Horse Business Advice

Equestrian commercial help

Although most equestrians who operate a horse related business do so because they find this rewarding and fulfilling, exactly the same considerations which apply to other business areas are equally important to the owners of horse-related businesses.  Getting general business advice form a solicitor can help you to identify ways in which your business practices might be changed to improve profitability, or to create a more professional image.

For example, by trading through a limited liability company as opposed to operating as a sole trader or partnership, you can reduce your exposure to risk. Any liability which the company incurs for debts, or as a result of a compensation claim made against it is not passed on to you as owner. Setting up a company is also an easy way to make your business more investible.

Often when people start businesses, a lot of things are left on a very informal footing. However, as the business grows it eventually becomes necessary to formalise relationships with suppliers and customers, and between business partners. In these circumstances a specialist business solicitor can help you to draw up contracts and terms and conditions of service to regulate your business dealings, as well as partnership deeds in order to clearly set out the rights and responsibilities of the stakeholders in the business.

If you are a horse enthusiast looking to make your first foray into business and you are planning on purchasing a livery stable, riding school or any other type of horse related business then you will probably need to take advice from a solicitor who can help to guide you through the process. You may need to arrange for a due diligence exercise to be completed and a formal sale agreement is a necessity, as well as the drafting of restrictive covenants which would prevent the seller of the business from setting up a new company in direct competition with you.

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.