Equine Law

Equine Legal Issues

The horse business is unique and we understand the horse industry. For over three decades we have had experience in the specialized practice of equine law. We work together with our clients’ investment and insurance advisers to determine what is best for their particular business. We advise and represent riders, owners, breeders, trainers, sponsors, blood stock agents, and farm managers. We are there for our clients and their horse businesses – assisting them with everything from reviewing basic contracts to litigating complex cases.

Adina Stern grew up on a race horse farm and has been involved in the horse world throughout her life. Our clients have horses of all breeds and disciplines and we are here to advise them and their horse businesses when the need arises. Some of the services we offer are:

Sales and Leases

As equine lawyers, we represent buyers, sellers and agents with the purchase, sale, lease or syndication of horses, including show horses, race horses and pleasure horses. We will represent your interests in these transactions by preparing, reviewing and advising you throughout the transaction.

Farm and Ranch Operation

If you own or operate a horse ranch or horse farm you need an attorney who understands equine law to assist you with drafting and enforcing boarding contracts, liability releases, and training contracts. You will need advise and guidance on issues that arise in your day to day horse business, including Agister’s liens, insurance and real estate issues. Make sure the unique needs of your equestrian business are evaluated and addressed. We offer annual reviews to make sure your forms and business practices are up to date and fit your particular needs. Do not trust your livelihood to a “one size fits all” legal form you borrowed from a friend or copied off the internet that may not be up to date or even appropriate for your state.

Litigation and Legal Disputes Involving Horses

We have been successfully representing clients in arbitrations, mediations, administrative hearings, and state and federal court for nearly three decades. We are a full service litigation law firm, representing clients from the trial court through the appellate process. We are proud of our record of success. Of course, it is often best to settle disputes early, however, when necessary we can cost-effectively and aggressively litigate cases through trial and the appellate process. In the area of equestrian law we have successfully litigated cases involving purchase and sale disputes, fraud, misrepresentation, breaches of contract, joint venture and partnership disputes, equine title issues, breeding rights, collections, lien rights, and disputes involving trainers, boarders, breeders, and veterinarians.

Breeding Rights

We handle equine contract negotiations, preparation and review of breeding and syndication agreements for race and show horses including issues involving live foal guarantees, embryo transfers, and registration.

Business Formation and Maintenance

If you are in the horse business we can assist you with either a new or existing venture. We use our expertise in business law to assist our clients with forming corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and joint ventures.