follow us on Twitter

Equine Services for Individuals

Our specialist equine lawyers are available to assist you with equine related legal issues and are also able to consider the extra complexity horses can add to other legal matters such as making a Will. We appreciate that horses are more than just a pet or a hobby and that they are a huge commitment and financial responsibility and that this can mean that you need legal assistance.

At Richard Nelson LLP we provide you with legal services in a cost effective efficient manner with a personal touch.

Our understanding of the equestrian world, and in particular the specific demands of owning horses, will help us to provide you with the best possible service.

We also understand the importance of costs and budgeting and we will do our best to offer accurate cost estimates at all times and, where appropriate, we are happy to offer fixed or capped costs.

We offer a range of equine specific services including:

  • Contracts:
    • Loan agreements;
    • Stud agreements;
    • Sale/purchase agreements;
  • Disputes and Litigation:
    • Disputes relating to loan or lease agreements;
    • Disputes relating to the purchase of a horse, including sale of goods act and misrepresentation claims;
    • Property disputes, including boundary disputes, disputes relating to the use or ownership of land etc;
    • Disputes over the ownership of a horse;
    • Making or Defending a claim for property damage;
    • Accidents where horses have been injured;
    • Claims for professional negligence, including veterinary negligence;
    • Insurance disputes.
  • Wills:
    • We can assist you in ensuring your will makes adequate provision for your horse to be cared for after your death;
    • We can assist you in ensuring there is provision for your horse to be cared for if you are no longer able to do so via power of attorney;
    • We can advice on issues relating to equestrian properties or equestrian businesses in your will.
  • Family Law:
    • We appreciate that at the time of a marriage breakdown you may be worried about how to care for your horse, or even who will have ownership of the horse and we can advise on this;
    • We can also advise upon how an equestrian property or equestrian business will be dealt with in a divorce;
    • We can advise on and draft pre-nuptial agreements or co-habitation agreements for couples who live together. Horses, equestrian property and owning an equestrian business can complicate matters should a relationship breakdown and an agreement can protect your interests and avoid disputes in future.
  • Transport and driving:
    • Horseboxes and trailers can raise many issues for motorists and we can advise and offer representation should you face prosecution;
    • We can also advise on whether you may be required to follow the tachograph rules, have an operators licence or be covered by the drivers hours rules.;
    • If you face prosecution for other motoring offences or disqualification from driving we have specialist lawyers who can represent you.
  • Sporting discipline - advice and representation if you are facing action by any of the sporting bodies including BEF, FEI and British Horseracing Authority.
  • Employment:
    • Advice on employing a groom, or using a freelance groom;
    • Assistance and advice if you are in a dispute with your employer.

Contact Us

For more information or to discuss how we can assist you contact Katherine Langley on 0115 986 3636 or email us at katherinelangley@richardnelsonllp.co.uk