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Horse Lease Agreement

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PERFORMANCE HORSE LEASE AGREEMENT

WITNESS this agreement made the day of , by and between hereinafter referred to as Lessor and hereinafter referred to as Lessee.

WHEREAS, Lessor is the owner of a certain Horse described as:

Name:

Breed:

Registration Number:

AND WHEREAS Lessee desires to lease said Horse for purposes of riding and or showing the horse in competition;

IT IS NOW THEREFORE AGREED as follows: Lessor hereby leases the above-described Horse to Lessee subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. Lease Term. The term of this lease shall begin and terminate on . is responsible for making any and all arrangements and the cost thereof for delivering the Horse to Lessor except as otherwise specified herein. If for any reason the Horse is left on the premises of Lessee by Lessor for more than 10 days following the termination date, Lessor shall pay the sum of $15.00 per day for feed and board to Lessee, plus any necessary and reasonable veterinary costs or related expenses.

2. Lease payments. Lessee agrees to pay Lessor the following sums: The first payment of $ shall be paid upon on the execution of this Lease. Thereafter, the sum of $ shall be paid . A final payment of $ shall be paid 30 days before the termination date of the lease.

3. Renewal of Lease Term. This lease agreement may be renewed or extended only upon written agreement of the parties.

4. Permitted Uses, Prohibited Uses, Activities or Events. Lessee is authorized to use the above-described Horse for showing and recreational purposes only. Lessee shall not use the Horse for any breeding purposes whatsoever. If applicable, a statement of specific prohibited uses of said Horse relating to forms of exercise, types of training, events or activities may be attached hereto as Exhibit A to this Agreement and initialed by the parties.

5. Right of First Refusal. If at any time during the term of this lease, or for 6 months thereafter, Lessor puts the Horse up for sale, Lessee shall have the first right of refusal at any price offered by any willing buyer.

6. Warranty by Lessor. Lessor warrants the above-described Horse is sound and fit to ride. Lessee may, at Lessee's option and expense have the Horse examined by a licensed veterinarian prior to taking possession of the Horse. If the veterinarian opines the Horse is not fit or sound, Lessee may terminate and payments made hereunder shall be refunded except at the sole discretion of Lessor. Lessor makes no other warranties, express or implied, other than as specifically described above.

7. Care and maintenance. Lessee shall assume all responsibility for the full care and maintenance of the Horse during the term of this Lease and shall provide reasonable facilities and conditions for boarding, furnish good quality feed, adequate water, exercise, medical/veterinary care, various related services in a manner consistent with good horse boarding and keeping practices in the State of at Lessee's expense. Lessee may transport the Horse to competitions with the State of , but may not remove the Horse from the State without the express written consent of Lessor. Lessee shall inform Lessor of any location(s) where the Horse is to be boarded for more that 7 days in advance of any change of location.

8. Necessary Documents. Lessee and Lessor stipulate and agree to execute, record and/or deliver any documents required by any applicable breed organization or registry which may be required to comply with the rules and/or regulations of said breed organization or registry with regard to this lease. Lessee shall pay all costs and fees pertaining thereto as may be required by said breed organization or registry.

9. Termination by Lessor. Lessor may, at Lessor's discretion, terminate this lease for cause pursuant to the following options:

(A). Lessor may, at Lessor's discretion declare Lessee in default for any substantial breach of any term of the agreement. Lessor shall give Lessee a minimum of 15 days written notice of default, Lessor's intention to terminate this agreement and the specific grounds therefor. Lessee shall correct any such default or breach as described in the written notice of default within 10 days of receipt of said notice and notify Lessor in writing of said correction or cure of the default or breach described by Lessor. If Lessee timely cures the specified default or breach as set forth in the written notice of default, this agreement shall continue in full force and effect. If Lessee fails to cure any of the specified breaches, this agreement shall terminate. In the event of termination of this agreement by Lessor, Lessor shall make all necessary arrangements to deliver the Horse to Lessor's possession. Lessee shall be liable to Lessor for the reasonable cost of transportation and veterinary care arising from the breaches giving rise to the termination of this agreement by Lessor.

(B). If upon inspection of the Horse and/or the facilities where the Horse is kept by Lessee, Lessor reasonably determines the conditions provided by Lessee place the health, safety and/or welfare of the Horse in danger, Lessor may terminate this lease immediately and take possession of the Horse. The cost of transportation of the Horse to Lessor upon weaning will be paid by Lessee.

10. Risk of Loss. Lessee shall bear all risk of loss with regard to the death or injury to the Horse. Lessee agrees to maintain a policy of equine mortality insurance insuring the Horse in the amount of $ . In addition, in the event of significant injury to the Horse while in the care and custody of Lessee which results in permanent impairment to the Horse's breeding and/or performance ability, Lessee agrees to pay the sum of $ to Lessor in compensation thereof, at which time registered ownership of the Horse will be transferred to Lessee by Lessor.

11. Inherent Risks and Assumption of Risk. Lessee acknowledges there are inherent risks associated with equine activities such as described herein, 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, which may result in an injury, harm or death to persons on or around them; the unpredictability of equines' reactions 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 and others, such as failing to maintain control over the animal or not acting within such participant's ability.

