Equestrian Disciplinary Tribunals

Horse racing & equestrian sports tribunals

Both the Federation Equestre Internationale (“FEI”) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) keep a tight reign on the conduct of equestrian sports. This is a highly regulated sector, subject to complex rules and regulations. These regulations cover a wide range of issues, from setting standards for pedigree and lineage, through to the conduct of races and show jumping, and rules  concerning the use of performance enhancers.

Where there is an allegation that someone has breached these regulations, the matter will be heard by a disciplinary tribunal which will need to determine whether the allegations are true and what sanctions are applicable. Disciplinary tribunal hearings can vary greatly in formality depending on the exact nature of the regulatory breach which is alleged, and the rules governing tribunal proceedings can be difficult to understand. In these cases a specialist lawyer with experience in appearing before panels of this type can assist greatly.

Disciplinary action can result in fines, or in conditions being attached to your operating licence. In extreme cases, if you are found guilty of misconduct, or failing to comply with the regulations then you may be expelled from membership of the federation.

Membership of, or accreditation by an equestrian federation is very important for most horse-related businesses. In some cases where the business is directly related to equestrian sports, it would be impossible to continue trading without being licensed by the federation.

Although in many cases where the business is not directly regulated, it would still be possible to continue trading even if the federation cancelled your businesses accreditation, disciplinary action can nonetheless have a profound negative impact on the viability of your business. This is because the equestrian community is very tight knit, and even the suggestion of sharp practice or underhand dealings can cause customers to turn elsewhere.

If you are due to appear before a disciplinary tribunal, or even if you have just been summoned to provide additional information or are being investigated, a specialist equestrian disciplinary lawyer can help you to prepare your case and can present it in the best possible light.

Solicitors in equine law

Solicitors specialising in equine law are often required by horse owners to provide advice relating to a variety of different equine-related legal issues.

What you need to know about equestrian disciplinary tribunals

Any activity that involves horses has provisions in place to regulate it, and disputes can be resolved by an equestrian disciplinary tribunal.

All about buying a horse

For anyone wishing to buy a horse, it is highly recommended that you first seek the appropriate legal advice from a solicitor specialising in equine law.