Horse trainers derive a living from breaking, educating and training horses. Some also pursue a business of selling those horses for clients. Armed with an outline of the horse’s history, the trainer embarks on an intensive programme to bring the horse back into work or to iron out any problems. The trainer uses his or…
On 4 September 2019, an Australian Senate committee began public hearings into the benefits of a national register for all horses in Australia. Individuals and organisations involved in the horse industry or responsible for its regulation made written submissions to the inquiry. At scheduled hearings, Sydney on 4 September, followed by one in Canberra on…
Disciplinary processes are important. Drug cheating and defamation of fellow members, competitors and judges on social media platforms are just 2 serious trouble spots. Nowadays, organisations also have “rules” about discrimination in all its forms, harassment and bullying. Voluntary equestrian organisations are free to decide their own disciplinary scheme (by ‘scheme’ is meant the disciplinary…
It is surprising to me that, in a modern rules based society with such a well resourced and competent judiciary, anyone should ask this question. But there is a perception that documented agreements are not worth the paper they are written on. I suspect that the cynicism comes from those who, without the necessary skill…
The Wagga Wagga Show Society staged its agricultural show in 2012. An experienced show and stock horse rider, Jane Citizen (not her real name), was riding her horse in a designated warm-up area of the showground before a class. Some children nearby caused a loud noise by banging their feet on a metal sheet…
In equestrian sports, “part ownership” is the usual reference to a shared ownership arrangement, but reference to “syndicate” is gaining traction, especially in jumping and eventing circles. Syndicates are common and long standing in Thoroughbred racing, so it is inevitable that the equestrian industry will adopt “syndicates” in reference to these arrangements. There are several…
If you own a mare with an outstanding pedigree, magnificent performance record or unrivalled history of producing competitive progeny, it makes sense to profit from her breeding potential. The sale of embryos occurs across many breeds and disciplines in just these sorts of cases, but legal risks abound and must be managed. Breeding by embryo…
Equestrian competition demands a lot of time, money and effort on the part of athletes (including the horse) and their supporters. Riders, drivers, handlers and breeders come from the amateur ranks mostly, some of them serious amateurs, but there are also many competitors who derive a livelihood from the horse industry. For all competitors, winning…
The business relationship between a horse owner and a professional horse breaker or re-trainer involves a lot of uncertainty and trust. For the owner, there is uncertainty over how long it will take the professional to achieve what he or she expects and what the eventual cost will be. For the professional, there is uncertainty…
A devoted horse owner might despair at the thought of the horse’s future if he or she should die under any circumstances. Would anyone look after it as dutifully as the owner let alone ever develop its potential recognised and nurtured by the owner? Unless there is plan in place, from both a practical and…