Warning-

12. Liability Insurance. Lessee shall, at Lessee's expense, at all times during the term of this Lease maintain a policy of liability insurance insuring against any injury or death of persons in and around the premises where the Horse is to be kept. Lessee shall cause Lessor to appear as an additional named-insured for liability purposes under said policy of insurance. Further, Lessee shall provide a copy of the Declarations Page to Lessor within 30 days of the execution of this Lease.

13. Indemnification. Lessee shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend Lessor against any and all claims, demands, obligations, complaints, judgments, orders or any other matter arising out of the Horse's conduct or actions. Lessee further agrees to indemnify Lessor from and against any claims of lien or encumbrance against the above-described Horse, whether incurred by contract or by operation of law.

14. Assignment. This lease cannot be assigned by Lessee in any manner, nor may Lessee permit the use of the subject Horse for any purpose not otherwise set forth herein.

15. Right of inspection. Lessor shall have the right to inspect Lessee's facilities and the Horse at any reasonable time. Lessor shall give twenty four (24) hours notice of intent to conduct such inspection. In the event the conditions in which the Horse are kept are substandard or unsatisfactory to Lessor, or if the Horse appears to be neglected by Lessee, Lessor may, in Lessor's sole discretion, exercise any rights set forth in Paragraph 9 herein.

16. Waiver. No delay or failure to exert any rights or remedies applying by any party pertaining to any breach of this agreement shall in any manner impair such right or remedies nor shall such delay constitute a waiver of such right or acquiescence therein; waiver of any single breach or default shall not be deemed as a waiver of any other violation of the covenants set forth herein up to the time of said waiver or at any time thereafter. The waiver of any right or remedy pursuant to this agreement must be in writing in order to be binding upon the parties. Any and all remedies hereunder or imposed by operation of law otherwise available to Lessor shall be cumulative in nature and not in the alternative.

17. Notices. Any notices required under the terms of this agreement shall be sent to the parties at the addresses set forth below. Each party shall notify the other of any change in mailing address within 30 days of such change of address.

18. Binding effect. The terms and conditions of this Lease shall be binding upon any executors, heirs, administrators and/or assigns of Lessor and Lessee as if they are the original parties unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties.

19. Applicable Law. It is hereby agreed that the terms of this Lease shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the State of .

20. Prevailing Party Provision. If either party defaults with respect to any material covenants contained herein, the other party may, but is not compelled to, declare this Lease to be terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof. The prevailing party to any litigation or arbitration hereunder shall be entitled to recover their reasonable attorney's fees and costs relating to same.

21. Entire Agreement. This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. Any changes or amendments must be made in writing and signed by the parties hereto. All modifications, additions or amendments shall not be considered part of this Lease agreement unless same are reduced to writing and signed by the parties to be charged.

DATE:

Lessor:

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Lessee:

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

© 2017 - Cottonwood Equestrian Publications

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What a Horse Lease Agreement Covers

A Horse Lease Agreement is a written contract that sets the terms under which one party (the lessee) may use, care for, and possess a horse owned by another party (the lessor) for a defined period. Typical provisions address duration, payment (if any), allocation of routine and extraordinary veterinary care, farrier services, insurance, boarding arrangements, riding and competition permissions, liability allocation, and return condition. A clear written lease reduces misunderstandings about daily care, expenses, and responsibility for injury or property damage related to the horse.

Why a Written Horse Lease Matters

A written Horse Lease Agreement clarifies responsibilities, preserves proof of consent and terms, and reduces the risk of disputes over care, costs, and liability. For transactions across state lines, electronic signatures meet federal standards under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and state rules under UETA where adopted.

Why a Written Horse Lease Matters

Who Typically Uses a Horse Lease Agreement

Horse leases are used by private owners, boarding stables, trainers, and riders to formalize use and care arrangements without transferring ownership.

  • Recreational riders and amateurs who need temporary access without buying a horse
  • Owners who want someone else to keep and exercise the horse while retaining title
  • Trainers or barns contracting to provide full-care or partial-care leases

A written lease helps each party document expectations about costs, insurance, competition rights, and return condition.

Primary Clauses to Include in a Professional Lease

A complete Horse Lease Agreement organizes obligations and risk. The following six elements form the core structure for enforceability and clarity.

Parties and Horse

Identify lessor and lessee by full legal name, include owner’s contact, and give the horse’s identifying details (name, breed, age, color, registration or microchip if applicable).

Term and Renewal

State the lease start and end dates, renewal options, and procedures for early termination including notice periods and any penalties.

Consideration

Specify rent or fee amounts, payment schedule, accepted payment methods, late fee terms, and whether board, training, or show fees are included.

Care and Medical

Allocate responsibility for routine care (feed, hoof care) and extraordinary veterinary costs; require prompt notification of illness or injury and name the authorized veterinarian for emergency treatment.

Insurance and Liability

Require lessee to carry liability insurance and state whether mortality, major medical, or loss-of-use insurance is required; define indemnification obligations.

