Equine Law Solicitors
Owning and riding horses is fun and rewarding. But it does have its risks, both from a financial and health perspective.
Whether;
- You’re a professional rider
- Keep a horse as a pet, or
- Run your own equine business
Rothera Bray Equine Lawyers can help with a range of equestrian legal services. From buying or selling a horse, owner disputes and veterinary or farrier negligence.
Rothera Bray are leading specialists in the field of Equine Law and Official Legal Partner to British Dressage and The British Show Pony Society.
Call our Equine Law Team Email our Equine Law TeamWhat is equine law and what does an equine lawyer do?
Equine law involves all types of horse businesses, horse-related activities, organisations, and facilities.
Equine lawyers act for clients who own horses, whether they’re professional riders or hobbyists.
They can assist with equine legal matter, including;
- Disputes over the sale or purchase of horses
- Disputes over ownership
- Horse riding accident claims
- Trainer, farrier, or veterinary negligence
- Horse purchase loan agreements
- Property and boundary agreements for grazing
- Training agreements and contracts
- Events and sponsorships, and
- Passports and welfare
Rothera Bray LLP are Official Legal Partners to British Dressage and The British Show Pony Society
Can you help me with buying or selling a horse?
If you’re buying or selling a horse, it’s best to get legal advice as misunderstandings can and do occur.
It’s vital to have a legally binding contract that will protect your interests in the event of a dispute.
At Rothera Bray we can help you draw up a Sale Agreement. This will cover all details of the sale and protect your interests if a dispute does arise.
If you buy a horse from a trader, then the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies. This states that goods must be of a satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
I believe my vet/ trainer/ farrier has been negligent. Do I have a claim?
If;
- A professional harms your horse, or
- Fails to carry out their duties with the level of skill and care expected
Then you may be able to make a breach of contract or professional negligence claim to cover losses suffered. This might be a loss of profit or a decline in the value of the horse.
Our equine law solicitors will be able to discuss the matter with you and assess whether you have a claim.
My horse has injured a person, or damaged someone’s property. Am I liable?
Under the Animals Act 1971, you may be liable for damages caused. Even if you have taken all practicable precautions.
- Damage caused by horses to other persons or property often happens where the owner is negligent. This might include;
Failing to warn visitors that the horse has an aggressive nature, or - The owner not securing the horse adequately, resulting in it gaining access to private land or roads.
How do I draw up a syndicate agreement?
Syndicate agreements are complex documents. As such, you should talk to an equine lawyer experienced in writing them.
Syndicate agreements often include;
- Information on financial contributions
- How the horse and shares will be sold
- Details about insurance in case of accident or injury, and
- What would happen to the share of the horse if a syndicate member were to die or become bankrupt
Syndicates can also be formed by different structures. Our specialist equine solicitors have extensive knowledge of equine law. We can help you work out the best structure for your syndicate agreement.
Why use Rothera Bray for equine law?
Rothera Bray are leading specialists in the field of Equine Law and Official Legal Partner to British Dressage and The British Show Pony Society.
We can advise you on:
- Equine Loan Agreements
- Public Liability
- Sale and purchase agreements
- Veterinary, farrier or trainer negligence
- Horse ownership
- Transport of horses/Operator’s Licence
- Riding and horse accident claims
Send us a message
“We strive to make every matter as stress free as possible”
Caroline Bowler
Equine Solicitor
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Laura was our brilliant solicitor, who helped us with buying our first house together. Laura was so attentive and compassionate and nothing was ever too much trouble for her to help us with our buying process. Our experience was brilliant from start to finish and we were really happy with the communication too. I would recommend Laura and Rothera Bray to others too. A huge thank you!
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I can only praise Rothera Bray as being a highly professional organisation, and the service I received from Anton Balkitis and Rebeca Large-Rodriguez was exceptional. Their advice was clear, they gave excellent support, and ultimately helped to secure a very favourable result for me, for all of which I’m extraordinarily grateful. I would thoroughly recommend Rothera Bray as offering great value for money.
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We have been engaging the services of Rothera Bray Solicitors on a regular basis since 2020, with Lauren overseeing several matters on our behalf. On every occasion, the service has been of the highest standard – consistently professional, thorough, and supported by exceptional expertise. We are sincerely grateful for the assistance we have received from both Lauren and George. We greatly value their integrity and the professional diligence with which they approach every case, and above all, their commitment to providing realistic, reliable advice and acting at all times in strict accordance with the law on our behalf.
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