A lot of people aren't sure what they need, or don't need for a brand inspection. I am going to cover what is needed for an in state inspection, and an out of state inspection (from a state that doesn't do inspections). I talked to the brand board to make sure I got all info needed so you have no questions left!

When you are purchasing a horse from in Colorado, the seller of the horse is the only person that must be present for the inspection. The seller will need your information though, including; Full Name, Address, Phone Number.

The above also goes for other states that require brand inspections for a horse to be transferred to Colorado.

If a horse travels outside of 75 miles without an inspection (if you take the horse home prior to inspection) you can be fined and the horse/animal can be taken away. All horses must have an inspection every time they leave the state (selling out of state), no matter the circumstances. If you are transporting a horse anywhere on public roads you must have your brand inspection available to show state patrol, local law enforcement or livestock inspector. Another thing to note is that a Coggins test is required on all horses crossing state lines, in every state, no exceptions.

If you are purchasing a horse from out of state, from a state that does not require brand inspections, there are a few more hoops to jump through, than if the horse has a brand inspection. A health certificate is required, for the move/travel out of state, and a legal bill of sale is also required. The Brand Inspector requires the following on the bill of sale, to make it a legal document.

Requirements of a legal bill of sale are:

1. Date of transaction
2. Sellers name, address and phone number.
3. Buyers name, address and phone number.
4. Complete description of animals being purchased. (Should include the number of head, color, sex, breed, markings, ear marks, hot or freeze brands etc.)
5. Signature of seller
6. Signature of buyer
7. Signature of witness residing in the county where the transaction takes place.


If you have any other questions regarding a brand inspection, you can contact the brand inspectors directly through their website @ http://www.colorado.gov/ag/brands.

First Off I want to welcome you to our blog!

I decided to create this blog as a good place to write articles to help out fellow horse owners in Colorado.

This blog will cover things from Brand Inspections, to general horse care, and any other topic I can think of that will help you in your horse ownership/purchase/care.

If you have any specific requests for articles, just let me know and I will try to cover it ASAP!

Thanks for reading!

~Una