase price. For example, a retired hunter/jumper horse should be valued based on its condition, use, and market value at the time of the donation, rather than what it was worth during its competitive career.
For donations exceeding $5,000, the IRS and CRA generally require a qualified appraisal prepared by an independent qualified appraiser. It is also important to note that appraisal reports prepared more than 60 days before the donation date generally do not satisfy IRS or CRA requirements. If you are donating a horse to a charitable organization, we also recommend asking about the organization's long-term plans for the animal. Under certain circumstances, if the organization disposes of the horse within three years of the donation, the IRS may review the transaction and adjust or reduce the charitable deduction originally claimed, depending on the facts and applicable tax rules. We recommend consulting your accountant or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances and current IRS or CRA requirements before completing any charitable donation.
The term "Accredited Equine Appraiser" refers to an entry-level appraisal designation awarded by the American Society of Equine Appraisers (ASEA). Individuals seeking this designation are encouraged to complete the ASEA Principles of Valuation (35 hours), Advanced Principles of Valuation (70 hours), and the 15-hour Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course. However, because ASEA operates as a voluntary membership organization, these educational programs and continuing education requirements are not mandatory for maintaining Accredited status. As a result, an individual may hold a current Accredited membership without having completed all of the organization's recommended coursework.
Daventry Appraisal Services is led by one of the few Senior Equine Appraisers in North America. The Senior designation is awarded to Accredited members who have successfully completed ASEA's 105-hour appraisal education program, satisfied the Appraiser Qualifications Board's (AQB) minimum qualification criteria for personal property appraisers—including at least 700 hours of appraisal experience—completed the 15-hour USPAP course, and remain members in good standing. While ASEA encourages Senior members to meet the AQB's continuing education recommendations every five years, this is not a requirement for maintaining the designation. For that reason, we recommend asking any appraiser about their recent education, USPAP training, and professional development. Appraisal methodology, valuation theory, and market conditions continually evolve, making ongoing education an important consideration when selecting a qualified appraiser.
At Daventry Appraisal Services, we voluntarily exceed the minimum expectations for professional development by complying with the Appraiser Qualifications Board's Personal Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria. Our commitment includes completing the 7-hour USPAP Update Course every two years and at least 70 hours of continuing education every five years, including 20 hours in valuation theory, to ensure our clients receive appraisal services that reflect current professional standards and accepted appraisal methodology.
Want to compare appraisal designations? Visit our page hereexplaining the different appraisal credentials and what they mean when selecting an equine appraiser.