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Horse Breeding Contract

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STALLION SERVICE CONTRACT

WITNESS THIS AGREEMENT this day of 20 between

hereinafter referred to as "Farm," and

hereinafter referred to as "Mare Owner."

WHEREAS, Mare Owner is the owner or lessee of a certain registered mare having the registered name of with the Registry, Registration

No. foaled and

WHEREAS, Mare Owner wishes to breed said mare as above-described to the stallion,

IT IS NOW THEREFORE AGREED between the parties as follows:

Booking and Stallion Fees

(A) Mare Owner agrees to pay a non-refundable booking fee of $ to reserve a breeding for the year 20 which shall be credited against the Stallion Service Fee.

(B) For consideration of $ , excluding mare care, Farm hereby agrees to breed the stallion, as above-described to the mare belonging to Mare Owner as above-described.

(C) The full amount of the stud fee as set forth above and the accrued board, veterinary expenses, mare care, farrier expenses, and other related charges shall become due and payable prior to delivery of the mare to Mare Owner. Farm shall have a lien against the mare, any foal at side and the produce of the mating which is the subject of this Agreement until such time as any and all charges are paid in full; said lien shall survive any transfer of possession. Mare Owner agrees to pay all charges when due and should Mare Owner fail to do so, Farm shall be entitled to recover any costs, expenses and attorney's fees expended in collection. In the event collection of Owner's account is placed in the hands of an attorney, Owner agrees a minimum fee of $250.00 shall be assessed as attorney's fees.

Mare Care and Board

Mare Owner agrees to pay Farm, the sum of $ per day for dry field mares; $ per day for wet field mares; $ per day wet barn mares; and $ per day for dry barn mares. This amount will be charged per calendar day, or portion thereof, in which the mare is in the custody or control of Farm. All mare care charges, including any charges of horse- shoeing, veterinary care, or similar charges shall be due and payable prior to the return of mare to Mare Owner. In the event the above-named stallion stands at a commercial breeding and/or boarding facility, said facility will be considered an independent contractor for purposes of this agreement.

Mare Owner agrees to pay the sum of $ to have the mare foal on Farm's premises. All veterinary expenses incurred in connection therewith shall be paid by Mare Owner pursuant to the terms set forth herein.

Mare Owner hereby states that he has inspected the premises of the breeding facility, including the facilities in which the mare is to be kept and is satisfied with their condition, upkeep and safety. Mare Owner agrees that the standard of care to be imposed upon Farm is that of ordinary care of a prudent horse owner and not that of compensated Bailee.

General Conditions

This contract is a "Live Foal" contract. "Live Foal" is herein defined as a newborn foal which stands and nurses without assistance. If the foal is born dead, or if the mare does not otherwise carry to term, there shall be a return privilege for the following breeding season only if the notification procedures as set forth below are followed.

None of the above-described fees shall be refundable except as described below. However, Farm guarantees a return breeding for the following breeding season for said mare or an approved substitute should a "live foal" as above-described not result from this mating. Should this mating not produce a live foal, it must be evidenced by a written statement from a licensed veterinarian dated within one week from the date of death of the fetus, or in the alternative, a sworn statement from said veterinarian that the mare is no longer in foal and the date of fetus loss is unknown.

In the event of the death of the above-named stallion, this contract shall become null and void. No money shall be refunded to mare owner except the booking fee if the mare has not been bred. In the event of the stallion's death prior to the delivery of a live foal, the live foal guarantee as above-described shall become null and void. Should the mare die subsequent to payment of the booking fee but prior to breeding, only the booking fee will be refunded to Mare Owner. No other fees or charges are refundable except as described in this paragraph.

Mare Owner agrees to furnish a negative Coggins Test (Swamp Fever) prior to mare's arrival at the breeding farm. All mares shall be accompanied upon arrival by a health certificate indicating a current vaccination for equine influenza, tetanus, and encephalitis. Mares not accompanied by said certificate will be vaccinated shortly after arrival at Farm at the expense of Mare Owner. Mare Owner understands and agrees that upon arrival at the breeding facility, the mare will be cultured and examined by a licensed veterinarian selected by Farm, at Mare Owner's expense. Mare Owner authorizes Farm, to engage performance of such other veterinary services as Farm may deem necessary for the proper treatment, care and protection of the mare and/or foal at side. This is to be done at the Mare Owner's expense and will be billed and payable as above-described.

