by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: November 15, 2008   Last Updated: May 31, 2010

Equine Leases: Writing Before Riding

Horse owners and horseback riders understand many of the costs and concerns that may be involved in keeping and caring for horses. Fairly often, horses may be available for lease. Although equine leasing arrangements may vary, most agreements are based on monthly fees or shared payments of stable boarding fees and other costs.

Perhaps the most common equine lease is a process known as shareboarding, in which a horse owner grants full or partial use of a horse to a lessee, or renter, who pays all or part of the barn boarding costs for that horse. In return, the lessee is granted equestrian privileges with that horse.

Long ago, a horse owner might have simply agreed to allow a friend or colleague to ride his or horse periodically. Perhaps the rider would offer to cover some of the horse's expenses. A simple handshake might have sufficed. Today, this situation has become a bit more complex.

Stable Agreements and Equine Leases

What is the most important concern for both parties in an equine lease or shareboarding arrangement?

The particulars are many, and a simple, friendly arrangement may become quite complex in a very short time. Both lessee and lessor can be protected by spelling out as many practical details as possible in writing before agreeing to an equine lease or shareboarding contract.

Several fairly universal guidelines apply to equine lease contracts. (Sample equine lease contracts are available online and in stable management publications.)

Stabling and Equine Leases

Usually, a horse owner will require that his or her horse remain in the same stable. However, in some cases, equine leases may permit lessees to transport horses to their own barns or to other equestrian facilities. These arrangements must be specified from the outset.

It's a good idea to check with barn managers to determine if shareboarding or leasing is allowed on their premises. Some equine facility policies do not permit such arrangements.

Boarding Costs and Equine Leases

Many shareboarding, or equine leasing, plans require lessees to pay all or part of the rented horse's monthly stable boarding costs. To protect both lessee and lessor, however, the terms of these agreements must be spelled out clearly in print.

Horse owners are wise to make specific arrangements with equine facility managers to transfer monthly board contract responsibilities for rented horses to equine lessees for the duration of the equine lease. This step can help to protect

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