Can this agreement be e-signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and most states' UETA statutes; ensure consent and retention requirements are met for consumer-facing records.

Who can authorize emergency veterinary care?

The signed agreement should name the owner and at least one authorized agent and specify cost limits and notification timelines to avoid delays in urgent treatment.

Is notarization required for validity?

Not usually for private care contracts. Notarization may be requested for additional proof or where local law or related instruments (real estate, power of attorney) require it.

How do I update the agreement later?

Amendments should be written, initialed, and signed by all original parties. For material changes, execute a new agreement or a signed amendment to avoid ambiguity.

What if a party disagrees after signing?

Refer to the dispute resolution clause; if absent, local contract law applies. Keep records, communications, and receipts to support your position in mediation or court.

Where should I store the signed document?

Retain an accessible signed copy in secure storage, either encrypted digital storage or a locked physical file. Maintain copies for at least three years and longer if industry rules apply.

Horse Care Agreement

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HORSE CARE AGREEMENT

Parties

Owner Name: Owner Address:

Care Provider Name: Provider Address:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Owner is the lawful owner of the horse(s) described in this Agreement and desires boarding, care, and related services; and

WHEREAS, Care Provider is engaged in the business of providing equine boarding, daily care, training, and veterinary coordination at its facilities and has the experience and staff to provide the services described below; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth below, the parties agree as follows:

Horse Details

Horse Name Breed / Age / Color Registration / Microchip / ID Known Medical Conditions / Medications

Scope of Work

Provider shall perform boarding and routine care for the horse described above, including feeding, stall cleaning, turnout as available, daily health observation, and basic grooming. Additional services are provided only as specified and agreed in writing. Training, lessons, transport, and specialty services are not included unless expressly set forth in the Scope of Work field below.

Detailed Scope of Services

Payment Terms

Owner shall pay Provider the fees described herein in consideration for services. All fees are due in accordance with the schedule selected below. Owner is responsible for all costs incurred for veterinary care, farrier services, and any third-party charges unless expressly included in the fee.

Boarding Fee (per period) Billing Schedule

Weekly Monthly One-time / Other

Deposit / Security Late Payment

If Owner fails to pay fees when due, Provider may suspend services and, after ten (10) days' written notice, exercise a lien on the horse for unpaid sums and costs of care. Owner shall be responsible for collection costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred by Provider to collect unpaid amounts.

Term and Termination

This Agreement commences on Start Date and continues through End Date unless earlier terminated as provided herein.

Start Date: End Date:

Notice Period for Termination (Days)

Either party may terminate for cause upon material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within the notice period above. Provider may terminate immediately for reasons related to health, safety, or non-payment and may require immediate removal of the horse if, in Provider's reasonable judgment, the horse poses a danger to itself or others.

Confidentiality

Each party agrees that non-public business information of the other obtained in connection with this Agreement, including veterinary treatment plans, financial terms, and client lists, shall be held in confidence and not disclosed to third parties except as required by law or with prior written consent. This obligation survives termination of this Agreement for a period of two (2) years.

Insurance and Indemnification

Owner represents that Owner carries appropriate equine liability insurance and will maintain such insurance for the duration of this Agreement. Owner shall indemnify and hold Provider, its employees, and agents harmless from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from Owner's breach of this Agreement or Owner's negligence or willful misconduct, except to the extent caused by Provider's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Liability and Risk

Owner acknowledges that equine activities involve inherent risks, including personal injury, death, and property damage. Owner assumes all risks associated with boarding and related activities and releases Provider from liability for ordinary negligence. This release does not apply to Provider's gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Owner is responsible for damage caused by the horse to Provider's property or to third parties.

Emergency Veterinary Care

Provider is authorized to arrange emergency veterinary and medical care for the horse if, in Provider's reasonable judgment, immediate treatment is necessary to avoid harm. Owner agrees to pay all associated costs. Owner's maximum authorization for emergency care without prior consent:

Emergency Contact Name Emergency Contact Phone

Special Instructions / Supplements

Feeding, Supplements, and Special Care

Governing Law; Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state specified below without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in that state.

