Stables and equine professionals know it is inevitable – clients move on or lose interest in horses, and the business relationship terminates. Often, but not always, these relationships end on excellent terms. Over the years, disputes and lawsuits have occurred between horse owners and equine professionals involving termination of the relationship. Horse owners want the right to leave immediately and want refunds of overpaid fees. Stables and trainers want advance notice to fill the empty stall, and they want all debts settled before the horse leaves the stable.
This article addresses some of these disputes and offers suggestions for avoiding them.