Publication

I am happy to say my blog post, The Value of Unsoundness, was recently published by The Horse Resource Magazine, an IN based horse periodical. Thanks, Tina!
Check it out at http://www.thehorseresourcemagazine.net/

The Horse | Horse Fraud Trial: Winning the Selleck Case

The Horse | Horse Fraud Trial: Winning the Selleck Case

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The value of unsoundness

As appraisers, we are often asked to appraise horses that are unsound in some way. With age, competition, and training, horses are expected to develop "issues." Some of these can be treated with minor maintenance, and others require more invasive efforts to continue a horse's competitive career.

It would be uncommon for an aged show horse to withstand the rigors of a competitive discipline without some maintenance (supplements, cold hosing, hock injections are a few examples) and even more unusual for a show ring veteran to be “completely sound.” I would be shocked to find a veterinarian to declare one as such.

Many owners are choosing to donate their serviceably sound horses to equestrian programs and non-profit organizations. These groups benefit from the time constrains and “it’s disposable” attitude of the competitive horse world. Horses with treatable injuries or which require maintenance are welcome additions to most programs. For a little TLC and some (often donated) veterinary service, they can add a talented, well trained mount to their stable.

If a horse is unsound with a poor prognosis for recovery, it may be more difficult to donate. A non-profit may not be willing to take on the burden of caring for a horse they cannot ride, but a school with a veterinary program may relish the opportunity to give students a real-life example to treat. If you are considering donation, research the options carefully. Some programs will notify the original owner if the horse is no longer suitable for their purpose; however, many just sell the horse without notification. And, vet schools may try untested treatments or even practice euthanasia. Know what your horse might experience, and determine what you can live with, before making the final decision.

In summary, we regularly appraise horses that have suffered injuries or experienced soundness issues. The value is determined based on the horse as perfect, then subtracting for the type of care they require and any the prospects for their future. A $100k horse which develops ringbone may be worth less to a buyer than one who develops navicular, because the latter is often managed with improved shoeing and drug therapy.

Currently being circulated on the Internet

MEMO

TO: President Barack Obama

RE: Economic Recovery Stimulus Ideas

Mr. President, it has come to my attention that you're having some challenges with the economy. If I understand things correctly, we're in a recession, consumer confidence and spending is down, credit is tight, investors are spooked, we need renewable energy, and health care costs are through the roof. Trillions of dollars, not to mention our future, are at stake. Mr. President, I'm just a regular citizen, but I think I have a solution.

Give every American a horse.

My proposal may not make sense to you at first, but let me give you a little background. First of all, horses in the U.S. are a multi-billion dollar industry, and that's just at my house. I suggest you have your economic advisors do a little research on the spending around horse ownership. You'd be surprised, Mr. President.

Start by visiting the tack and clothing retailers like State Line or Dover . Look at the variety of goods available there. Now take into account that every horse owner, especially if it's a woman, is buying not just one or two, but tons of these items. Believe me.

So my thinking is that if you give every American a horse, starting when they reach the horse-receptive age of 10, you're going to do two things: boost consumer confidence and boost spending immediately.

Horses make us feel good, and once Americans all own horses (at the government's expense, of course), they will all logically fall into the pattern that every horse owner succumbs to: accessorizing. For starters, we need horse-care implements like buckets and muck rakes, hoof picks and curry combs. And we need at least basic tack, halter, leadline, saddle, saddle pad, bridle and bit. But then the fun begins.

Zebra print leg wraps. Neon bright fly masks. An assortment of sheets and blankets for all seasons; you've got your cooler, your lightweight blanket, your medium blanket, your heavy blanket. Then there is your stable sheet and your pasture sheet. Also your hoodie, and tail wrap items.

And that's just the clothing for the horse. Don't get me started on the clothing for the rider, even if he or she doesn't show. Since most Americans don't have a basic riding wardrobe, the stores would be swamped for jeans, boots, breeches, T-shirts, dozens of pairs of cute boot socks, and the ubiquitous ball cap. Tell the retailers to get ready. It'll be Christmas all year long.

Now lets talk about support industries. In addition to the usual veterinarian and farrier expenditures, people also give their horses chiropractic, massage and acupuncture, not to mention buying more beauty products for their horses than they do for themselves. All those professions and industries will benefit. And of course there will be a big spike in hay and grain demand, so the farmers will be happy too.

You see, that's the secret to jump-starting consumer spending through my stimulus package. People will spend money on their horses when they won't spend money on anything else.

But, your advisors might say, there's a catch. Aren't we paying the price, in global warming, of the large number of livestock animals we currently have? They produce all that methane!

