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Equine Ownership And Co-ownership Disputes

Blackstone Solicitors provides comprehensive legal advice on matters relating to equine ownership and co-ownership disputes.

Common Causes of Equestrian Ownership and Co-Ownership Disputes

Several factors can contribute to disagreements between horse owners and co-owners:

Financial Disagreements: Disputes regarding financial contributions towards the horse’s care are prevalent. Issues can include disagreements on splitting veterinary bills, farrier fees, feed costs, training expenses, and competition entries.
Differing Management Styles: Friction can arise from contrasting opinions on training methods, competition schedules, breeding decisions, or even the horse’s daily routine.
Unequal Effort: When one co-owner puts in significantly more time and effort caring for the horse compared to the other, resentment can build.
Changes in Circumstances: Life events like job changes, relocations, or health concerns can impact a co-owner’s ability to contribute as initially agreed.
Lack of Communication: Insufficient communication regarding expectations, roles, and responsibilities can lead to misunderstandings and resentment over time.

The Power of a Co-Ownership Agreement

A well-drafted co-ownership agreement acts as a roadmap for a successful partnership. It clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of each co-owner, minimising the risk of future disputes. Here are some key elements to consider including:

Ownership Structure: Define the ownership split of the horse. Is it a 50/50 partnership, or do the co-owners own different percentages? This is crucial for decision-making and potential future sales.
Financial Responsibilities: Specify how expenses related to the horse’s care, training, and competition will be shared. This includes outlining how unexpected costs, such as major veterinary bills, will be handled.
Decision-Making: Establish a clear protocol for making decisions regarding the horse’s care, training, breeding (if applicable), and competition schedule.
Exit Strategy: Outline a clear process for dissolving the co-ownership if necessary. This might include provisions for buying out a co-owner, selling the horse, or other options.

Blackstone Solicitors can assist you in drafting a comprehensive co-ownership agreement tailored to your specific needs and the horse involved.

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 on ownership and co-ownership disputes.

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.

“I have been working with Michelle Rothburn at Blackstone Solicitors for over twenty years now. Michelle is an excellent property lawyer. She has an eye for detail but crucially she is also commercially minded. She has a can-do attitude which makes seemingly complex issues easy to resolve. Michelle works quickly and efficiently and keeps communication lines open. I can highly recommend Michelle and her colleagues Jane Courtney and Judith Tully.”

– Paul Longmore

Why Legal Help is Important

Importance of Legal Representation in Equine Industry Disputes

Blackstone Solicitors’ experienced equine law team can provide comprehensive legal advice and support throughout the co-ownership process, from drafting a clear agreement to navigating disputes. We can assist with:

Co-Ownership Agreement Drafting and Review: We can help you draft a comprehensive agreement that addresses all potential issues and protects your interests. We can also review existing agreements to identify any potential ambiguities.
Dispute Resolution: Our team can advise on the most appropriate course of action for resolving your dispute – whether it’s mediation, negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
Mediation and Negotiation Support: We can represent you in mediation and negotiation proceedings, advocating for your best interests and facilitating a fair resolution.
Litigation: If legal action becomes necessary, Blackstone Solicitors can provide robust legal representation in court, protecting your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome.

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.