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


As a Private Investigator, Tracy conducts all investigations in compliance with applicable federal, provincial/state, and municipal laws. Our investigative services have been retained by a wide range of clients, including:

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


Sample equine private investigation cases:

  • Retained by a U.S. insurance company, Tracy conducted an investigation involving a claim exceeding $50,000 related to 12 Quarter Horses that the owner alleged had been attacked by a neighbour's dogs. Through forensic analysis and supporting evidence, Tracy concluded the injuries were more consistent with a cougar attack. Working with the insurer's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), she also uncovered evidence indicating the claimant had an extensive history of insurance claims and was wanted by local authorities on outstanding animal cruelty warrants. The findings were provided to the insurance company and law enforcement. Following the investigation, the claimant was apprehended by local authorities, and the insurance claim was withdrawn.


  • Retained by the plaintiff in a U.S. defamation case, Tracy investigated anonymous, libelous social media posts targeting an organization. Through forensic investigation, she identified the original source of the posts, enabling the plaintiff to pursue legal action.


  • Retained by the defendant in a U.S. dispute, Tracy investigated claims that the subject horse had not been ridden or shown for several years and was severely lame. She obtained recent video evidence showing the horse successfully competing at the Grand Prix level, contradicting the plaintiff's allegations and helping bring the dispute to a successful resolution.


  • Retained by a U.S. insurance company, Tracy investigated a claim involving a Quarter Horse mare that the insured represented as a recently purchased, accomplished barrel horse with a reported purchase price of $25,000. Through her investigation, Tracy located the previous owner and obtained evidence establishing that the mare had actually been purchased for $1,000 and was only green broke at the time of sale. She also uncovered evidence that the submitted bill of sale was false. Based on the findings of the investigation, the insurance claim was withdrawn.


  • Retained by a U.S. client to conduct a pre-employment background investigation on a prospective assistant trainer and barn manager. Through her investigation, Tracy uncovered multiple United States Equestrian Federation disciplinary suspensions for medication and drug rule violations, a history of minor criminal charges and bail-jumping arrests, and evidence that the individual's equestrian business had previously been forfeited for unpaid taxes. None of this information had been disclosed on the employment application. Tracy also located and interviewed former employers, who described significant concerns regarding the individual's performance, professionalism, and interactions with minors. Based on the results of the investigation, the client elected not to hire the applicant, avoiding a potentially high-risk employment decision.



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, lodging, and other reasonable expenses are billed separately and are in addition to our expert witness fees.


Trial, hearing or deposition preparation

  $800 & up


Payment in full is required before the appraisal process begins. Appraisals involving litigation, divorce, bankruptcy, or requiring completion in less than 10 days must be paid by cash, eTransfer, wire transfer, or through a retainer provided by an attorney or insurance company. Mileage fees may apply. Standard turnaround time for a single-horse appraisal is 10–14 days after receipt of all required information and payment. Rush service (9 days or less) is available for an additional fee.


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