Governing State

This Agreement, together with any exhibits or written service confirmations signed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements, representations, and understandings. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Miscellaneous Provisions

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The parties acknowledge that this Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one agreement.

Owner Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Care Provider Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What a Horse Care Agreement Covers

A Horse Care Agreement is a written contract between a horse owner and an individual or business providing boarding, training, care, or related services. It defines responsibilities for feeding, turnout, veterinary care, farrier services, daily handling, payment terms, and liability allocation. The agreement may specify emergency procedures, authorization for medical treatment, insurance requirements, termination notice, and storage or release of the animal. Clear terms reduce disputes by recording expectations for care standards, fees, access, and the process for resolving loss, illness, or contract breaches.

Why a Written Agreement Matters

A written Horse Care Agreement clarifies duties, protects owners and providers, and documents consent for medical care and costs; it is enforceable electronically under federal and state law (ESIGN Act, 15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and most state UETA statutes.

Typical Parties Who Use This Agreement

Who commonly completes a Horse Care Agreement and why it matters before signing.

Boarding facility owners and managers who need written terms for daily care, fees, and liability allocation.
Horse owners — individuals or syndicates — who want documented instructions, vet authorizations, and fee transparency.
Equine professionals and veterinarians using agreements to obtain authorization for treatment, billing, and emergency procedures.

A signed agreement protects both the provider and the owner and supports faster resolution if problems arise.

Who Typically Signs These Agreements

Boarding Facility Owner

Facility owners or managers sign to confirm their services, operating rules, fee schedules, and requirements for vaccination, farrier care, and insurance. They may require deposits, late fees, and emergency contact procedures and must maintain records of treatment and billing for the horse while on their premises.

Horse Owner

The registered owner or authorized agent signs to accept care terms, authorize emergency veterinary care, and agree to payment responsibilities. If the owner is a minor or corporate entity, signatures must come from the legal guardian or authorized representative to ensure enforceability.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Agreement

A thorough Horse Care Agreement groups related terms so obligations, costs, and emergency procedures are explicit and easy to enforce.

Care Instructions

Detailed daily care schedule including feeding times, ration amounts, supplements, turnout protocols, tack storage, and special handling instructions to ensure consistent treatment and reduce disputes over animal care.

Medical Authorization

Clear authorization for veterinary treatment and emergency care, including cost caps, owner notification timing, and who may approve non-routine procedures to avoid delays in urgent medical situations.

Liability and Indemnity

Allocation of risk for injury, illness, theft, or escape, including disclaimers, indemnity clauses, and whether the facility carries liability insurance covering boarded animals.

Fees and Payment Terms

Monthly or daily boarding rates, deposits, late fees, payment schedules, accepted payment methods, and consequences for nonpayment such as lien or removal procedures.

Termination and Removal

Notice periods, grounds for immediate removal (nonpayment, abandonment, dangerous behavior), and procedures for retrieving animals and settling outstanding balances.

Access and Use Rules

Site access rules, visitor policies, trainer access, use of arenas, and restrictions on transporting or loaning animals to third parties to prevent unauthorized handling.

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Signing the Agreement

Follow these steps to create, review, and execute a Horse Care Agreement that minimizes legal and operational risk.

01

Draft Terms: List services, fees, medical authorization, and termination rules clearly.
02

Verify Parties: Confirm legal names, addresses, and authorized signers for owners and facilities.
03

Review and Approve: Both parties read terms, ask questions, and negotiate changes before signing.
04

Sign and Store: Execute signatures (electronic or wet) and retain signed copies for records and insurance.

How to Deliver, Sign, and Exchange the Agreement

Choose a signing workflow that fits your operations: in-person signing, couriered originals, or secure electronic signature and distribution.