Ah, Mr. President, here is the real beauty of this idea. When you introduce the Methane-Assisted Natural Unrefined Renewable Energy plan (M.A.N.U.R.E.), you'll be a hero for coming up with an alternative, renewable, home-grown source of clean energy. Just challenge the energy gurus to come up with a methane gas collection system that can harness all the natural resource produced by all those horses to power our cities. Talk about shovel ready projects:Â M.A.N.U.R.E. fits the bill!

And you keep stressing how we need new industries for investment; well, under the M.A.N.U.R.E. plan you can sell Petroleum Offset Opportunity units to investors. By buying these units, investors can help us gradually convert from a petroleum-based economy to one based on horse P.O.O.

Health care costs will go down, too, as everyone cares for their horses their stress levels will go down. It is great therapy. You can give tax credits based on the amount of time people spend working, riding and hanging out with their horses, which will automatically make them healthier. (Don't tell the docs, but most horse owners already get their own basic healthcare from their vet.)

One more thing: everyone is annoyed by these corporate CEOs and their big bonuses in a down economy. So give the executives, say, one horse for every $100,000 of bonus money they've received. Those bonuses will be plowed back into the economy in no time.

Finally, because you, Mrs. O, and the girls are such role models, you can encourage us all by getting a pony for Sasha and Malia. It will teach them responsibility, help the First Lady plow the garden, and as a bonus: free fertilizer for the Rose Garden.


If you don't believe me that horse ownership stimulates spending, go ahead, Mr. President. Buy that pony for your girls.. You'll see.

The often overlooked TRAIL HORSE

I have seen an increase in the number of inquiries from casual or weekend riders. While competitions report a decline in entries, and showing becomes more expensive, it seems that backyard horse lovers are thriving.

And why not? There's never been a better time to buy a horse - and get the most for your money. Prices of mid-range show horses have fallen so much that even weekend Trail Riders can afford something with miles and show ring achievements. A mare with over 100 AQHA points would have likely brought $20-25k back in 2007. The owners could no longer afford to show her, so she sat in a pasture for a year, and then sold in April for $7,500.

If you are a seller, make sure you honestly evaluate your horse's potential to become a backyard pet, casual riding companion, or mount for a novice horse person. Show horses are used to routine and a regular exercise program. Not all of them will transition to a seemingly idyllic life of daily turn out and just one or two rides a week. Even fewer will relish the opportunity to explore unknown territory outside of the arena without balking.

This is a great opportunity to help your show horse stay mentally young by incorporating a trail ride or "out of arena" work into your regular program. There's a recent article in Horse & Rider where Al Dunning talks about the value of getting your horse out and about.

And, if you're looking to buy: make sure you test the horse doing whatever you plan to do, whether that be on the trails in a national park, along the beach at a remote coastal area, or down the road of your residential development. Your safety and the horse's happiness and willingness to do the job are paramount in your buying decision.

I got the chance to participate in a private trail ride at the foot of beautiful mountains in New York. My mount was a sturdy solid black gelding with good ground manners and patience. I felt confident and safe riding him along unfamiliar terrain, through streams, under branches, up hills, and around large rolling fields. He many not look like much or be a beautiful mover, but his mind made him priceless...

It's cool to recycle!

I compete regularly and enjoy every second I get to perform in front of a live audience. Others enjoy watching, and yet some want to build their relationship with a horse outside of the spotlight, like riding on beautiful, scenic trails. Fortunately, there isn't just one "right" way to be involved with horses.

If you are chasing show ring glory, it is possible to do it on a budget. Be smart in how you invest. Buy the best quality horse, tack, and products you can afford, but don't pay more just because something is popular. Trends will come and go, but good quality will last for many years.

Sites like ebay.com and the Pleasure Horse Journal Forum on delphiforums.com offer used show clothing, tack, and barn items, most very modestly priced. Don't be afraid to buy second hand.

In my youtube video, Trail, both my jacket and saddle are "gently used." In this day and age, it's cool to recycle!

Get Your "Seller's Tool Kit"

The appraisal business has been good the past few months, with many inquires on appraising diverse stock from imported Warmblood Jumpers to "kid-tested-mother-approved" POA ponies.

With many calls from potential sellers, we are frequently asked, "How should I price my horse?" Sterling is offering a new, simple Market Analysis, to making pricing your horse for sale easier and more effective than ever.

The Market Analysis is a Seller's Tool Kit to pricing your horse fairly. It will provide the details necessary to align your horse's asking price with the shifting market, and substantiate how the asking price was derived, including sales of comparable horses in your geographic area.

For the month of June, we're offering the Market Analysis for just $375. Contact us today for more information. www.equineappraisals.com