Horse Contract Law in Texas: Protecting Your Investment in the Equine World

Texas and horses go hand in hand. From show rings and ranches to breeding barns and boarding facilities, the horse industry in Texas is both vibrant and diverse. But behind every successful transaction or service arrangement is something less glamorous but absolutely essential: a solid contract. In the horse industry, misunderstandings can quickly turn into expensive disputes. A handshake may feel traditional, but when valuable animals, services, and reputations are on the line, only a well-written agreement will do.

Why Contracts Matter in the Texas Horse Industry

Horses are not just pets or livestock—they are also investments. They require daily care, specialized training, and in many cases, represent a rider’s competitive future or a breeder’s business livelihood. Without a contract, parties often can face confusion over who is responsible for expenses, what happens if payment is late, or how to handle disagreements. Clear, written agreements give owners, trainers, buyers, and facility operators the peace of mind that expectations are set and enforceable under Texas law.

Key Equine Contracts Every Texan Should Know

Horse Purchase and Sale Agreements

Buying or selling a horse is rarely simple. Texas law treats horses as “goods” under the Uniform Commercial Code, meaning sales over $500 must be in writing. A detailed contract should cover the horse’s identity (breed, markings, registration, age), purchase price and payment terms, warranties (or “as-is” disclaimers), pre-purchase veterinary exam contingencies, transfer of risk and delivery terms, disclosure of liens, co-ownership, or breeding rights, and signatures of both buyer and seller. A thorough sales contract helps prevent post-sale disputes about the horse’s condition, ownership, or intended use.

Checklist: Key Terms to Cover in a Horse Purchase

• Full identification: name, breed, color/markings, registration and microchip/tattoo (if any)
• Price, deposits, payment schedule, and escrow (if used)
• Warranties vs. as-is sale; known health, soundness, and behavior disclosures
• Pre-purchase exam rights, vet selection, and who pays
• Trial period terms, insurance during trial, and risk of loss
• Delivery/transport, Coggins and health papers, brand/registration transfer
• Liens or security interests; co-ownership, breeding, or show rights
• Remedies on default and attorney’s fees; governing law and venue
• Signatures (buyer/seller) and capacity/authority representations

Horse Lease Agreements

Leasing allows riders access to horses without the long-term cost of ownership. These arrangements are common in competition barns and riding schools. A lease agreement should address duration of the lease, permitted uses (competition, breeding, lessons, trail riding), responsibility for boarding, farrier, and veterinary costs, restrictions on relocation or subleasing, insurance requirements, and conditions for the horse’s return. By spelling out responsibilities, both owner and lessee know exactly where they stand.

Checklist: Key Terms to Cover in a Horse Lease Agreement

• Term (start/end), renewal, and early-termination rights
• Permitted uses (levels, disciplines, show mileage limits) and rider suitability
• Care standards: boarding, turnout, farrier, veterinary, supplements
• Insurance (mortality/major medical, loss-of-use), who pays, and named insureds
• Travel, relocation, or sublease restrictions; show/clinic approvals
• Injury, illness, or lay-up procedures; notice and treatment authority
• Responsibility for tack/equipment; return condition and location
• Indemnification, assumption-of-risk acknowledgments, and releases
• Security deposit (if any) and remedies for breach

Boarding Contracts

Boarding stables in Texas range from small private barns to large training facilities. Regardless of size, a written boarding contract is essential. It should clarify monthly fees and what services are included (feed, turnout, blanketing, grooming), vaccination and health requirements, barn rules and access policies, emergency care procedures, termination or removal policies, and storage of tack and equipment. Including clear terms up front prevents conflicts about care standards or billing.

