Equine Litigation

Blackstone Solicitors provides comprehensive legal advice on matters relating to equine litigation.

Equine law litigation encompasses a broad range of disputes, here are some of the most frequent scenarios:

  • Sale and Purchase Disputes: These disputes can arise from misunderstandings or misrepresentations during horse sales. Common issues include breaches of warranty, allegations of misdescribed horses, undisclosed health conditions, and disagreements over the suitability of a horse for its intended purpose.
  • Negligence Claims: Negligence claims can arise against various parties involved in horse care and management. Examples include claims against veterinarians for alleged veterinary negligence, livery yard owners for breaches of duty in caring for a horse, or farriers for causing injury during shoeing.
  • Breeding Disputes: Breeding contracts can be complex, and disputes can arise regarding stud fees, ownership of foals, frozen semen agreements, or allegations of infertility in breeding horses.
  • Partnership Disputes: Joint horse ownership arrangements, while offering financial benefits, can lead to disagreements. Litigation might be necessary to resolve disputes regarding financial contributions, decision-making processes, or the sale or disposal of a jointly owned horse.
  • Accident and Injury Claims: Horse riding accidents can result in injuries to both riders and bystanders. Litigation can be used to determine liability and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
  • Equine Insurance Disputes: Disputes with equine insurance companies can arise regarding coverage for veterinary bills, mortality claims, or theft of a horse. Litigation may be necessary to enforce the terms of an insurance policy and secure rightful compensation.

We can provide all of the expert legal assistance you need and have considerable experience in this area of law and can advise you throughout the process.

Speak to our expert equine law solicitors today to find out more about how we can assist you. Call us on 0330 808 0849 or allow us to call you back by completing our online enquiry form.

Our Approach

We place huge emphasis on getting things done properly and efficiently. This is especially true when providing legal advice concerning litigation.

Equine law is a specialised area of law that encompasses a wide range of legal issues relating to horses. It applies to all aspects of horse ownership, breeding, competition, and the equine industry as a whole. At Blackstone Solicitors, our team understands the unique challenges faced by horse owners, breeders, riders, and equine professionals across England and Wales.


“no fuss, highly professional approach , mimimal faff , efficient and successful conclusion to home sale by friendly staff”

David Davidson   

Why Legal Help is Important

Equine law litigation can be a complex and lengthy process. Here’s a general overview of the key stages:

  • Pre-action Stage: This initial stage involves gathering evidence, identifying potential legal claims, and attempting to resolve the dispute through alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration. Our solicitors will advise you on the viability of your claim and the most appropriate course of action.
  • Issuing Proceedings: If a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, formal court proceedings may be initiated. Our solicitors will guide you through the process of issuing court documents and outlining your claim.
  • Disclosure: Both parties are required to disclose relevant documents and witness statements to each other.
  • Expert Evidence: In many horse law cases, expert witnesses such as veterinarians, equine behaviour specialists, or valuers may be required to provide specialist knowledge and support your case. Blackstone Solicitors has a network of trusted equine experts we can call upon.
  • Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached during the pre-trial stages, the case will proceed to trial before a judge or jury. Our experienced barristers will represent you in court, presenting your case effectively and advocating for your interests.
  • Settlement: Litigation can be costly and time-consuming. Our team will always explore all potential settlement options throughout the process to achieve a favourable outcome for you.

While a handshake agreement might have sufficed in the past, the equine industry today demands a more formalised approach. Equine law is a specialised area that deals with a wide range of legal issues specific to horses. At Blackstone Solicitors, our team in England and Wales understands the unique challenges faced by horse owners, breeders, riders, and equine professionals.

At Blackstone, we can help to give you the very best chance of achieving the outcome you are looking for. Equine law can often be complex, and it is therefore imperative that you seek expert legal help to ensure any contract you sign, is suitable and correct.

Our Services

We provide various services for horse owners and those involved in the equine industry including advising on commercial agreements and making sure everything is completed thoroughly and without error and is in your best interests.

We can also advise on the following areas:

Get in Touch

Find out more about our services and how our equine law specialists can help you and your by getting in touch today. Simply call us on 0330 808 0849 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will call you back at a convenient time.

We are able to help individuals throughout the North West, the rest of the UK as well as internationally from our offices in Cheshire and London.

Get in Touch Today

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Our Team

The award winning team is well known for their tenacious approach to their client's cases. Our highly regarded team is passionate about your success. All team members are incredibly academic and continuously strive for more.