Equine Law

Owning and riding horses is becoming ever more popular. It seems that more and more people want to get involved in equestrian sports. While this can certainly be a rewarding pastime, such sports are also the source of a wide range of risks to individuals and/or businesses.

While insurance covers many of these risks, premiums are increasing and the insurers are becoming more stringent in their requirements. Similarly there are certain areas that can simply be impractical to insure against including contractual arguments on sale or purchase, debts such as unpaid livery bills, loans/ownership disputes - and so on.

So for those owning and caring for horses, while it is an enjoyable pastime, they can also run into a number of potential problems. Many of these risks can be minimised with sensible forethought and preparation.

However, equine business has often been conducted on the basis of nothing more than the strength of a handshake. Unfortunately, this informal approach has given rise to an increasing number of legal disputes in recent times.

At Silver Shemmings we have an understanding of the challenges faced and can provide a range of services to assist. We offer practical advice on ways to minimise the legal risks that can be faced. Where problems arise we also assist in addressing them and in resolving any disputes that might occur. Our key services in this respect include the following:

1. Agreements

With a detailed understanding of contract law we provide tailored legal agreements for all types of equestrian matters, including:

• Employment
• Loans and Leases
• Livery
• Partnerships
• Rental Arbitration
• Sale and Purchase
• Stud/Nomination
• Syndicate/Ownerships
• Stud Agreements
• Training

2. Property

With the increase in ownership finding suitable equine property is becoming ever more challenging. At Silver Shemmings we appreciate the concerns of the sector and the specific requirements for suitable stabling, paddocks, pasture and so on. We can advise on a range of property issues including:

• The sale and purchase of equine property including fields, stabling, rural properties, equestrian centres and so on.
• Landlord and tenant issues including business tenancies;
• Grazing licences,
• Rights of way;
• Boundary Disputes.

3. Personal Injury

As a business we do not pursue individual personal injury claims. However, our team will assist our clients in the defence of such claims dealing with equine-related injuries.

4. Professional Negligence

Whether an owner of a livery stable, vet, trainer or other professional in the equine sector there are occasions when the consequences of actions (or inaction) lead to problems with the owners and/or riders.

Sometimes this may relate to a personal injury claim as above. However at other times this may also involve commercial loss for the client including loss in value of the horse or additional costs such as vet, dentistry and/or farrier bills. Silver Shemmings can use our expertise to provide assistance in such cases of alleged negligence.

5. Company/Business

If you are setting up in business to deal with equine or rural/agricultural related commercial and/or private matters we can assist in the drafting of partnership agreements, shareholder agreements and the setting up of limited companies. Alternatively, if you are running down or diversifying we can assist in the sale or purchase of companies.’

For more information or assistance with any of the above matters, please contact Robert Shawyer at our Cardiff office on:

Tel: 02920 474 570
Fax: 02920 474 575
Email: cardiff@shemmingsllp.co.uk

If you would like further information on equine related topics and issues please see the following links for:

1.    Equine related articles & information

2.    Equine related website links