Fair Objective Valuation

Skill and Good Judgement

The first step in obtaining an impartial valuation is engaging the services of an accredited equine appraisal professional. 

Choose an appraiser that has first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge of equine, as well as specifics of the breed/discipline being evaluated.    The appraiser should also have extensive understanding of the equine industry, market influences, and the critical variables that influence value.  An appraiser with these skills and knowledge is better qualified to make good value judgements. 
 

Accountability is Imperative 

It is the responsibility of an equine appraiser to determine an unbiased valuation for the protection of several parties: owners, buyers, insurance carriers and lending institutions.  The appraiser must use due diligence to research, analyse, and make judgement calls.  The appraiser has to be able to substantiate the decisions with supporting research and documentation.

If as a consumer you know what an appraiser should do, you will be better informed to ask the questions that will help you choose an appraiser that's right for you. 
 

Factors That Do Not Affect Valuation

An impartial appraisal cannot be based on emotional attachment, hopeful dreams, or promises.  Everything the appraiser studies is based on facts that can be substantiated.   Your emotional attachment to a horse or a perceived value, cannot be taken into consideration.    What you paid for a horse or may still owe on a horse may not be applicable in the evaluation.  Any costs that were incurred directly or indirectly for maintenance, veterinary bills or any other financial commitments pertaining to the horse cannot be included in the appraisal. 

 

Factors That Affect the Value of a Horse

Each horse is evaluated on an individual basis.  Factors that are considered/examined:

• Breed and type characteristics
• Physical traits such as health, age and conformation
• Disposition
• Background Pedigree
• Value of sire and dam
• Accomplishments (if applicable): training, show record, prizes, earnings
• Records of progeny
• Certificates/Registrations
• Statements from trainers
• Veterinary records or statements.
   

Use Caution

Please remember that appraisal values are time sensitive.  Economic conditions and trends in the horse industry do change and an appraisal value may increase or decrease significantly  in a short period of time or be affected by a change in locations.

We recommend that you do not use one appraisal for more than one dissimilar purposes.  For example an appraisal prepared for a bankruptcy trustee is entirely inappropriate for use in determining replacement value of an equine for insurance purposes. 

Ensure an Appraisal Serves Your Current Needs 

Please be advised that conducting your own research and analysis may not be acceptable for your intended purpose.  Only a written report prepared by a qualified/accredited/certified professional appraiser may serve as a legal document or be accepted by lending institutions or insurance underwriters.