Virtual Inspection Pilot Program

Virtual Inspection Policy and Procedures

The ATA Board of Trustees approved a three‑year pilot program for Virtual Inspections beginning in 2026. The purpose of this program is to provide members who live in remote areas the opportunity to present eligible horses for inspection when attending a regional inspection tour site is difficult.

Virtual inspections will be conducted via WhatsApp video call with the ATA Breed Director, Dr. Christian Schacht. All virtual inspections will follow the same evaluation standards used during in‑person inspections.

Eligible Horses

Virtual inspections are available for Trakehner, Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Half‑Trakehner mares, geldings, and foals.

Scheduling a Virtual Inspection

To schedule a virtual inspection:

1. Submit all required registration and inspection paperwork to the ATA Office.
2. Pay all required inspection and registration fees plus a $50 convenience fee.
3. Once the ATA Office confirms payment and paperwork, the Breed Director will contact the owner to schedule the inspection.

Personnel Requirements

At least two people, and preferably three, are required:
–     One person operating the phone and communicating with the Breed Director
–     One or two people handling the horse(s)

Facility Requirements

• A clean, flat hard surface (pavement or firm ground) of sufficient length for presentation.
• An enclosed arena or safe enclosed space for the liberty phase.
• The liberty area must be free of obstacles that could cause injury.

Measuring Requirements

Owners should have a regulation measuring stick and centimeter tape available. Measuring may be done during the inspection under the Breed Director’s guidance, but it is preferred that measurements be completed beforehand by a USEF‑recognized judge or another person approved by the ATA.

Inspection Process

• The Breed Director will verify or note the horse’s markings.
• Handlers will be guided through each phase of the inspection.
• The horse will be evaluated using official ATA scoring documents.

Recording of Inspections

An independent third party designated by the ATA President will attend and record the inspection. Recordings will be owned and retained by the ATA.

Eligibility and Limitations

• Foals may receive Premium status through a virtual inspection.
• Horses inspected virtually remain eligible for ATA Horse of the Year awards.
• Model Mare status will not be awarded during virtual inspections; however, a mare receiving a qualifying score may obtain Model Mare designation after being presented for a live evaluation.*

After the Inspection

The Breed Director will submit inspection documents to the ATA Office. The ATA Office will process results and send updated registration documents or stickers to the owner.