Equine Services Agreement Template

What Is the Equine Services Agreement?

An equine services agreement is a legally binding contract between an equine facility provider and a horse owner that defines boarding services, training or lesson arrangements, payment terms, health requirements, emergency care authorization, and liability protections. This agreement addresses the unique legal risks of equine operations including inherent activity risks, property damage, third-party injuries, and enforcement of agister's liens for unpaid board.

Unlike generic service contracts, this template includes specialized provisions for feed and turnout schedules, vaccination requirements, emergency veterinary authorization, state-specific equine liability act warnings, quarantine protocols, and authorized rider restrictions. The agreement establishes your standard of care obligations while limiting liability for risks inherent to working with horses.

 

 

Is This Equine Services Agreement Right for You?

You need this agreement if you're:

• Operating a boarding facility with stall or pasture board
• Providing horse training services for clients
• Teaching riding lessons at your facility
• Offering combined boarding and training packages
• Running a lesson barn with school horses
• Managing a multi-service equestrian center

You definitely need this agreement if:

• You're currently boarding horses without written contracts
• Clients owe you unpaid board fees with no legal recourse
• You've had disputes over emergency veterinary care costs
• You lack proper liability releases for riding activities
• You don't have written authority to make emergency care decisions

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money. Custom equine contracts from attorneys cost $800-2,000. This template gives you the same protection for $35.

Save Time. Download, customize in under an hour, and start using immediately with new clients.

Look Professional. Attorney-drafted language shows clients you run a serious operation with proper legal protections.

Keeps You Out of Court. The Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability provisions, emergency care authorization, and agister's lien clauses prevent disputes and provide enforcement mechanisms when clients don't pay.

 

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout. Complete your purchase through our encrypted payment system.

Step 2: Instant Download. Receive your template immediately via email and download it in Microsoft Word format.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields. Customize service levels, payment terms, and facility-specific provisions using the built-in guidance, then have clients sign before their first horse arrives.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. Purchase once and use it for every boarding client, training client, and lesson student. Customize the services, fees, and terms for each situation while maintaining consistent legal protections across all client relationships.

Is this contract legally binding?

Yes. When properly executed by both parties, this agreement creates enforceable obligations including payment terms, service standards, liability releases, and lien rights. Courts routinely uphold equine services agreements that include clear assumption of risk language and state-specific liability act warnings.

Does this template comply with my state's equine liability laws?

The template includes placeholders for state-specific equine liability act warnings and statutory references. You'll need to fill in your state's specific statute number and warning language, which is typically available from your state's equine association or agricultural department. The liability framework works in all states but requires this customization.

What if a client's horse gets injured or dies while in my care?

The agreement establishes that you'll exercise reasonable care comparable to industry standards but you're not an insurer of the horse's safety. You're not liable for injury or death except when caused by your gross negligence or willful misconduct. This protection is crucial because horses can injure themselves even under excellent care.

How do I enforce my lien if a client doesn't pay?

The agreement documents your agister's lien rights, but enforcement procedures vary by state. You'll need to follow your state's specific notice and sale requirements, which typically include multiple written notices to the client, waiting periods, and publication requirements before you can conduct a sale. Consult with an attorney in your state before enforcing a lien.

Can I modify the agreement after clients sign it?

You can adjust fees with advance notice as specified in the agreement. Any other modifications require written consent from both parties through a signed amendment. The agreement includes provisions allowing you to update facility rules with reasonable notice, but core contractual terms require mutual agreement to change.