In the event of colic or life threatening illness of the mare, all means available will be utilized to save said mare unless otherwise instructed by Mare Owner, including surgery if recommended by the veterinarian. Mare Owner shall pay any and all costs in connection therewith.

Farm shall not be liable for any sickness, disease, estray, theft, death, or injury which may be suffered by the mare and/or foal at side, or any other cause of action whatsoever arising out of or connected in any way with the breeding or boarding of the mare and/or foal. This includes, but is not limited to, any personal injury or disability which the Mare Owner or Owners may receive while on the premises of the breeding facility, even if caused by negligence (if allowed by the laws of this State) by Farm, its representatives, agents or employees. Mare Owner fully understands that Farm does not carry any outside horses in its possession, custody or control for breeding and boarding on any public liability, accidental injury, theft or equine mortality insurance, and that all risks connected with the breeding and boarding of the mare or mares and/or foals are to be born by the Mare Owner or Owners. Farm strongly recommends equine mortality insurance be obtained applicable to the subject horse(s) by Owner. The standard of care applicable to Farm is that of ordinary care of a prudent horse owner and not as a compensated bailee. In no event shall Farm be held liable to Mare Owner for equine death or injury in an amount in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per animal. Mare Owner agrees to obtain equine insurance for any animals valued in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), at Mare Owner's expense, or forego any claim for amounts in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000). Mare Owner agrees to disclose this entire agreement to Mare Owner's insurance company and provide Farm with the company's name, address and policy number. Failure to disclose insurance information shall be at Mare Owner's risk.

Mares that are not halter broken and/or cannot be hobbled will not be accepted. Owner agrees to submit a completed Horse Information Sheet at least five days prior to the mare's arrival on the premises of the breeding facility. Mare Owner understands and agrees that the mare may be tranquilized for breeding purposes if deemed reasonable or necessary by Farm. Mare Owner further authorizes breeding by artificial insemination if deemed appropriate by Farm, and agrees to pay any veterinary charges arising in connection therewith. Artificial insemination may only be used if approved by the applicable breed registry.

It is understood that the breeding season for Farm commences on January 1 of the calendar year and terminates July 15 of the same calendar year. Mares who do not come into season or are not settled within said breeding season as above-described shall be carried over to the following year, or may be rebred during the following heat(s) if it is practical for Farm to do so. In the event mare owner elects to rebreed during the following breeding season, Mare Owner agrees to pay any increase in the stallion service fee or mare care fee.

In the event Mare Owner does not leave the mare at the breeding facility for thirty-five days following last breeding for purposes of a pregnancy test, mare owner assumes all responsibility for pregnancy testing. Mare owner agrees to have said mare pregnancy checked within forty-five days from the date of last breeding and provide said information to Farm within five days from the date of said pregnancy check. Failure to provide said information waives the live foal guarantee although Mare Owner shall have a guaranteed right to rebreed the following breeding season at the rate set for said breeding season.

Sale of the mare by Mare Owner to another party or parties will terminate the live foal guarantee as set forth above and described in this contract unless same is acknowledged and accepted in writing by Farm.

Inherent Risks and Assumption of Risk. The undersigned acknowledges there are inherent risks associated with equine activities such as described below, and hereby expressly assumes all risks associated with participating in such activities. The inherent risks include, but are not limited to the propensity of equines to behave in ways such as, running, bucking, biting, kicking, shying, stumbling, rearing, falling or stepping on, that may result in an injury, harm or death to persons on or around them; the unpredictability of equine's reaction to such things as sounds, sudden movement and unfamiliar objects, persons or other animals; certain hazards such as surface and subsurface conditions; collisions with other animals; the limited availability of emergency medical care; and the potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to the participant or others, such as failing to maintain control over the animal or not acting within such participant's ability.

WARNING

UNDER IOWA LAW, A DOMESTICATED ANIMAL PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR DAMAGES SUFFERED BY, AN INJURY TO, OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF DOMESTICATED ANIMAL ACTIVITIES, PURSUANT TO IOWA CODE CHAPTER 673. YOU ARE ASSUMING INHERENT RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS DOMESTICATED ANIMAL ACTIVITY.

