How to protect yourself as a buyer or seller of horses

Equestrian legal experts go through steps that can be taken to safeguard all parties involved

- LUCY ELDER

DISCLOSURE, contracts and "crystal-clear" lines how buyers and sellers can best protect themselves was discussed by top equestrian legal professionals at a seminar.

Hannah Bradley of the Equine Law Firm and Jodie Seddon, of Aria Grace Equine Law, took attendees through basic steps they can take to combat pitfalls that may arise in buying and selling horses.

The pair strongly recommended having a contract drawn up specifically for each sale, stressed the importance of disclosure, and advised people to listen to their senses when ascertaining whether a horse and potential buyer may be a good fit.

"You wouldn't be alone if you thought, 'I don't have a written contract, so I don't have a contract', but that is not actually correct," said Ms Seddon. "When you have an offer, an acceptance, payment and delivery, that's a contract.