Checklist: Key Terms to Cover in a Horse Boarding Contract

• Board type (full, partial, pasture) and included services
• Feed program, turnout schedule, blanketing/clipping policies
• Vaccination/Coggins requirements and deworming protocols
• Barn rules, hours, lesson/trainer/hauler access
• Farrier/vet scheduling, emergency care authority, and cost limits
• Late fees, lien/enforcement rights, and abandonment procedures
• Termination, notice periods, and removal logistics
• Tack/equipment storage, liability for loss, and security
• Risk allocation, indemnification, waivers, and dispute resolution

Training Agreements

When a horse enters a training program, owners and trainers both need clarity about expectations. A training contract can specify the scope of training (starting, conditioning, or specialized discipline work), fees and billing schedule, frequency of rides or training sessions, authority to make routine care decisions, show participation or sales representation rights, and termination terms. Training arrangements often involve significant financial and emotional investment. A well-structured contract ensures both sides are aligned.

Checklist: Key Terms to Cover in a Horse Training Agreement

• Program scope, training schedule, and performance benchmarks
• Trainer’s authority for routine care and incident reporting
• Show plans, ride fees, coaching/day fees, and sales commission (if applicable)
• Billing, late charges, and expenses (entries, hauling, lodging)
• Safety requirements for owner-ridden sessions; helmet and equipment policies
• Media rights (photos/video), marketing, and rider identification
• Termination/withdrawal and transition-of-care plan
• Liability allocation, waivers, and insurance expectations

Breeding Contracts

In the breeding industry, written agreements are critical. Whether it’s a stallion service contract or a mare lease, these contracts should include the method of breeding (live cover, AI, shipped), fees and payment terms, rebreeding rights or guarantees if conception fails, mare care obligations if kept at the stallion facility, and ownership of resulting foals and registration paperwork. Breeding arrangements can become complicated if expectations aren’t crystal clear—making detailed contracts indispensable.

Checklist: Key Terms to Cover in a Horse Breeding Contract

• Breeding method (live cover/AI/frozen), timing, and collection/handling protocols
• Stud/service fees, chute/booking fees, and shipping costs
• Rebreeding/return privileges, live foal guarantees, and conditions
• Mare care standards at stallion facility; quarantine and health testing
• Semen quality/viability standards and replacement procedures
• Foal ownership, registration papers, and branding/marking decisions
• Risk of loss and insurance responsibilities
• Default remedies, venue, and attorney’s fees

The Role of an Equine Attorney

Generic contracts pulled off the internet often fail to capture the realities of horse transactions, which is why turning to Wilson Whitaker Rynell is a smart choice. Our Texas equine attorneys understand the nuances of sales, training, boarding, and breeding arrangements, and we know how to draft agreements that reflect industry practices, prevent disputes, and hold up in court if needed. While the horse industry in Texas thrives on trust, trust alone is not enough—contracts are the backbone of equine business, ensuring that responsibilities, financial obligations, and expectations are clear for all parties. From buying a show horse to boarding a retiree, the right contract can make the difference between a smooth transaction and a costly legal dispute. At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, we help horse owners and professionals protect their investments with precise, enforceable agreements tailored to their unique needs. Consulting with our team before signing—or offering—a contract is an investment in long-term stability and peace of mind. After all, protecting your investment means protecting your future in the saddle.

How an Equine Lawyer Helps (At a Glance)

• Custom drafting and redlining to match your discipline and risk profile
• Due diligence (ownership, liens, UCC filings, registrations)
• Clear risk allocation (insurance, indemnities, waivers, limitation of liability)
• Dispute-prevention provisions (notice, cure, mediation/arbitration, venue)
• Fast response on emergencies (injury, unpaid board, seizure, abandonment)

Texas-Specific Horse Agreement Considerations
(Helpful Additions)

• Written agreements: Sales of horses over $500 generally require a writing under the Uniform Commercial Code.
• Risk of loss & insurance: Clarify who bears risk during trials, transport, and shows; require mortality/major medical where appropriate.
• Stable/board liens: Understand procedures if board is unpaid and how to lawfully secure amounts owed.
• Equine activity liability: Texas law recognizes certain protections for equine activity sponsors; many operations post specific warning language.
• Health & transport: Address Coggins, vaccinations, brand/mark registrations, and interstate health certificates for shows or sales. A Coggins test is a blood test that screens horses for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by bloodsucking insects.
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): A health certificate is a document issued by an accredited veterinarian after a physical exam, confirming that the horse is healthy for travel and does not have any apparent contagious diseases. It is usually only valid for 30 days.