Horse Livery Agreements And Contracts

Blackstone Solicitors provides comprehensive legal advice on matters relating to horse livery agreements and contracts.

While a handshake agreement might seem sufficient, relying solely on verbal understandings can be risky. A formal livery agreement offers several advantages for both the client and the yard owner:

  • Clarity and Certainty: A written contract clearly outlines the terms of the livery arrangement, leaving no room for ambiguity or future disagreements. This includes details like the type of livery package chosen, associated fees, the horse’s specific needs, and yard rules.
  • Protection for Both Parties: The contract protects both the client and the yard owner. For the client, it ensures their horse receives the care specified in the agreement and outlines the yard owner’s responsibilities. For the yard owner, it protects them from potential claims of negligence and ensures they receive timely payment for services rendered.
  • Risk Mitigation: A well-drafted agreement can help mitigate potential risks. This may involve outlining protocols for veterinary care, emergency situations, and liability in case of accidents or injuries.
  • Dispute Resolution: Should a dispute arise during the livery period, the agreement provides a clear framework for resolving the issue. The contract may specify steps for addressing concerns or outline the preferred method for resolving disputes, such as mediation or arbitration.

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 horse livery agreements and contracts.

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.


“Really good solicitors. Kept me updated during the process of property purchase.”

Ibraheem Al Bayati   

Why Legal Help is Important

A comprehensive horse livery agreement should typically address the following points:

  • Parties Involved: This includes the full names and addresses of both the client and the yard owner.
  • Horse Identification: Clearly identify the horse with its registered name, breed, age, sex, and passport number. Attaching a copy of the horse’s passport to the agreement is recommended.
  • Livery Package: Specify the type of livery package chosen by the client. Common options include full livery (including all feeding, mucking out, and turnout), part livery (with specific services provided by the yard), and self-care (where the client is responsible for all aspects of their horse’s care).
  • Fees and Payment: Clearly state the fees associated with the chosen livery package. The agreement should outline the payment schedule (e.g., monthly, quarterly) and accepted payment methods. Late payment penalties may also be addressed.
  • Horse’s Needs: The agreement should detail the horse’s specific needs, including its dietary requirements, exercise routine, and any known health conditions or behavioural quirks. This information helps the yard owner provide appropriate care for the horse.
  • Yard Rules and Regulations: Livery yards typically have specific rules and regulations regarding stable management, turnout times, use of facilities, and visitor access. The agreement should clearly outline these rules and the consequences of any violations.
  • Veterinary Care: The agreement should address protocols for veterinary care in case of illness or injury. This may involve specifying who is responsible for choosing a veterinarian, approving treatment plans, and covering associated costs. Emergency veterinary care procedures may also be addressed.
  • Liability: The agreement should address liability in cases of accidents, injuries, or damage to the horse or third-party property during its stay at the yard. This may involve outlining the yard owner’s insurance coverage and any limitations on their liability.
  • Termination Clause: The agreement should specify the notice period required by either party to terminate the livery arrangement. This protects both the client and the yard owner from unexpected changes and allows for an orderly transition if necessary.
  • Dispute Resolution: The agreement should outline the preferred method for resolving any disputes arising from the livery arrangement. This could involve mediation, arbitration, or litigation.

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.