As a solicitor working regularly with equestrian businesses and horse owners, I see livery agreements cause disputes far more often than they should — as was recently reported by Your Horse. In most cases, the issue isn’t bad faith — it’s that the contract is unclear, incomplete, or doesn’t reflect how the yard actually operates day to day.

Here, I set out what should be included in a livery agreement, the most common mistakes I see, and what each party should look for before signing.

Livery agreements

A well-drafted livery yard contract protects both parties. It sets expectations, reduces misunderstandings, and provides a clear route to resolve problems if things go wrong.

From a legal perspective, livery agreements sit at the intersection of contract law, consumer law, and negligence principles.

Many yard owners are surprised to learn that livery clients are often treated as consumers in law, even where the relationship feels informal or long-standing.

Parties and horse details

The contract should clearly identify:

  • The yard owner/operator (including the legal entity if trading through a company)
  • The horse’s owner (and whether they are acting personally or on behalf of someone else)
  • Full details of the horse(s): name, passport number, age, and any known health or behavioural issues

This may sound basic, but incorrect or missing details can cause real problems if a dispute arises.

Type of livery provided

The agreement should specify exactly what type of livery is being offered, for example:

  • DIY livery
  • Assisted DIY
  • Part livery
  • Full livery
  • Retirement or grass livery

Crucially, it should spell out what is and is not included.

Terms like ‘full livery’ are often assumed to mean the same thing everywhere — they do not. Feeding, turnout, mucking out, rug changes, exercising, and holding for the farrier or vet should all be clearly listed.

Fees, payment terms and increases

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, contractual terms relating to price and payment must be transparent and fair. Surprise charges or unclear fee structures are one of the most common reasons livery disputes escalate.

A strong contract will cover:

  • Weekly or monthly livery fees
  • When and how payment must be made
  • Deposits or advance payments
  • Charges for extras (e.g. holding, clipping, rehabilitation care)
  • When and how fees can be increased

From a legal perspective, fee increases should be transparent and reasonable, with notice periods clearly stated.

Services, care standards and limitations

The contract should describe the standard of care provided and, just as importantly, any limitations.

For example:

  • Routine care versus emergency decision-making
  • Whether staff are authorised to call a vet or farrier in an emergency
  • Spending limits without owner consent

Ambiguity here often leads to conflict when urgent decisions are made in the horse’s best interests.

Veterinary care, insurance and risk

A livery agreement should address:

Most yards will also include risk warnings, acknowledging that equestrian activities carry inherent risks.

Liability and responsibility

Liability clauses must be approached with particular care. Under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015, yard owners cannot exclude or restrict liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, and any limitation of liability must be reasonable and clearly explained. This is one of the most sensitive areas and one of the most poorly drafted in many agreements.

The contract should explain:

  • What the yard owner is responsible for
  • What the horse owner remains responsible for
  • Limits on liability (as far as legally permitted)

It is important to note that liability cannot simply be “signed away” — particularly where negligence is involved.

Yard rules and behaviour

Many yards attach yard rules to the contract. These should cover:

  • Health and safety requirements
  • Riding, turnout, and arena use
  • Visitor rules
  • Dog policies
  • Biosecurity and disease control

The contract should confirm that the horse owner agrees to comply with these rules and that they may be updated from time to time.

Pictured are three horses looking over their stable doors in an inside barn, an easy place for equine flu to spread

Notice, termination and removal of horses

Notice and termination provisions should be carefully drafted with both practicality and enforceability in mind.

Under our consumer law, notice periods and termination rights must be balanced and fair, rather than heavily weighted in favour of the yard owner. Clear exit terms are essential.

The contract should state:

  • Notice periods required by each party
  • Grounds for immediate termination
  • What happens if fees are unpaid
  • Rights to remove or retain a horse in certain circumstances

Unclear termination clauses are one of the fastest ways a disagreement escalates into a serious dispute.

Common livery contract mistakes and omissions 

From my experience, the same issues arise repeatedly include the following:

Using generic or outdated templates

Many yard owners rely on free or old templates that do not reflect current law or how the yard actually operates. A contract that doesn’t match reality is risky for everyone.

Vague descriptions of services

Phrases like “normal care” or “as required” are common sources of disagreement. If something matters, it should be written down.

No clear emergency authority

Disputes frequently arise where a yard has acted quickly in an emergency but without express written authority. Clear consent provisions protect both sides.

Unenforceable liability clauses

Overly broad exclusions of liability may provide a false sense of security to yard owners and can be challenged if they go beyond what the law allows.

No practical termination process

I often see contracts that state a notice period, but they give no guidance on what happens during that period or how disputes about departure are handled.

What yard owners should look for before signing

From a yard owner’s perspective, the contract should:

  • Reflect how the yard genuinely operates
  • Clearly limit responsibilities to what is realistically manageable
  • Include robust payment and termination provisions
  • Protect staff and other liveries
  • Comply with consumer and negligence law

A good contract is not about being harsh — it is about being clear and fair.

What horse owners should look for before signing

Horse owners should take time to:

  • Read exactly what care is included (and what is not)
  • Understand fee increases and extra charges
  • Check notice periods and exit terms
  • Look closely at liability and risk wording
  • Ensure emergency veterinary authority is sensible and proportionate

If something feels unclear, it is worth asking for clarification before the horse arrives.

Final thoughts

From a legal and commercial perspective, a livery yard contract is more than an administrative document — it is a risk management tool and, increasingly, a consumer compliance document.

A livery yard contract should support a good working relationship, not undermine it. Most disputes could have been avoided with clearer drafting and better alignment between expectations and reality.

Whether you are a yard owner or a horse owner, taking advice on a livery agreement before problems arise is almost always time — and cost — well spent.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are a yard owner or horse owner seeking advice on a specific agreement or dispute, taking early legal advice can prevent issues escalating and protect both your business and your horse.

Images © Shutterstock

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