Horse shows and equestrian training activities are just the start of legal issues in the horse show business. Horse law emanates from state laws and from years of equine case histories decided in the courts.
This page is devoted to equine legal issues in the horse business that relate to liability, mounted accidents, ground accidents, equine activity, horse sales and contract disputes, boarding issues and even land use disputes.
Find equine legal forms such as boarding contracts, leasing agreements, horse sales contracts and equine training agreements. Read state quarantine and health laws by state, review equine activity statutes in each state and find equine legal resources.
Feb 20, 2012
Judge Judy Awards Zero Damages in Horse Injury Case
Equine Legal Case
On Friday, February 3, 2012, CBS aired the trial of horse owner Deborah Dobbs vs. horse trainer Sharon Jeffco on Judge Judy--a case involving alleged injury to a horse at the hands of a trainer. This case has caused quite a stir in the horse community, possibly because of the unique nature of the alleged injuries to the horse.On Friday, February 3, 2012, CBS aired the trial of horse owner Deborah Dobbs vs. horse trainer Sharon Jeffco on the show Judge Judy, in a case involving alleged injury to a horse at the hands of a trainer. This case has caused quite a stir in the horse community, possibly because of the unique nature of the alleged injuries to the horse.
Dobbs sued Jeffco for $5,000 (the jurisdictional limit on Judge Judy), alleging that her 5-year-old mare, “Misty”, sustained severe tongue lacerations due to Jeffco’s training methods. Dobbs specifically complained that Jeffco used an “ill-fitting bit”. Dobbs posted this photo of the alleged injuries on Facebook [CAUTION: photo is graphic]. Dobbs admitted that she was present during the entire training session in question. More info...
Feb 16, 2012
Compare auto insurance rates with local agents
Shop rates before you renew
You will be matched with local agents in your neighborhood. The agents will then supply you with their best quotes. Review your offers and select the coverage that best suits you and your budget. More info...
Feb 3, 2012
U.S. Supreme Court says States Cannot Regulate Activities at Slaughter Plants
Horse Slaughter Debate
On January 23, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that while states may be able to enact laws banning the slaughter of horses, states cannot impose their own laws governing how animals are handled and processed at federally-regulated slaughterhouses. A link to the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion can be found here.
This opinion was handed down in National Meat Association v. Harris, the “pig case” I discussed back in November 2011 when the case was in the oral arguments phase. This prior post discussed that case’s possible indirect effects on the horse slaughter debate: More info...
Feb 1, 2012
Parker County Jury Finds for Vet in Welk v. FolandAs I’ve previously stated in this prior post, negligence and malpractice lawsuits against veterinarians are generally “tough sleddin’” for plaintiffs in Texas. Would-be plaintiffs who wish to sue their veterinarians often face major obstacles such as: 1) proving damages; 2) obtaining effective expert testimony; 3) paying litigation expenses where there is a low likelihood of recovery; and 4) finding a lawyer experienced in representing plaintiffs in veterinary malpractice suits.
Last year’s defense verdict in the lawsuit brought by Larry and Lynn Welk against Dr. Jeffrey A. Foland and Weatherford Equine Medical Center, P.C. illustrates some of these difficulties. More info...
Jan 22, 2012
Top 5 Considerations for a Horse Sale Agreement with a Trial Period
by Allison Rowe
If you are thinking about buying or selling a horse on a “trial basis”, or if you are entering into a horse sale agreement with a trial period, here are five of the most important things you should consider:
1) The Timing of the Pre-Purchase Exam. The most important consideration in horse sales is usually, “is the horse sound”? If the horse is not sound enough to perform the intended tasks of the prospective buyer, the prospective buyer shouldn’t be taking it “on trial” anyway. It doesn’t happen often, but a horse can sustain an injury or get sick during even a short trial period. Therefore, the pre-purchase exam should be conducted before the horse is ever taken by a prospective buyer to “try out.” If a question is ever raised as to whose possession the horse was in when the horse was injured or got sick, both parties will be informed of the horse’s condition when it left the seller’s property if the pre-purchase exam is conducted before the horse leaves. See the following posts for more information on the types of tests that should be conducted in a pre-purchase exam. More info...
Jan 10, 2012
2011 Equine Law Year in Review
Texas Equine Law
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2011 brought a number of significant legal events / changes that will affect many people involved in the Texas horse industry. The "Top Seven of 2011" (it rhymes!), are as follows: More info...
Dec 15, 2011
Horse Sale Sabotage: When Does Legal Action Make Sense?
by Rachel McCart, Equine Legal Solutions
I have a very nice Western Pleasure show horse for sale. While he's a cute Western Pleasure mover and quite competitive at Paint shows, what really sets him apart is his temperament - he's super-quiet, kind and forgiving, suitable for a novice or walk-trotter. This is the kind of gelding that you can let sit for a while, then hop on him without longeing first. And, he's young, sound, healthy and cute as a bug's ear. Horses like this gelding are hardly ever for sale. Even in a down economy, it shouldn't be too hard to sell him, right? Well... More info...
Nov 14, 2011
A Look at Recent Equine Lawsuits and How They Affect Horse Professionals
Don't Miss This Tonight! Free Webinar - Equestrian Professional's Next Webinar
Date: November 14th
Topic: A Look at Recent Equine Lawsuits and How They Affect Horse Professionals
Speaker: Julie Fershtman, Attorney at Law
Time: 5:00 pm Pacific 7:00 Central 8:00 Eastern
Format: Simulcast - attend via your phone or computer
Duration: 45 minutes
The Open Session:
There have been several recent equine cases whose rulings are of interest (and extreme importance) to horse professionals. During this webinar, equine law expert Julie I. Fershtman will discuss the key issues and the legal precedents these cases are likely to set.
The information shared at this free webinar will be of VITAL importance to horse professionals. In order to keep your business, horses, customers and assets safe, it is essential to stay abreast of how the courts are intrepreting current equine laws and be informed about any new laws. More info...
Nov 13, 2011
Could Vices in Horses be the Basis for a Legal Battle?
What are your rights?
You find your dream horse. Your veterinarian gives him a stamp of approval, and you sign the check. You get him home and then--wham. The problems begin: cribbing, kicking, biting, wind sucking, halter pulling, head tossing, or any number of unpleasant surprises known as vices. And you begin to wonder whether this dream horse isn't actually some sort of nightmare. More info...
Nov 5, 2011
Free equine law webinar on offer
Julie I. Fershtman
Equine law expert Julie I. Fershtman is hosting a horse business webinar on equine lawsuits and how they affect horse professionals.
The free webinar on November 14 is organised by Equestrian Professional.com. It will cover important cases that could have implications throughout the equine industry on how future cases are decided.
Fershtman will discuss recent equine related court cases and the possible legal ramifications these cases could create for the entire industry. Listeners will learn how these cases could have far-reaching consequences with their everyday business transactions. This information will be of vital importance to all horse professionals. More info...
