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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Posted 16 January 2026
Laura and Amy were professional and friendly from the Start. Laura put me at ease straight away and everything was explained to me in a manner that I understood. This is not the first time I have seen her, she organised Probate for me in 2024 and I wouldn't hesitate to use her again or recommend her.
Janet Altman
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Posted 16 January 2026
I changed my solicitors to Rothera Bray and was allocated Sarah Gill to act for me. Sarah was superb! She motivated me to fight on, advised me on the law, guided me through the legal process and gave me confidence in court. It was a very difficult fight but together we achieved a most satisfactory conclusion. While Sarah was very professional, I felt she was my friend. She kept me focused and determined to see my fight through to the end. Thank you, Sarah. You are great.
Heidi
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Posted 15 January 2026
I have been working with VUS Ltd for almost a year now following a DVSA Stop and subsequent MIVR they were recently summoned to an STL Meeting at The Office of Traffic Commissioner, I advised the MD of VUS that it would be advisable to get a specialist Transport Solicitor on board to assist with this matter. I always give the names of 2 different Solicitors to my client one being Georgina Power who I had worked with on a PI for Woodspace Ltd (t/a C Dart). Thank you again to Georgina who did a very professional job and I will contact her again when I need to.
Peter Adams - Transport Manger
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Posted 15 January 2026
I was put in contact with Georgina Power at Rothera Bray Solicitors following our request to attend an STL (Senior Team Leader meeting with the Traffic Commissioner). From the first conversation I was made to feel comfortable with both the professionalism along with the knowledge/experience to deal with our case. Throughout the process we were guided/advised in all area's along with the required expectations, a witness statement was prepared along with the required supporting evidence in advance of our case. At the STL meeting we were supported by Georgina verbally and on the back of this a positive outcome was achieved.
G Barker
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Posted 13 January 2026
Rothera Bray put a strong hardship case for me successfully. I would like to give a personal thanks to Anton who was kind, approachable and I was impressed with his professionalism. If you want a lawyer who will work your behalf to get the best result then look no further. I can not thank them enough.
Chris H
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Posted 9 January 2026
Will was amazing, very quick to respond and professional in my recent experience with the company. Highly recommended.
Karen A
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Posted 7 January 2026
We had an excellent experience working with Amelia. She helped us with setting up trusts for our properties, gifting a property, and preparing our wills, all handled with great professionalism and clarity. Everything was completed to a tight deadline and Amelia ensured the process ran smoothly from start to finish. She also linked us with an accountant and arranged the necessary documentation for related activities and ongoing financial management, which made everything seamless and stress-free. We felt well supported throughout and would highly recommend Amelia’s services.
Matt R
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Posted 6 January 2026
Emma was very calm and professional, her advice was spot on especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as the children.
S.S
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Posted 5 January 2026
The final run up to completion of our sale was very stressful but we were helped by Luisa, Abbey's assistant. She maintained contact with us and updated us at each stage, extremely calm, empathetic and approachable at all times. She went out of her way to find information for us and keep us informed of the progress.
Residential Sale client
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Posted 5 January 2026
We have recently instructed Rothera Bray for the sale of our house and purchase of our new home. It has been a challenging sequence of events, for various reasons outside of our control, but Abbey Freeman has guided us through it, giving us information and explanations very clearly and answering our questions in a timely manner.
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Posted 5 January 2026
We asked Rothera Bray Solicitors - West Bridgford to write our wills and received excellent service and guidance from Talita Fantauzzi. She was professional and friendly in delivering the advice we needed. We would definitely recommend Rothera Bray Solicitors and would use them for any future legal advice and work we may require.
Susan T
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Posted 5 January 2026
I had a really positive experience dealing with George on my settlement agreement. Has was friendly, efficient, and explained everything clearly in plain English, which made the whole process feel much less daunting. Communication was excellent throughout. I was kept informed at every stage and any questions I had were answered promptly. The process was handled quickly and professionally. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
Suzi