Horse boarding agreement

A Horse boarding agreement is a contract between a horse owner and a stable or equine facility that defines the terms under which the horse will be boarded and cared for.

It typically sets out boarding services, fees, responsibilities, emergency procedures, facility rules, liability provisions, and termination terms.

A Horse boarding agreement should generally identify the horse owner, stable, and horse being boarded and explain the services provided, boarding fees, payment terms, care responsibilities, emergency procedures, and termination conditions.

It may also address veterinary care, farrier services, feed and supplements, turnout, stable rules, liability, additional expenses, and procedures for nonpayment.

With full board, the stable generally provides routine services such as feeding, watering, stall cleaning, and turnout.

With self-care boarding, the facility may primarily provide the stall or pasture while the horse owner remains responsible for much of the horse's daily care. Exact services vary between facilities and should be defined in the boarding agreement.

It can. A boarding agreement may explain who should be contacted during a veterinary emergency and what authority the stable has to obtain treatment when the owner cannot be reached.

The agreement can also define who is responsible for veterinary costs and any limits placed on emergency treatment authority.

Yes. The agreement should clearly state the regular boarding fee, when payment is due, and any applicable late charges.

It can also specify additional fees for services such as blanketing, supplements, holding a horse for veterinary or farrier appointments, special feeding, grooming, or other optional care. Boarding facilities commonly charge separately for services beyond the standard board package.

Yes. A horse boarding contract can include rules relating to facility access, riding areas, visitors, tack storage, horse handling, arena use, parking, safety, and other requirements of the boarding facility.

Including these policies in or alongside the agreement helps make expectations clear before boarding begins.

The agreement should specify how either party can end the boarding arrangement, including any required notice period and outstanding payment obligations.

Termination and default provisions are among the terms commonly recommended for boarding contracts.

An electronically signed Horse boarding agreement may be legally valid when the agreement clearly identifies the parties and terms, both parties intend to agree, and a reliable signed record is retained.

Contract, lien, animal-care, liability, and electronic-signature requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so boarding facilities should customise the agreement for their business and local laws.