Equine/Bloodstock
The Equine/Bloodstock team is an extension of our Sports Law, Agricultural Property and Dispute Resolution teams.
We have a team of lawyers with a keen interest in and vast knowledge of the equine industry. Leathes Prior’s ability to combine its legal expertise with its knowledge of horse ownership, competition and breeding places us in the unique position of being able to come up with innovative ways to address the wide variety of often complex issues that can arise in the equine industry.
We understand the significant amount of time, effort and money that owners invest in their horses, whether in a business capacity or as a hobby and the consequent need to deal with any dispute in a timely and cost effective manner. We are able to utilise our specialist Dispute Resolution team to settle disputes, through mediation where possible with recourse to the courts as a last resort.
Our lawyers are able to call upon their contacts in the equine industry so as to advise on the appropriate veterinary and/or equine expert to instruct where necessary.
The Equine/Bloodstock team works closely with our other specialist teams, in particular our Agricultural Property, Sports Law, Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Employment, Personal Injury and Company/Commercial teams. By doing so we are able to advise on the following matters:
- Buying and selling horses – sale and purchase agreements and disputes;
- Horse ownership (syndicates or partnerships);
- Negligence claims – trainer, rider, livery yard owner or veterinary;
- Personal injury claims for equine-related accidents;
- Stud/nomination agreements and disputes;
- Livery agreements and disputes;
- Equine property sale and purchases;
- Equine business sale and purchases;
- Employment disputes;
- Health and Safety issues;
- Insurance claims;
- Debt recovery – whether arrears of livery fees or non-payment for a horse;
- Horse welfare;
- Rider disciplinary hearings before the relevant discipline’s governing body; and
- Transportation – agreements, import and export and passport requirements.
Comments from a client engaged in a dispute over the purchase of a horse:
“I’d dealt with Leathes Prior before on business issues, but had no idea that they also had specialists in equine issues. Darren Bowen and his team were very quickly on board, reassuring us of our rights and position. Together we worked out a plan which was implemented, all within two days.
I’m happy to say we received a full refund from the seller and Leathes Prior's costs were very fair.”
If you have any enquiries, please contact Dan Chapman , Darren Bowen or Paul Oldershaw – or alternatively please call us on 01603 610911.
Related news articles:
Amendments to British Showjumping Rules on Micro-Chipping and Flu Vaccinations
Buying a Horse - The Legal Aspects
Horsewoman Pleads Guilty to Six Offences Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