This contract represents the entire agreement between the parties. No other agreements, promises, or representations, verbal or implied, are included herein unless specifically stated in this written agreement. This contract is made and entered into in the State of Iowa, and shall be enforced and interpreted in accordance with the laws of said State.

In the event one or more parts of this contract are found to be unenforceable or illegal, the other portions hereof shall be deemed in full force and effect.

Additional agreements should be separately initialed by each party. If none, check here

FARM NAME

 

By

 

MARE OWNER

 

Enter text

What a Horse Breeding Contract Is

A Horse Breeding Contract is a written agreement between a mare owner and a stallion owner or stud farm that sets the terms for mating, payment, veterinary responsibilities, and the disposition of resulting foals. Typical provisions include stud fee and payment timing, breeding method (live cover or artificial insemination), fertility guarantees or refunds, required veterinary tests and certificates, insurance and liability allocation, and registration or ownership assignment for embryos or foals. Well-drafted contracts reduce ambiguity about obligations, clarify remedies for failed cycles or injury, and provide an enforceable record under state contract law.

Why a Clear Breeding Agreement Matters

A formal contract protects both parties by documenting expectations for payment, health and testing requirements, and performance remedies such as re-breed or refund. It minimizes disputes, supports breed registry requirements, and creates enforceable obligations under applicable state contract and commercial law.

Why a Clear Breeding Agreement Matters

Who Typically Uses a Horse Breeding Contract

Common users include private mare owners, commercial stallion stations, veterinarians, and agents who coordinate breeding services and foal registration.

  • Private mare owners managing single or small-scale breedings, often concerned with fertility guarantees and foal registration.
  • Commercial stud farms and stallion owners focused on scheduling, payment collection, and protecting stallion health and reputation.
  • Veterinarians and agents who prepare certificates, confirm readiness for breeding, and enforce biosecurity and testing protocols.

Who Can Sign on Behalf of Parties

Mare Owner

An individual or authorized representative who owns or controls the mare. The signer should have title or written authorization and must be able to make payment and accept liability for care during breeding and foaling.

Stallion Owner

The stallion owner, farm manager, or designated agent who controls breeding access and collects stud fees. That signer must be authorized to grant breeding rights and to enforce warranties, refunds, or re-breeding commitments.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Contract

A comprehensive Horse Breeding Contract covers identity, payment, breeding logistics, health protocols, warranties, and dispute procedures to reduce future disagreement.

Parties

Full legal names, contact details, and capacity (owner, agent, farm). Identify who signs, who may act for a party, and any corporate or trust ownership structures to avoid later title disputes.

Stud Fee

Exact fee amount, payment schedule, accepted payment methods, late payment penalties, and whether fees are refundable, credited, or contingent on a live foal guarantee or successful pregnancy test.

Breeding Schedule

Defined breeding season dates, number of attempts included, transportation or boarding responsibilities, and notice procedures for cancellations or delays due to weather or illness.

Breeding Method

Specify live cover, shipped cooled semen, or frozen semen; include handling instructions, storage responsibilities, and any restrictions affecting offspring registration or insurance.

Live Foal Guarantee

Clear definition of 'live foal', timing for veterinary certification of failure, steps for re-breeding or refund, and any conditions that void the guarantee such as negligence or failure to follow protocol.

Dispute Resolution

Governing law, chosen jurisdiction or arbitration clause, and procedures for notice and escalation to streamline resolution of disagreements without extended litigation.

Required Information and Key Fields

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Party Names: Full legal names
Horse Identifiers: Registration number
Stallion Certificate: Pedigree on file
Veterinary Cert: Health test dates
Payment Terms: Amount and due dates

Step-by-Step: Completing the Contract

Follow these steps to prepare, review, and execute a binding Horse Breeding Contract with minimal disputes and clear records.

  • 01
    Gather Details: Collect IDs, registration numbers, and veterinary test results.
  • 02
    Draft Terms: Include fee, methods, schedules, and guarantees.
  • 03
    Review: Vet and legal review recommended for complex clauses.
  • 04
    Execute: All parties sign; distribute dated copies to stakeholders.

How to Amend or Revise an Agreement

Use a formal addendum process to change material terms so the amendment is enforceable and tracked alongside the original contract.

01

Review Existing:

Identify clauses needing change.
02

Agree Amendments:

Obtain mutual written consent.
03

Draft Addendum:

Reference original contract and changes.
04

Sign Addendum:

All original parties must sign.
05

Distribute Copies:

Share updated signed versions.
06

Update Registry:

Notify breed registry if required.

