What is an Equine Appraisal?

By Tracy L. Dopko, Senior Equine Appraiser


At some point in a horse owner’s life, situations may occur that are unforeseen and require you to prove the value of your horse. An equine appraisal is a specialized service used to establish the current market value of horses for purposes such as donations, insurance policies and claims, divorce, estate settlements, and litigation. A professional report is created for each appraisal.


The Appraisal Process
In making an equine appraisal, a comparable market analysis is used. Comparison of the subject equine is done with other similar equines that have sold in the recent past. Using recent equine sales data, a composite figure is calculated to represent the subject equine's Fair Market Value. This value is time-sensitive due to economic factors and trends in the horse industry.


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


The End Result
The client is provided with a complete, professional report which normally contains a full written description of the equine, photographs, video analysis, conformational/gait analysis, significant notes about lineage, show records, and other supporting market data to back up the conclusions and valuation.

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