Do you really believe that you have the “perfect” contracts for your equine activities? Do you believe that your contracts adequately account for the unique requirements of your state’s law? The following is a general review of ten details to consider in an effort to “fine-tune” a variety of contracts used in equine-related businesses and activities. (more…)
Achieving Positive Trainer / Customer Relationships
What do horse trainers and automobile mechanics have in common? Nothing. Cars can be fixed, but some horses seem virtually impossible to break. Mechanics usually can estimate the time and cost needed to restore a car to good performance, but few horse trainers can estimate how much time it will take to turn a horse into a polished performance prospect. have you ever heard of a “six month/6,000 mile warranty” from a horse trainer? (more…)
There are Alternatives to the High Cost of a Lawyer
You know you have a case. Someone has refused to refund your deposit of $2,500 on a horse you planned to buy. The case, you believe, is strong. After all, the purchase agreement both of you signed had language requiring the seller to refund your deposit if the horse failed a pre-purchase exam. And fail he did. You need the $2,500 refund, but you realize that the cost of a lawyer would likely exceed this amount. Are there other options available within your budget? (more…)
Is Someone Liable for a Defective Product?
The fly repellent product on the tack store shelf caught your eye with irresistible promises: “Guaranteed Fly Protection for Horses,” and “100% Safe — Will Not Harm You or Your Horse.” This product, you thought, can’t fail. You bought it and tried it immediately. But fail it did. Just minutes after applying the fly repellent to your horse’s glistening coat, you noticed that the flies were gone — but so was your horse’s coat. The fly repellent also blistered your hands severely. This terrible ordeal forced you to spend considerable sums of money on veterinary bills and doctor bills, and you lost several days of work. Can someone be liable for what happened? (more…)
Myths About Releases or Waivers
In the horse industry, misunderstandings and myths abound regarding important legal topics. This three-part series of articles explores some common myths in the horse industry. Part one discussed the equine liability acts, part two discussed insurance, part three, the conclusion of the series, will discuss releases of liability. (more…)
Myths About Equine-Related Insurance
In the horse industry, misunderstandings and myths abound regarding important legal topics. This three-part series of articles explores some common myths in the horse industry. Part one discussed the equine liability acts, part two discusses insurance, and part three will discuss releases of liability. (more…)
Myths About the Equine Activity Liability Acts
In the horse industry, rumors and myths abound regarding important legal issues. This three-part series of articles explores some common myths in the horse industry. Part one discusses the equine liability acts, part two will discuss insurance, and part three will discuss releases of liability. (more…)
Common Sense Ways to Avoid Legal Disputes When Buying a Horse
Ann always wanted to own a top show horse. Now, she found her chance. Someone has advertised for sale a gorgeous 12-year-old gelding. After years on the show circuit the horse developed an outstanding show record, with several championships. Ann wanted to make him her champion. The asking price of $3,000, she thought, was surprisingly low for a horse of his caliber. She promptly called the seller and made an appointment to see the horse. When she arrived, the seller had the horse saddled and waiting for her. She took her “test ride” in a quiet, empty arena. The ride went beautifully. A short time later, Ann paid the seller in cash and the horse was her. (more…)
How to Create Costly Legal Disputes Involving an Equine-Related Contract
Are you looking for ways to part with more of your hard-earned money and to create disruption in your life and business? Would you like to increase your chances of getting involved in a costly legal dispute? Where equine-related contracts are involved, here are six ways to help ensure that these things happen: (more…)
Understanding Mortality Insurance
The horse industry, as a whole, spends millions of dollars each year on mortality insurance. Mortality insurance is often compared to life insurance, although there are several important differences. Generally, mortality insurance is designed to pay a sum of money in the event that an insured horse dies or is stolen. Of the large numbers of people who buy mortality insurance, few truly understand that the policies and the companies who offer them are not alike. This two-part series explores important and little known aspects of equine mortality insurance. Part One generally discusses mortality insurance and addresses some important features that can differ among mortality insurance policies. Part Two discusses duties found in many policies of mortality insurance that, if not followed by policyholders, could result in a loss of coverage. (more…)