Prepare Document: Create final PDF or Word document with signature fields placed.
Add Signers: Enter each signer's email and role; set signing order if needed.
Authentication: Select required authentication level (email link, SMS code, ID check).
Distribute Copies: Send executed copies to all parties and store them securely.

Configuring an Online Signing Workflow

Set up a repeatable online flow to reduce administrative steps and ensure consistent signing and storage practices.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Sequence owner first, provider second, then witness if required
Authentication	Email link by default; require SMS or ID check for higher assurance
Reminders	Automated reminders at set intervals until signing completes
Templates	Save standard agreement as template to reuse and prefill common fields

Technical and Security Considerations for Electronic Execution

Use a secure e-signature platform that records audit trails and protects personal data during signing.

Audit Trail: Time-stamped records of actions and IP addresses
Encryption: TLS in transit and AES-256 at rest
Authentication Options: Email link, SMS code, or knowledge-based verification

Key Security and Compliance Details

In-Transit Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3

At-Rest Encryption: AES-256

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

ESIGN / UETA: Federal and state electronic signature compliance

HIPAA Support: BAA available if PHI applies

Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving 'care instructions' vague or incomplete, which causes disputes about feeding, turnout, or special handling and may lead to disagreements or emergency delays.
Failing to name an authorized emergency contact or to set clear cost caps for veterinary care, producing unexpected bills and delayed treatment authorization.
Omitting precise payment terms, deposit rules, and late fees; unclear billing arrangements increase the risk of nonpayment and lien or removal conflicts.
Not specifying termination notice and removal windows; inadequate notice provisions can generate last-minute disputes and logistical problems when removing animals.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Missing Agreement

Financial Liability: Owner may bear unexpected vet bills

Service Disputes: Provider may face claims for negligence

Collection Actions: Outstanding fees can lead to liens or legal action

Insurance Denial: Lack of required coverage may void claims

Animal Abandonment Risk: Unclear removal rules complicate retrieval

Unenforceable Clause: Poorly drafted terms may not hold up

Representative eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison

Comparison of common eSignature plan starting prices and basic capabilities; signNow is listed first as a reference point for cost and compliance features.

	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 trial	Trial available	Trial available	Trial available	Trial available
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Real-World Uses of a Horse Care Agreement

Examples illustrate how different providers and owners rely on the agreement to manage care, costs, and emergencies in routine and high-risk scenarios.

Stable Boarding Example

A small boarding stable documents feeding, turnout, and trainer access in a written agreement to reduce on-site disputes

The stable includes a veterinary authorization clause to allow timely care without owner delay
After an emergency, the documented authorization and cost cap enabled prompt treatment and clear settlement of charges with the owner.

Trainer / Lesson Barn Example

A lesson barn requires signed agreements covering liability waivers, lesson scheduling, and equipment use to manage risk for multiple riders

The agreement specifies insurance requirements and instructor responsibilities
Clear contract terms reduced liability questions after an accident and streamlined insurance reporting for the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Answers

Answers to common questions about signing, enforcing, and modifying Horse Care Agreements to help owners and providers avoid disputes.

Need help? Contact support

Can this agreement be e-signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and most states' UETA statutes; ensure consent and retention requirements are met for consumer-facing records.
Who can authorize emergency veterinary care?
The signed agreement should name the owner and at least one authorized agent and specify cost limits and notification timelines to avoid delays in urgent treatment.
Is notarization required for validity?
Not usually for private care contracts. Notarization may be requested for additional proof or where local law or related instruments (real estate, power of attorney) require it.
How do I update the agreement later?
Amendments should be written, initialed, and signed by all original parties. For material changes, execute a new agreement or a signed amendment to avoid ambiguity.
What if a party disagrees after signing?
Refer to the dispute resolution clause; if absent, local contract law applies. Keep records, communications, and receipts to support your position in mediation or court.
Where should I store the signed document?
Retain an accessible signed copy in secure storage, either encrypted digital storage or a locked physical file. Maintain copies for at least three years and longer if industry rules apply.

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