Livery agreements

A livery agreement is an essential document for anyone involved in running an equestrian business where third-party horses are taken under your care.

At Moore Barlow, we understand that clear, detailed agreements are crucial in ensuring harmonious relationships and avoiding future disputes with livery owners. Our experienced equine solicitors offer expert legal advice and comprehensive guidance in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing livery agreements tailored specifically to your equestrian business requirements.

Understanding the importance of a livery agreement

A clearly written agreement provides protection and clarity for all parties involved. A comprehensive livery agreement will explicitly outline the responsibilities and expectations of both the horse owner and the livery provider, significantly reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or conflict.

Common aspects included within a livery agreement typically cover points such as fees, payment methods and schedules, notice periods for termination, the responsibilities relating to horse care, health provisions, and the liabilities of each party in the event of accidents or illness.

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Types of livery agreements

There are various types of livery agreements available, each providing different levels of service and different obligations. Understanding which option best suits your equestrian business is essential, and our solicitors at Moore Barlow can expertly guide you through each alternative:

Full livery: Under a full livery agreement, the yard owner takes complete responsibility for a horse’s daily care, feeding, exercise, stabling arrangements and general welfare. The horse owner maintains minimal involvement in daily management but retains ultimate ownership and responsibility for more critical veterinary decisions and insurance.

Part livery: This agreement outlines shared responsibilities between the yard owner and the horse owner, clearly identifying which tasks are to be undertaken by each party. Typical responsibilities include feeding and stabling arrangements provided by the yard owner, while exercising the horse or grooming duties may be carried out by the horse owner as agreed.

DIY livery: Under a DIY livery agreement, the horse owner retains responsibility for daily care, feeding, mucking out, grooming and exercise. The yard owner provides facilities such as stabling, grazing, and equipment storage but assumes limited responsibility for everyday horse management.

Grass livery: A grass livery agreement sets out the provision of grazing space, with limited or no stable facilities included. This type of arrangement may require additional clarification on maintenance responsibilities for pasture management, fence upkeep, and horse health checks.

Key clauses included in a livery agreement

Our professional legal team ensures your livery agreement includes all essential clauses relevant to your situation. These typically cover:

• Clearly detailed roles and responsibilities for horse care
• Fee structures, payment schedules and review periods
• Notice periods for terminating the agreement by either party
• Provision of necessary insurance coverage and liability allocation
• Emergency care protocols and veterinary provisions
• Dispute resolution procedures
• Rules and conduct required of parties on livery yard premises

Clear and robust legal drafting also addresses potential issues such as damage to property or injury to persons, ensuring all parties feel adequately protected in unforeseen circumstances.