Donating a horse can be a great way to place your beloved horse into a home where they will be well cared for and loved and you will be providing a valuable service to a non-profit organization. I have had many individuals ask me what is involved in donating a horse and there are a few things you should know. When you donate a horse, you must:

• Complete IRS Form 8283. If the horse is valued at more than $5,000.00, you must have a certified equine appraiser appraise your horse and sign IRS Form 8283.


• Make sure the organization is a nonprofit charity qualifier under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code 501 (c) (3) - exempt from taxation because its income derives from its educational, religious, charitable, or humanitarian purpose. You may contact the IRS for a listing of qualified 501 (c) (3) organizations. You may also ask the non-profit to see its Statement of Purpose and IRS Exemption Certificate.   

There are options for donating your horse today. Please be sure to thoroughly research the non-profit you are making the donation to.

• An accredited member is an individual with prior or current experience working with horses and has met ASEA certification criteria.  
• A senior appraiser is an accredited member who has completed the appraisal courses given by the ASEA and meets the minimum qualification criteria for certification as personal property appraisers established by the Appraisers Qualification Board (AQB).  The AQB certification process requires applicants to meet certain education and experience requirements, which involves 120 classroom hours and 700 field hours; additionally, members need to fulfill continuing education requirements every five years to maintain their senior appraiser status. 

  Bridget with one of her foals

Not all horses are created equal and not all appraisers are created equal.

By that I mean it is important to find an appraiser that understands your

horses' breed and discipline as there are nuances that can affect it's value. It's ok for an appraiser to have assistance from another appraiser, but they must state the name of the appraiser who assisted in their report. Be wary of appraisers that claim they are an expert in "All Breeds and All Disciplines".  

I recommend that you request a signed work agreement with the appraiser and be sure to request the fee schedule up front. The more information you can provide the appraiser, the better they are able to provide an accurate report on your horse.  And, most appraisers will not release a report until payment has been made in full. If an appraiser is not willing to provide references or sign an agreement, find another appraiser.

I always advise and teach clients how to keep very detailed and excellent records of their horses! You may not be planning on donating a horse, but unfortunately, you may need an appraiser for other reasons such as a law suit, divorce, estate settlement, etc... It's best to be prepared and protect yourself because horse ownership is not inexpensive!  ~Bridget is also a successful breeder of Oldenburgs and has shown Hunter Jumpers for many years. Her foals are well sought after. Thanks Bridget for the education and passion for horses!    

Sinners Prayer, Owned by Bridget Brandon, Cover of Plaid Horse

Bridget and CR Andiamo