Use Restrictions and Competition

Describe permitted activities (trail riding, lessons, shows), any trainer authorization, and rules for subleasing or allowing others to ride the horse.

Essential Information to Record in the Lease

Lessor Name: Full legal name
Lessee Name: Full legal name
Horse ID: Name, breed, age, registration
Term Dates: Start and end dates
Payment Terms: Amount and schedule
Insurance: Required coverage

Step-by-Step: Completing a Horse Lease Agreement

Follow these four steps to create an effective lease while minimizing omissions and legal risk.

  • 01
    Gather details: Collect parties' IDs, horse records, boarding contract, and proof of insurance.
  • 02
    Draft clauses: Write clear terms for care, costs, and permitted use.
  • 03
    Review and negotiate: Have both parties confirm obligations and adjust ambiguous language.
  • 04
    Sign and retain: Execute signatures, notarize if needed, and store copies for both parties.

Customizing and Completing the Lease Online

Set up a digital workflow so parties can review, sign, and receive copies without in-person meetings.

Field Configuration
Signature Require signer name, date, and initial fields
Authentication Email link or SMS code for signer verification
Conditional Fields Show insurance fields only if lessee selects 'insuring party'
Audit Trail Enable detailed logs (IP, timestamp) for admissibility

How to Share and Exchange the Lease Document

Digital sharing options let parties review and sign remotely while preserving an audit trail.

  • Email Delivery: Send a secure signing link to each party's email address for sequential or parallel signing.
  • Cloud Storage: Store signed copies in Google Drive, Box, or Dropbox for joint access and backup.
  • In-Person / Notary: Use an in-person or remote notary session for additional authentication where required.

Choose distribution channels that balance signer convenience with required authentication and record retention.

Where to Send or File the Finalized Lease

After execution, determine appropriate document recipients and storage to preserve evidence of agreement and compliance.

  • Owner File: Provide the lessor with an executed copy for ownership records and insurance purposes.
  • Lessee File: Lessee retains a signed copy for proof of permission and to show to boarding facilities or vet practices.
  • Trainer/Barn: If a trainer or barn is involved, add them as a recipient to ensure clarity about care obligations.
  • Insurance Provider: Send a copy if the lease establishes insurance obligations or if the insurer requires proof of interest.

Key Timing Considerations and Deadlines

Certain dates and deadlines influence liability, insurance coverage, and tax reporting for a lease arrangement.

Effective Date:

Use MM/DD/YYYY and record the start for coverage and possession questions.

Payment Due Dates:

Specify payment day each period and consequences for late payment.

Notice Periods:

Define required days’ notice for early termination or nonrenewal.

Vet/Emergency Notification:

Require prompt notification and specify timeframe (e.g., within 24 hours) for serious incidents.

Records Retention:

Keep medical and transaction records according to retention rules in the retention_timeline section.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting a Lease

  • Vague care obligations that leave disputes about routine vs emergency costs
  • Omitting insurance requirements or failing to name required coverage types
  • Not documenting permitted uses such as lessons or competitions
  • Failing to specify return condition and dispute resolution mechanisms

Risks and Potential Consequences of an Improper Lease

Liability Exposure: Lessee may be personally liable for injuries if insurance isn’t required
Unexpected Costs: Owner may bear major medical bills if emergency treatment authorization is unclear
Enforceability Issues: Ambiguous terms can lead to costly litigation or arbitration
Tax Consequences: Incorrect reporting of lease payments could affect deductions or reporting
Boarding Disputes: Lack of clear boarding payment rules can lead to liens or retention disputes
Termination Disputes: No notice or cure period fosters abrupt removal or abandonment claims

Comparison: eSignature Providers for Executing a Horse Lease

Signatures can be captured electronically under ESIGN and UETA; compare basic vendor pricing and key capabilities relevant to lease workflows.

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 Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Practical Tips for a Clear and Enforceable Lease

Use these practices to reduce ambiguity and enhance enforceability of the Horse Lease Agreement.

Be Specific
Define care duties, payment amounts, and permitted activities in concrete terms to avoid litigated interpretation disputes.
Address Emergencies
Specify emergency veterinary decision authority and maximum pre-approved treatment costs to enable prompt care when needed.
Insurance Proof
Require evidence of liability or mortality coverage and name the lessor as additional insured where appropriate.
Record Changes
Document any amendments in writing and require the same signature standards as the original lease for validity.

Real-World Lease Scenarios

These short examples show how lease clauses resolve common situations between owners and riders.

Part-Time Lesson Lease

A barn leases a school horse for weekend lessons to a rider

  • Rider pays $100/month and covers routine shoeing
  • The lease required proof of liability insurance, specified rider restrictions, and a 30-day termination notice to limit disputes and boarding confusion.

Competition Lease

An owner leases a horse to a competitor for show season

  • Lessee pays travel and entry fees and $500/month
  • The agreement gave the owner veto over certain high-risk events and required lessee to maintain a specified level of mortality insurance while granting clear authority for the trainer to arrange emergency care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Lease Agreements

Answers to common legal and practical questions when preparing, signing, or enforcing a Horse Lease Agreement.


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