Customize and Complete the Contract Online

Configure a digital workflow using templates, conditional fields, authentication, and integrations to speed execution and reduce errors.

Field Configuration
Template Create reusable contract template with locked clauses.
Conditional Fields Show or hide clauses based on breeding method selected.
Signer Authentication Email or SMS code verification for signer identity.
Integrations Auto-save signed copies to cloud storage or registry workflow.

Where to File, Send, and Store Executed Contracts

Determine primary routing for signed contracts—owner files, stud farm retains copy, vet and insurer receive required certificates, and registries get documentation as needed.

  • Owner Copy: Mare owner receives fully executed copy for records.
  • Stallion File: Stallion owner or farm retains original agreement.
  • Veterinary Record: Vet keeps health certificates and breeding logs.
  • Breed Registry: Submit required forms and copies to registry within deadlines.

Distribution Methods and Technical Requirements

Electronic delivery and storage streamline distribution but require compatible formats, signer authentication, and integration points.

  • Email Delivery: Sends signed PDFs with audit trail
  • Cloud Storage: Auto-save to Google Workspace or Box
  • API Integration: Connects to Salesforce or NetSuite

How to Save and Export Completed Contracts

Signed contracts should be saved in stable file formats, accompanied by audit evidence and any supporting veterinary or registration documents.

Download Formats

Export signed documents as PDF (recommended for long-term storage), DOCX for editable copies, or as flattened PDF/A for archival compatibility with registry systems and legal preservation.

Attachments

Attach veterinary certificates, semen shipment logs, and transfer-of-ownership documents to the signed agreement for a complete transaction record.

Notarization Options

If notarization is required, retain the notarized copy and digital notarization metadata; consider RON where permitted by state law.

Audit Trail

Maintain a timestamped audit trail showing signer identity, IP address, and action log to support authenticity and enforceability.

Common Timeframes and Deadlines to Track

Track payment, breeding, certification, and registration deadlines to preserve warranty rights and comply with registry and tax requirements.

Payment Due Date:

As specified in contract

Breeding Window:

Season or agreed dates for attempts

Vet Certificate Deadline:

Submit within days required by contract or registry

Registry Reporting:

File foal registration per breed rules

Tax Documentation:

Provide W-9 on request for payment reporting

Key Milestones from Booking to Foal Registration

A sequential milestone view helps parties track obligations from booking through foal registration and post-foaling confirmation.

01

Booking Confirmed

Deposit received and contract executed.

02

Breeding Attempts

Scheduled matings or semen shipments completed.

03

Pregnancy Confirmation

Veterinary scan confirms pregnancy or triggers guarantee.

04

Foal Registration

Register foal with breed organization as required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using vague warranty language such as 'reasonable efforts' without specifying remedies, which leads to differing expectations and litigation risk.
  • Failing to include identity details or registration numbers for horses, causing problems with breed registry enrollment and proof of parentage.
  • Neglecting to specify who bears transport, semen storage, or health-testing costs, which often results in unexpected expense disputes.
  • Relying on unsigned or incomplete documents; unsigned contracts or missing authorization from agents can render agreements unenforceable.

Penalties and Risks of an Incorrect Contract

Tax Withholding: Backup withholding 24%
1099 Penalties: $60–$330 per form
Intentional Neglect: $660+ per form
I-9 Violations: $281–$2,789 per violation
Registration Delay: Loss of registry rights
Contract Voidance: Unenforceable terms

eSignature Vendor Pricing Snapshot

Comparison of common eSignature providers for contract execution. signNow is listed first per comparative format; confirm vendor plans and features directly with providers.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Real-World Use Cases

Practical examples of how parties structure and use Horse Breeding Contracts in common scenarios.

Private Breeder Example

A mare owner books a single-cover with a local stallion

  • Contract specifies one attempt and a re-breed guarantee
  • The signed agreement plus vet certificate resolved a dispute about timing and preserved registration eligibility.

Commercial Stud Farm Example

A large stallion station executes dozens of contracts per season

  • Uses a template with conditional clauses for frozen semen
  • Centralized records and standardized warranties simplified billing and reduced disagreements during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common legal and practical questions about creating, signing, and enforcing Horse Breeding Contracts in the United States.


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