The legal side to horse ownership
Owning horses is incredibly rewarding and enjoyable but many people don’t consider the legal aspects of horse ownership. Horse riding can be a risky and costly hobby or business. Any animal can be unpredictable and horse owners should protect themselves legally, as well as physically in case anything untoward occurs.
You might not realise that there are solicitors who are trained and experienced in both private and personal legal matters relating to equine law. One such firm of Manchester Solicitors can be found at https://bridgelawsolicitors.co.uk/offices/wilmslow-manchester/
Equine law solicitors can help with:
Sales and Purchase Agreements
Trainer, Farrier or Veterinary Negligence
Public Liability
Loan Agreements
Sale Agreements
Legal matters relating to the purchase of a horse can vary considerably so it’s always advisable to seek legal advice before making any agreement. This ensures that the sale is legally binding, and all parties are satisfied.
Clear information is key when buying or selling a horse and it’s important to know the right questions to ask to avoid let down or future disputes arising. Selling a horse means providing necessary information to avoid misrepresentation that could lead to a withdrawal of a contract or claims for damages. With such large sums of money involved, disputes can arise with complex legal issues and the expertise of an equine law solicitor will be invaluable.
Negligence
Should a professional fail in their duties, skills and care which results in damage to your horse, you could be entitled to compensation to cover losses experienced through breach of contract or professional negligence. Failings could include a misdiagnosis or failure to appropriately treat a horse. Compensation could be awarded to cover the value of the horse or a loss of profits through an income from the horse, such as racing for example.
Public Liability
As the owner of a horse, you are responsible and held liable for any damage that your horse causes to people or property. This can include not sufficiently warning people of an aggressive animal or causing a nuisance by failing to secure a horse and allowing it to roam on roads or causing damage on private land.
Equine Loan Agreements
Due to the expense of buying a horse, often private loans are used to finance the purchase. A solicitor can help with the right wording and terms of the agreement, depending on whether the loan is secured or unsecured.
A solicitor can advise on all available options and ensure the agreement is tailored as each party intends it to be. It’s vital that the document clearly states the rights and obligations of all parties involved so there are no misunderstandings further down the line. Any small oversights or errors could prove a costly mistake and lead to ownership disputes in the future if not drawn up correctly.
