Michael Mackinnon

Bachelor of Arts (French major), Bachelor of Laws, Diplôme Supérieure de Français des Affaires (Advanced Diploma of French for Business).

From 1989 to 1996 Michael worked at Australia’s largest legal firm, Minter Ellison, where he was a Senior Associate.

Since 2000, he has serviced the legal needs of the Australian horse industry in connection with horse transactions and dispute resolution. His legal practice, HorseForce Legal, advises horse related businesses, organisations and individuals throughout Australia on a wide range of legal matters involving horses.  HorseForce Legal created the contracts available for purchase through this site.

Since 2003 to the present he has been the legal columnist for the Australian monthly magazine Horse Deals on topics of legal interest.

In 2005, 2008 and 2010 he was a guest educator on the topic of horses and the law at Equitana Asia Pacific.

In 2018, Michael became a Director of the Australian Horse Industry Council.  The Council is a peak national body whose aim is to promote the economic viability of the horse industry and protect the health, safety and well being of horses, people and the Australian environment.  Visit www.horsecouncil.org.au.

Clinton Rich

Clinton grew up in central Victoria. His mother’s parents owned horses and bred ponies and were active in the pony club and showing scene. Their interest sparked his love for the animal and by the age of 12 he owned his first horse. He continues to successfully compete in FEI and official open level dressage on 2 horses, Sonfire and Coldstream Quartertime.

Professionally, he acquired a Bachelor of Education and spent 14 years as a school teacher.

He left teaching in 2000 to start up the business Horseforce.  As the years progressed, the business expanded and diversified and to meet market needs in 2006, he was certified as a practicing horse valuer with the Australian Auctioneers and Valuers Association. In 2011, he travelled to the USA and successfully completed the American Society of Equine Appraisers, Principles of Valuation course. This is the only qualification available to value horses.