Animal Behavior Expert Witnesses: 5

The Equine Expert is a renowned equine firm spanning dozens of disciplines and specializations in the Equine Industry by first-class horsemen and women, professional and top amateurs, with hands-on knowledge of the horse world. With a collaborative firm culture and a reputation for unparalleled professionalism and integrity, their hand- picked team of equestrian experts provide expert witness services in a variety of areas such as business, insurance, liability, equine death, sales, valuations, fraud, estates, taxes, and medical  malpractice.

Litigation Support - Bridget R. Brandon and her team at The Equine Expert support defendants and plaintiffs throughout the United States in State and Federal courts by providing expert testimony, consulting services, litigation support, formation of case strategy, quantifying of damages, settlement negotiations, and assisting the legal team to better understand the sensitivity of the issues involved. Specializing in high-stakes, complex matters, they work collaboratively to create appropriate, well-reasoned research and analysis, advice, reports and expert testimony. 

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    View ValueMyHorse's Consulting Profile.

Tracy Dopko, BA, DipEqS, ISA, CPPA, is a CertifiedSenior Equine, Livestock & Agricultural Appraiser with over 20 years of experience travelling all over the United States and Canada conducting appraisals. She has appraised some of the top jumper and dressage horses in Europe, and has also appraised some of the most well-known Holstein, Angus & Jersey cattle in North America.  In 2013, Ms. Dopko completed an Equine Studies Diploma with distinction at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, as well as completing an Equine Science Certificate with distinction, Equine Business Management Certificate with distinction and Equine Welfare Certificate with distinction. In 2017, she graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with distinction focusing on Criminal Justice and Public Policy and is also a full-time instructor with the University of Guelph for their Equine Studies Diploma and Equine Business Management programs.

Litigation Support - Ms. Dopko has been retained globally as an appraiser and consultant on many court cases from boarding disputes to negligent homicide (click on CV/Links - Expert Witness Services to view cases). She is qualified as an "Expert" in Court proceedings in both Canada and the United States. Ms. Dopko has worked closely with several of the major insurance companies in the U.S. and Canada, and completed appraisals for multimillion-dollar estate, insurance settlements, and tax audits.

Ms. Dopko is a licensed Equine Private Investigator and Fraud Examiner, practicing under the Security Services and Investigator's Act. She complies with all Federal, Provincial/State, and Municipal laws during criminal and civil investigations, fraud investigations, and insurance fraud.

Daventry Equine appraisals are considered "Certified" for legal purposes in Canada and internationally and are known for their thoroughness and attention to detail. She has over 5,000 hours of appraisal experience, and to date, has helped her clients win over $2,000,000 in dispute cases and settlements. Combined with her background and credentials in the horse industry, Daventry appraisals and expertise provides a valuable asset in the courtroom.

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View Tracy Dopko's Consulting Profile.

Alison Grotz, Founder of EquiAppraisal, is an Equine and Horse-related Tack and Equipment Appraisal expert. She is Senior Certified by the American Society of Equine Appraisers (ASEA) and is an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA AM). 

Ms. Grotz has over 25 years of experience. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Equestrian Science from William Woods University. Ms. Grotz gained international experience in the horse industry, primarily at the world-renowned breeding facility of Castle Forbes Stud in County Longford, Ireland. Her decades of involvement with horses progressed through grooming, riding, training, teaching, stable management, equipment sales, valuation, and expert consultation. 

Ms. Grotz's career summary includes operating elite competition stables both domestically and abroad, with experience training and/or managing over 200 horses, with values ranging up to several million dollars.She is currently an adjunct professor at Isothermal Community College in their foundational “Equine Science I & II” courses within Equine Studies department.

Litigation Support - Ms. Grotz is an established expert witness in the courtroom, providing testimony in both State and Federal cases. All valuations comply with nationally recognized Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) regulations. Clients have included insurance companies, attorneys, veterinarians, or horse owners/brokers involved in equine injury, theft, death, insurance settlements, contract disputes, divorce or estate settlements, etc. Ms. Grotz is available for on-site appraisals, thorough reporting, depositions, and trial testimony as needed. 

EquiAppraisal Litigation Services:

View EquiAppraisal's Consulting Profile.

• Personal Injury & Property Damage
• Equine Accident Reconstruction
• Horse Facility Evaluations
• Riding Equipment Suitability
• Horsemanship Safety Standard of Care
• Equine Problems & Personal Liability Issues During Competitions
• Trail Riding
• Parades

Greg Coulson is an Equestrian Expert Witness with 50 years of professional equestrian experience. Mr. Coulson is a Member of the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Eventing Association, United States Hunter Jumper Association, United States Dressage Federation, and United States Pony Clubs Inc. He is also a past District Commissioner and currently Regional Supervisor of the United States Pony Clubs Inc.

Education/Training: BS Animal Science, U.C. Davis BA Anthropology, U.C. Davis MA Educational Leadership, Cal State, Northridge CA Community College Instructor's Credential, Horsemanship

Awards/Honors: Selected to be Cross Country Fence Judge for 1984 Olympic Games; Trained and coached the 1985 United States Eventing Association's Reserve National Champion Young Rider (Fritz Cup); Trained and coached the highest scoring rider / horse in Dressage at 2014 United States Pony Club Championships

Litigation Support - Greg Coulson has over 10 years of experience with the litigation process including reports, depositions, and court testimony for both plaintiffs and defendants. He is available to analyze and explain equine industry standards, horse behavior, equestrian accidents, situations, and issues. Mr. Coulson can organize complex sets of facts to provide logical descriptions for attorneys, judges, and juries. He combines extensive education in horsemanship, science, and teaching with a wealth of practical experience.  He is impartial, unusually clear, and articulate.  

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