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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 the Equine Activity Liability Act, each participant who engages in an equine activity expressly assumes the risks of engaging in and legal responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to person or property resulting from the risk of equine activities.

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 Illinois, 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

 

©2017 - Cottonwood Equestrian Publications

Enter text

What a Horse Breeding Contract Covers

A Horse Breeding Contract is a written agreement that sets terms between a mare owner and a stallion owner or stud farm for breeding services. It defines parties, breeding method (live cover or artificial insemination), payment and deposit terms, mare care and boarding responsibilities, breeder’s certificate and registration procedures, live foal guarantees and replacement rights, and risk allocation for injury, disease, or failed conception.

Why a Clear Breeding Contract Matters

A well-drafted Horse Breeding Contract reduces disputes by documenting expectations for fees, timing, veterinary requirements, and registration. It also helps enforce remedies for failed services and clarifies who bears costs for transport, veterinary care, and insurance. For electronic execution, ensure the e-signature complies with the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state law (UETA where adopted).

Why a Clear Breeding Contract Matters

Who Typically Uses a Horse Breeding Contract

The contract is used by private mare owners, commercial stud farms, veterinary practices handling breeding services, and breed registry agents overseeing foal registration.

  • Mare owners seeking clarity on timing, boarding, and live-foal guarantees during the breeding season.
  • Stallion owners or stud operations documenting fees, mare handling, and semen collection or shipping terms.
  • Veterinarians or equine reproduction specialists acting on behalf of owners to meet health and testing conditions.

Parties should confirm signatory authority for corporate studs, obtain required veterinary records, and agree on dispute resolution and governing law before signing.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Contract

Include clear, labeled sections so the contract is enforceable and operationally useful for both parties.

Parties

Identify each party with full legal name, business name if applicable, mailing address, phone, and email. Include signatory authority for businesses and list the primary contact for breeding arrangements and billing.

Services

Describe breeding method (live cover or artificial insemination), number of attempts included, semen handling or shipping instructions, estrus monitoring responsibilities, and any limits on breeding attempts or dates.

Fees & Payments

Specify stud fee, booking deposit, balance due timing, refund and forfeiture rules, and whether expenses like collection, shipping, mare care, and veterinary services are included or pass-through costs to the mare owner.

Health Requirements

List required vaccinations, negative infectious disease tests, current Coggins, and pre-breeding veterinary examination requirements along with who pays for testing and the timeline for providing results.

Live Foal Guarantee

Define 'live foal' precisely, remedies for stillbirth or non-viable foal (re-breed, refund, or partial credit), notification deadlines, and required documentation to claim the guarantee.

Registration & Records

Assign responsibility for registering foal with breed registry, paying registration fees, and providing breeder’s certificate; include timelines and required supporting documents for registration.

Essential Data Elements to Capture

Mare Identity: Name, registration number, age, color
Stallion Identity: Name, registration number, owner contact
Breeding Window: Planned dates, breeding season
Fee Terms: Deposit amount, balance terms
Health Docs: Coggins, vaccination status
Delivery Terms: Semen shipping or live cover

Step-by-Step: Completing and Signing the Contract

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, and execute a binding Horse Breeding Contract.

  • 01
    Prepare draft: Populate parties, dates, fees, and health requirements.
  • 02
    Obtain vet records: Collect Coggins and required tests before breeding.
  • 03
    Review terms: Confirm live foal guarantee and refund conditions.
  • 04
    Sign electronically: Execute via compliant e-signature or in-person signing.

How to Configure an Online Breeding Agreement Workflow

Map the digital workflow so each party receives, signs, and retains the contract and supporting documents.

Field Configuration
Requester contact Set primary contact and notification email
Signature order Choose sequential or parallel signing
Supporting docs Attach Coggins, health certs, and registration forms
Completion notice Auto-send copies to both parties and registry

Where to Send and How Execution Typically Flows

Contracts usually move from the requesting party to the stud farm and then to any third parties for registration or veterinary review.

  • Upload: Upload contract and attach vet records
  • Assign signers: Add mare owner and stallion owner details
  • Sign: Parties complete signatures in chosen order
  • Distribute: Send executed copy to registry and both parties

Digital Signing and Delivery: Platform Considerations

Choose a platform that supports secure e-signatures, document attachments, and audit trails for records and registry submission.

  • File types: PDF and DOCX support required
  • Authentication: Email or SMS code options
  • Audit logs: Timestamp, IP, and signer details

Ensure chosen software meets your compliance needs (HIPAA for veterinary health records if applicable) and preserves signed PDFs and audit trails for recordkeeping.

Common Timelines and Deadlines to Track

Track key dates to avoid missed breeding windows, diagnostic deadlines, and registration cutoffs.

Booking deposit due:

Deposit paid at booking to secure a slot

Breeding window:

Dates when mare is available for breeding

Veterinary testing window:

Coggins and tests typically required before arrival

Notification of stillbirth:

Notify stud within contract deadline to claim guarantee

Registration timing:

Submit breeder’s certificate as required by registry

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to define 'live foal' precisely, which creates disputes over guarantee eligibility and remedies.
  • Omitting detailed semen shipping and handling instructions, leading to lost viability and unexpected costs for shipping/collection.
  • Not attaching required veterinary documents up front, causing delays or denial of breeding at the stud facility.
  • Using unclear payment terms or vague refund language that makes enforcement and collection difficult after a failed breeding.

Key Legal Risks and Financial Consequences

Breach of contract: Damages or specific performance claims
Misrepresentation: Liability for false health or registration statements
Lost registration: Failure to register may forfeit breeder rights
Veterinary disputes: Disagreements over diagnosis or cause of loss
Transport risk: Loss or injury in transit may shift liability
Privacy noncompliance: HIPAA-related penalties for protected health data

Realistic Use Cases and Typical Outcomes

Two concise scenarios show how contracts are used in practice and what documentation matters most for each outcome.

Private Mare Owner

Owner schedules live cover with a commercial stud and pays a booking deposit

  • Stud requires current Coggins and vaccination records
  • After a failed season the contract’s re-breed clause allowed one covered attempt next season when the owner submitted the required vet report.

Commercial Stud Farm

Stud farm offers chilled semen shipments with defined charges per shipment

  • Shipping conditions and liability limits are stated
  • When semen failed post-shipment, the contract’s notification and documentation requirements enabled an agreed replacement shipment under the guarantee terms.

Comparing eSignature Providers for Executing the Contract

Basic capability and pricing vary; choose a provider that supports secure signed PDFs, attachments, and audit trails. signNow is listed first for comparison.

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 by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Adopt clear templates, attach required documents, and use reliable delivery and signature tracking to reduce disputes and administrative friction.

Use standardized templates
Start with a consistent template that includes defined terms, deadlines, and attachments so every agreement has the same enforceable structure and reduces negotiation cycles.
Attach health documents
Include Coggins, vaccination records, and recent vet exams with the contract so access to supporting evidence is immediate if issues arise later.
Define remedies clearly
State exactly what happens on failed conception or stillbirth—re-breed, refund, or partial credit—and include timeframes and notice requirements for claims.
Preserve signed copies
Retain signed PDFs with audit trails and attachments for the full retention period to support registry submissions and dispute resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Breeding Contracts

Answers to common questions about execution, evidence, and electronic signing for breeding agreements.


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