Horse boarding contracts govern the care and liability for horses kept at a boarding facility. These contracts are essential because they outline the facility's care obligations, liability limitations, boarding fees, and what happens in case of injury, illness, or death. Most boarding facilities include liability waivers that attempt to limit or eliminate their liability for injury or death of boarded horses, but the enforceability of these waivers varies by state and depends on whether the facility exercised gross negligence or willful misconduct. Many horse owners sign boarding contracts without fully understanding the liability implications or the facility's actual care standards. Key issues include: Does the contract specify which veterinarian is used? Who makes decisions about emergency care and euthanasia? Who pays for emergency veterinary expenses? What happens if the horse is injured or dies at the facility? Understanding these terms before boarding your horse can prevent costly disputes and ensure your horse receives appropriate care.
What is a Agriculture & Liability?
A horse boarding contract is a service agreement between a horse owner and a boarding facility that specifies the care provided, fees, liability limitations, and dispute resolution procedures. The contract typically details feed, water, shelter, exercise, grooming, and veterinary care provided by the facility. Most contracts include liability waivers limiting the facility's liability for injury or death, but these waivers are not absolute and may not protect against gross negligence.
Red flags to watch for
Most states do not enforce waivers that shield facilities from liability for their own negligence; gross negligence waivers are often unenforceable.
Vague care standards make it impossible to enforce proper care or hold the facility accountable.
Disagreements about emergency care authorization can delay critical treatment; terms should be explicit.
Without clear dispute resolution, minor injuries or disagreements can become costly legal battles.
While waivers can limit liability for accidents, they generally cannot waive liability for failure to provide basic care.
Contract modifications should require notice and agreement; unilateral changes may be unenforceable.
Your legal rights
In the US, horse boarding contracts are governed by state contract law and animal care statutes. Most states have Equine Activity Liability Acts (EALAs) that limit liability for certain equine activities, but these generally do not apply to boarding facilities' failure to provide care. Liability waivers for gross negligence are often unenforceable. Many states have specific animal neglect statutes; boarding facilities have a duty to provide basic care. Some states recognize a "duty of care" for animals in the facility's custody, making facilities liable for ordinary negligence.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1What daily care is included: feed type and amount, water, shelter, turnout hours, and grooming?
- 2Who is your veterinarian, and how are emergency veterinary decisions made?
- 3Who authorizes and pays for emergency veterinary care?
- 4What are the liability limitations in the waiver, and are there exceptions for the facility's negligence?
- 5What happens if my horse is injured at the facility—what documentation is required, and how are disputes resolved?
- 6What are the cancellation and notice requirements if I need to move my horse?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.