The easy answer is that you might need an appraisal any time you need to establish the current market value of your horse. For many, this happens when you decide to sell the horse, both so that you can determine how much to ask for the horse and to indicate to prospective buyers what they are actually purchasing. However, horses are considered to be personal property by the United States government, and as such are a financial investment, whether you are involved for business or pleasure. Thus, it is also important to know the value of a horse in instances of donations to a non-profit organization (the IRS requires an appraisal for all donated horses valued at greater than $5000), divorce, bankruptcy, insurance settlements, and for other financial decisions.

Why an ASEA Certified Equine Appraiser?

Technically, anyone can perform a personal property appraisal, whether it is on a horse or any other piece of personal property, because the United States government does not have a certification process for personal property appraisers as it does for real estate appraisers. However, Certified Equine Appraisers have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of their fields of expertise, as defined by the American Society of Equine Appraisers, the only body in the United States that can offer certification according to the Appraiser Qualifications Board standards. Therefore, using an ASEA Certified Equine Appraiser helps you to ensure that the individual you are choosing to perform an appraisal on your horse is a professional equestrian with the pertinent knowledge and experience.

Why choose Cirrus Equine Appraisals to perform an appraisal on my horse?

Casey Edinger, proprietor of Cirrus Equine Appraisals, has completed 35 hours of coursework on the Principles of Valuation Theory and provides complete appraisals according to USPAP standards. Casey has experience with many of the equestrian disciplines and breeds prevalent in the Maryland and Virginia horse communities, and has a BA in biology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. In addition, Casey is committed to attaining Senior Appraiser status, which entails a combination of experience and additional coursework / continuing education that will ensure that she remains abreast of the intricacies of the field.