Summerfield Browne Solicitors are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA number 598802.
Equine Law Solicitors
We provide specialist legal advice relating to horses, riders, owners, breeders, yards, and equine businesses.
Our Equine Law team provides clear, practical support across both contentious and non‑contentious matters. Whether you are buying a competition horse, drafting agreements for your yard, or facing a dispute over a sale, we combine legal expertise with a sound understanding of the equestrian world.
Horses are not just assets, they are livelihoods, partners, and passions. Our role is to protect your interests with robust contracts, strategic dispute resolution, and, where necessary, decisive litigation.
We advise on the full spectrum of equine legal issues, from contract drafting to complex litigation.
It’s very reassuring as an owner of an SME to know that you are getting excellent legal advice at a reasonable cost.
Clear, enforceable agreements for private and commercial sales, including competition, leisure, and breeding horses. Terms can be tailored to your specific needs including risk allocation, warranties, veterinary standards, and more.
Guidance before committing to a purchase, including structuring pre‑purchase examinations, managing agent involvement, and reducing risk if the horse proves unsuitable
Contracts for:
Covering fertility terms, live‑foal guarantees, and risk management.
Terms for arenas, cross‑country courses, clinics, and events, including waivers, safety obligations, and risk allocation between owners, riders, and operators.
Support for riding schools, dealers, trainers, transporters, and other equine professionals, including:
Claims and defences involving misdescription, temperament issues, soundness, performance, undisclosed history, or suitability.
Claims arising from negligent veterinary examination, including failure to identify lameness, pre‑existing conditions, or material issues affecting the decision to buy.
Representation in cases involving:
We act for owners seeking damages for injury, loss of performance, or death.
Disputes relating to livery, grazing, stud, training, and other equine agreements, including:
Injuries involving horses require specialist understanding of both the law and equine behaviour. We act on both sides of these disputes.
For injured riders, handlers, and members of the public
We pursue claims for individuals injured by horses, including:
We build cases that reflect industry standards and the realities of equestrian activity.
For horse owners and keepers facing claims
We defend owners, riders, and yard operators where allegations are made against them—particularly where insurance is unavailable, limited, or disputed.
This includes:
Our approach focuses on early risk assessment and robust defence strategies.
We handle disputes over ownership, loan breakdowns, retention of passports, and recovery of horses from yards or third parties.
Advice on equine insurance claims (mortality, loss of use, vet fees, public liability) and disputes over declinature, exclusions, and underpayment.
We understand the customs, expectations, and commercial realities of the equine industry.
