Donation Appraisals
Defensible valuations for charitable equine contributions
When a horse is donated to a university, therapeutic program, rescue, or foundation, an accurate, well-documented appraisal protects both the donor and the receiving organization.
Why Donation Appraisals Matter
Accuracy and integrity for a specialized transaction
Donating a horse to a qualified organization can offer meaningful tax benefits for the donor — but the IRS requires a qualified appraisal to substantiate the claimed value of the contribution. A poorly supported valuation can create risk for the donor and reputational risk for the receiving institution.
Sigma Equine produces donation appraisals that are built to meet these requirements: performed by an ASEA Senior Appraiser, documented to USPAP standards, and informed by genuine, current equine market knowledge.
What Sets a Sigma Equine Donation Appraisal Apart
The credentials and experience behind every valuation
What an ASEA Senior Appraiser Credential Means
The American Society of Equine Appraisers (ASEA) is the leading professional organization for equine appraisal in the United States. A Senior Appraiser designation represents the highest level of ASEA accreditation — earned through rigorous coursework, demonstrated experience, and adherence to professional standards. For donation appraisals, this credential signals to the IRS and to donor organizations that the valuation was performed by a qualified, recognized professional.
What USPAP Compliance Means
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) are the generally recognized standards for professional appraisal practice in the United States. A USPAP-compliant donation appraisal follows a documented, defensible methodology — including defined scope of work, market analysis, and a written report that meets the specific requirements the IRS expects for substantiating charitable contributions of equine assets.
The Industry-Experience Advantage
Twenty-plus years of hands-on work across FEI trainer barns, boarding facilities, breeding operations, and competition venues means valuations are informed by real market knowledge — not just formulas. For organizations receiving donated horses, this translates to appraisals that accurately reflect what an animal is genuinely worth in the current market, supporting both donor confidence and institutional integrity.
Organizations We Serve
Trusted by institutions that depend on accurate valuations
Sigma Equine works with a range of organizations that receive donated horses — providing the documentation they need to accept contributions with confidence.
Planning a horse donation? Start with a qualified appraisal.
Protect the donor, the organization, and the integrity of the transaction with a USPAP-compliant valuation.