PO Box 5
Sanger, CA 93657
USA
Phone: (559) 217-8533
Fax: (888) 821-6964
Sterling Equine Appraisals
Frequently Asked Questions
Information from our certified experts
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At some point in a horse owner's life, situations may occur that requires you to prove the value of your horse. This is when you need a professional horse appraiser who is compassionate and can advise you of the proper process and procedures. Sterling examines horse values for sales, donations, litigation, partnerships, collateral and more.
Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation Horses, Ponies, Miniature Horses, Western Pleasure &
Performance Horses, Trail / Companion Horses. Selected client horses can be seen in our Facebook Album. If we don't
specialize in your breed or discipline, we are happy to direct you to another Certified
Equine Appraiser that does - just contact us for a free referral.
Sterling
has the highest caliber appraisers.
Feel confident in your selection of Sterling for your horse appraisal needs. Each appraisal is conducted by an expert horse
person who at a minimum is an earner of state and national titles, high points, honor
rolls, points and awards in several breeds and disciplines and schooled in the hands-on
appraisal process. Every partner of our
team is certified by the American Society of Equine Appraisers and receives continuing
education annually. It's not just a job, it's a passion!
Much like
attorneys, in the world of appraisals, you get what you pay for. Our valuations are used
in court, for tax purposes and with insurance companies. You can be confident that your
appraisal and your appraiser will hold up to the highest standards including litigation
and the IRS. Sterling offers appraisal services from $850 to $1,500, depending on the
client's need and project scope. We offer volume discounts and extend discounts to members
of many equestrian organizations including USEF, AQHA, and 4-H. Please contact us for a free, no obligation, written quotation.
Most appraisals are completed in about 30 days from retainer to final report. In some circumstances, rush appraisals can be completed very quickly, though rush fees do apply.
Because some horses are no longer
available for inspection, much of our work is appraising horses that we can not see in
person. We conduct appraisals under hypothetical conditions, usually if the horse is
deceased or stolen. This type of appraisal requires that we 'assume' some facts by using
information obtained through various documents and validated by other sources including
but not limited to veterinarians, trainers, breed registry officials, local sale barns, or
prior owners.
There are many way to assess the value of a horse.
Sterling evaluates the unique circumstances of each project and then applies the most
appropriate method, as defined by the American Society of Equine Appraisers. Most often,
we use the Sales Comparison method to determine the "fair market value" of the
horse being appraised. Much like real estate, we can review horses that have sold recently
with similar characteristics to your horse and add or subtract dollars based on an
unbiased evaluation of how your horse stacks up. Recently, Horse & Rider published a chart
that depicts this process.
Donating your horse to a school,
therapeutic riding program, or non-profit organization is one of the nicest
charitable
contributions you can make! First, make sure the organization qualifies as a charity under
IRS guideline. The program director should be able to validate this. Then, consult with
your accountant to determine if you may be eligible to receive a tax deduction.
You, the recipient and the appraiser each have sections to complete on this form. You can download it from the IRS website.
Here are a few pointers from our
certified experts:
1) Hire a professional appraiser who remains current on industry trends and who is knowledgeable about your discipline and breed.
2) Maintain a current series of videos and photos of your horse. These will be invaluable to an appraiser if your horse is injured, stolen, or worse.
3) Protect the investment you have in your horses. You may be able to add them to your homeowner's policy. There are also many companies who specialize in equine insurance. (more details)
4) Keep records of your horse spending, winnings, and achievements. This data may be necessary for an accurate appraisal. It may also benefit you at tax time.
1) Hire a professional appraiser who remains current on industry trends and who is knowledgeable about your discipline and breed.
2) Maintain a current series of videos and photos of your horse. These will be invaluable to an appraiser if your horse is injured, stolen, or worse.
3) Protect the investment you have in your horses. You may be able to add them to your homeowner's policy. There are also many companies who specialize in equine insurance. (more details)
4) Keep records of your horse spending, winnings, and achievements. This data may be necessary for an accurate appraisal. It may also benefit you at tax time.
