Horses themselves
People's attitudes towards horses vary from regarding them as one of the family to commercial tools that have to be utilised to generate income. Whatever your position, the welfare of the horse is important and we can advise on every aspect of buying, selling, owning and leasing of horses, from sports horses, race horses or an old cob used to hack around the lanes.
Horses can be unpredictable animals and with the House of Lords case of Mirvahedy and Henley interpreting the meaning of s2 of the Animals Act 1971 so as to widen the circumstances when horse owners can be liable for damage, irrespective of blame, the number of court cases is likely to increase. So, whether you are the owner of a horse that causes injury, or if you have been injured yourself by a horse, we can advise you.
Keeping your horse
We always recommend that you have a formal agreement with the owner of the property where you keep your horse, whether at home (renting stables and paddocks), at a DIY livery yard or commercial yard, or other commercial arrangements. This way, you can minimise any problems, particularly relating to liability, should your horse be injured or otherwise incapacitated while on property not your own.
We also specialise in the regulatory matters that you need to take into account when letting your horse graze on someone else's land or if you let other horse owners use your land. We can point out the pitfalls and advise you on how to preserve your status as a farmer for SPS purposes.
As rural businesses diversify and initiatives such as TROT (Toll Rides (Off Road) Trust) take off, we can also advise on all commercial aspects of managing an equestrian business.
Equine associations
Due to our relationship with nearby Stoneleigh we have developed an expertise in creating and managing various equine societies, both sporting organisations and breed associations. Therefore if you need any advice relating to these bodies, we are in a strong position to help.
Organisations that we act for include British Eventing, British Dressage, the Welsh Pony and Cob Association, and the British Appaloosa Society among others.
For more information or advice on keeping and competing horses, please contact
Paul Rice.
