Brandon

Bury St Edmunds

Norwich

Thetford

Equine Law

Trusted legal support from equine solicitors you can count on

The equestrian world is a specialist environment with its own unique legal demands. At Rudlings, our experienced equine solicitors understand the complexities involved, whether you're a professional rider, breeder, trainer, yard owner, or private horse owner.

We offer practical, commercially-minded legal support tailored to your needs and grounded in a clear understanding of the rural and equine industries. From property matters to contracts and transactions, our goal is to protect your interests and provide clarity from the outset.

Our equine law services

We provide effective, reliable legal advice across a range of equestrian law services, helping you navigate the industry with confidence.

Equine property and planning

We advise on:

Sale and purchase of equine property
Grazing agreements and licences
Equestrian business tenancies
Landlord and tenant matters
Rights of way and access issues
Boundary agreements and disputes
Planning permission for equestrian facilities
Boundary issues and land agreements

We provide clear legal advice to help you navigate land and property decisions with confidence.

Key contacts

Steven Mcgrath

Head of Department & Partner Solicitor

Jade Westhead

Solicitor

View all contacts

Equine contracts and agreements

We draft tailored, enforceable contracts covering:

Horse sales and purchases
Loan and lease agreements
Livery agreements
Yard and grazing agreements
Schooling and training terms
Commercial arrangements for riding schools stud farms

With well-drafted contracts, you minimise risk and protect your business or personal interests.

Injury and damage claims

We act for clients in claims involving:

Road traffic accidents involving horses
Workplace injuries on yards or during events
Sporting accidents caused by negligence
Veterinary negligence (where applicable)

We understand the value – both emotional and financial – that horses represent, and we're committed to helping you seek a fair outcome where appropriate.

Our approach: how we work

Buying a horse

Buying a horse should be an exciting experience, but it can quickly turn sour if the equine you bring home is not as described. If you’ve purchased a horse based on inaccurate or misleading statements, you could have grounds for a claim against the seller.

Selling a horse

Selling a horse can be just as stressful as buying one. If you're facing an unjust claim from a purchaser, we may be able to support you in defending it. Our equine law team understands how important a dealer or horse breeder's reputation is – and just how easily it can be put at risk. If you're regularly buying and selling horses, we can assist with drafting robust written sales agreements, helping you prevent disputes and protect your professional standing.

Import and export of horses

When buying and selling horses internationally, equine disputes can arise over matters like quarantine requirements, transportation issues, contract terms, and unexpected taxes. We offer practical and reliable legal advice to help you with any disputes concerning the importation / exportation of horses, ensuring a smooth transaction from start to finish.

Professional negligence

Unfortunately horses can't be bubble wrapped – some injuries are unavoidable and call for professional veterinary attention. While we place a lot of trust in vets that look after our beloved animals, mistakes can and do happen. Our equine law solicitors make the legal process as stress-free as possible, helping you determine if professional negligence has occurred and whether you have a claim. If we determine you have grounds for legal action, then we’ll be ready to take the next step with you.

Employment issues in the equine sector

Our services cover:

Employment contracts
Disciplinary and grievance procedures
Unfair dismissal and redundancy
Breach of contract and wage disputes

We provide pragmatic advice to help resolve employment issues promptly and effectively.

Liability limitation

Liability disputes in the equestrian world can be complex, particularly given the high-risk nature of the sport. Implementing liability limitation measures can reduce exposure to claims in the event of injury, loss, or damage.

Our specialist team drafts the agreements you need to protect yourself from any excessive claims, while also providing dedicated and compassionate legal expertise you can understand.

Sale and purchase of equestrian businesses

Our services include:

Due diligence
Asset or share sales
Drafting and negotiating sale contracts
Transfer of equine property and land
Business structure and succession planning

We work closely with you to ensure a smooth transaction, protecting the value and future of your business.

Why choose Rudlings for equine law services?

Sector knowledge. We understand the rural and equine sectors, and the people who work in them.
Straightforward advice. Clear, practical legal support without unnecessary jargon.
Experienced team. We've been providing legal services for over a century.
Transparent pricing. Fixed fees available for most equine law services.

With offices across East Anglia, including Norwich, Brandon, Thetford, and Bury St Edmunds, we're well-placed to support clients across the region.

Speak to an experienced member of our team who will be happy to assist you.

What types of businesses do we work with?

We work with businesses of all sizes and across various sectors, from start-ups to established corporations. We’ve helped small, family-owned businesses grow through strategic acquisitions and bespoke franchising agreements, and we’ve supported national businesses with supplier contracts, terms and conditions, company law, and compliance needs.

Whatever the size and scope of your business, our commercial teams will provide dedicated, hands-on legal expertise at every stage of your business journey – from acquisition through to disposal.

We are all about building relationships

We work with businesses of all sizes and across various sectors, from start-ups to established corporations. We’ve helped small, family-owned businesses grow through strategic acquisitions and bespoke franchising agreements, and we’ve supported national businesses with supplier contracts, terms and conditions, company law, and compliance needs.

Whatever the size and scope of your business, our commercial teams will provide dedicated, hands-on legal expertise at every stage of your business journey – from acquisition through to disposal.