Horse Loan Agreements

Blackstone Solicitors provides comprehensive legal advice on matters relating to horse loan agreements.

A horse loan agreement is a formal contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the loan arrangement. It protects both the borrower (loaner) and the lender (owner) by clearly defining expectations and responsibilities. Relying solely on verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings and disputes down the line. A written agreement offers several advantages:

  • Clarity and Certainty: The agreement clearly outlines the details of the loan, including the horse’s identification, the loan duration, and permitted activities with the horse. This helps avoid confusion and potential disagreements during the loan period.
  • Protection for Both Parties: The contract protects the interests of both the loaner and the owner. For the loaner, it ensures they receive a well-cared-for horse that is suitable for their intended use. For the owner, it ensures their horse receives proper care and is returned in good health at the end of the loan period.
  • Risk Mitigation: A well-drafted agreement can help mitigate potential risks. This may include outlining responsibilities for veterinary care, insurance coverage, and liability in case of accidents.
  • Dispute Resolution: Should a dispute arise during the loan period, the agreement provides a 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 loan agreements.

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.


“A smooth and efficient service – I would have no hesitation in recommending their services.”

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Why Legal Help is Important

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

  • Parties Involved: This includes the full names and addresses of both the loaner and the 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.
  • Loan Duration: Specify the start and end dates of the loan period. The agreement may also include provisions for early termination by either party under specific circumstances.
  • Permitted Uses: Outline the intended use of the horse during the loan period. This might include riding for leisure, competition participation, or breeding purposes (with the owner’s consent).
  • Responsibilities: The agreement should clearly define the responsibilities of both parties. For the loaner, this typically includes providing daily care for the horse, covering routine veterinary expenses, and maintaining appropriate insurance coverage. The owner’s responsibilities may involve providing access to specific facilities or equipment, or covering certain veterinary costs.
  • Veterinary Care: Outline protocols for veterinary care during the loan period. This might include outlining who is responsible for choosing a veterinarian, approving treatment plans, and covering associated costs.
  • Insurance: Specify the type and amount of insurance required for the horse during the loan period. This typically includes public liability insurance and may also involve horse mortality or veterinary expense coverage. The agreement should clarify who is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the insurance policy.
  • Liability: The agreement should address liability in case of accidents, injuries, or damage to the horse or third-party property during the loan period. This may involve specifying which party is responsible for covering veterinary bills or property damage arising from the loaner’s use of the horse.
  • Return of the Horse: Outline the process for returning the horse to the owner at the end of the loan period. The agreement should specify the condition in which the horse is expected to be returned, including its weight, fitness level, and any necessary veterinary checks.
  • Dispute Resolution: The agreement should outline the preferred method for resolving any disputes arising from the loan. 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.