A: In business matters, an equine attorney advises and helps clients evaluate the appropriate way to organize their business, limited liability company (LLC), partnership or corporation.
An equine attorney has in-depth knowledge of the horse industry as well as the laws that relate to the industry. Equine attorneys draft, review and negotiate contracts used by equine professionals and non-professionals. Typical contracts include purchase agreements, breeding contracts, boarding contracts, lease agreements, liability waivers, labor agreements and much more.
An equine attorney can help owners, grooms and trainers with immigration issues, as well as with federal and international tax law, foreign investment reporting, tax planning, and audit defense. Equine attorneys can also assist those involved in zoning disputes and real estate transactions.
And if something goes wrong, an equine attorney represents people who have allegedly violated the rules set forth by the governing association for the sport, such as alleged drug violations with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
Liability is crucial to professionals in the horse industry, and an equine attorney can help people working in the horse industry to avoid or limit liability within their activities in the sport.