As a solicitor working regularly with equestrian businesses and horse owners, I see livery agreements cause disputes far more often than they should as was recently reported by Your Horse. In most cases, the issue isnt bad faith its that the contract is unclear, incomplete, or doesnt reflect how the yard actually operates day to day.Here, I set out what should be included in a livery agreement, the most common mistakes I see, and what each party should look for before signing.Livery agreementsA well-drafted livery yard contract protects both parties. It sets expectations, reduces misunderstandings, and provides a clear route to resolve problems if things go wrong. From a legal perspective, livery agreements sit at the intersection of contract law, consumer law, and negligence principles. Many yard owners are surprised to learn that livery clients are often treated as consumers in law, even where the relationship feels informal or long-standing.Parties and horse detailsThe contract should clearly identify:The yard owner/operator (including the legal entity if trading through a company)The horses owner (and whether they are acting personally or on behalf of someone else)Full details of the horse(s): name, passport number, age, and any known health or behavioural issuesThis may sound basic, but incorrect or missing details can cause real problems if a dispute arises.Type of livery providedThe agreement should specify exactly what type of livery is being offered, for example:DIY liveryAssisted DIYPart liveryFull liveryRetirement or grass liveryCrucially, it should spell out what is and is not included. Terms like full livery are often assumed to mean the same thing everywhere they do not. Feeding, turnout, mucking out, rug changes, exercising, and holding for the farrier or vet should all be clearly listed.Fees, payment terms and increasesUnder the Consumer Rights Act 2015, contractual terms relating to price and payment must be transparent and fair. Surprise charges or unclear fee structures are one of the most common reasons livery disputes escalate. A strong contract will cover:Weekly or monthly livery feesWhen and how payment must be madeDeposits or advance paymentsCharges for extras (e.g. holding, clipping, rehabilitation care)When and how fees can be increasedFrom a legal perspective, fee increases should be transparent and reasonable, with notice periods clearly stated.Services, care standards and limitationsThe contract should describe the standard of care provided and, just as importantly, any limitations.For example:Routine care versus emergency decision-makingWhether staff are authorised to call a vet or farrier in an emergencySpending limits without owner consentAmbiguity here often leads to conflict when urgent decisions are made in the horses best interests.Veterinary care, insurance and riskA livery agreement should address:Responsibility for veterinary, farriery, dentistry, and physiotherapy costsInsurance requirements (including public liability cover)What happens if a horse is uninsuredMost yards will also include risk warnings, acknowledging that equestrian activities carry inherent risks.Liability and responsibilityLiability clauses must be approached with particular care. Under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015, yard owners cannot exclude or restrict liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, and any limitation of liability must be reasonable and clearly explained. This is one of the most sensitive areas and one of the most poorly drafted in many agreements.The contract should explain:What the yard owner is responsible forWhat the horse owner remains responsible forLimits on liability (as far as legally permitted)It is important to note that liability cannot simply be signed away particularly where negligence is involved.Yard rules and behaviourMany yards attach yard rules to the contract. These should cover:Health and safety requirementsRiding, turnout, and arena useVisitor rulesDog policiesBiosecurity and disease controlThe contract should confirm that the horse owner agrees to comply with these rules and that they may be updated from time to time. Notice, termination and removal of horsesNotice and termination provisions should be carefully drafted with both practicality and enforceability in mind. Under our consumer law, notice periods and termination rights must be balanced and fair, rather than heavily weighted in favour of the yard owner. Clear exit terms are essential. The contract should state:Notice periods required by each partyGrounds for immediate terminationWhat happens if fees are unpaidRights to remove or retain a horse in certain circumstancesUnclear termination clauses are one of the fastest ways a disagreement escalates into a serious dispute.Common livery contract mistakes and omissionsFrom my experience, the same issues arise repeatedly include the following:Using generic or outdated templatesMany yard owners rely on free or old templates that do not reflect current law or how the yard actually operates. A contract that doesnt match reality is risky for everyone.Vague descriptions of servicesPhrases like normal care or as required are common sources of disagreement. If something matters, it should be written down.No clear emergency authorityDisputes frequently arise where a yard has acted quickly in an emergency but without express written authority. Clear consent provisions protect both sides.Unenforceable liability clausesOverly broad exclusions of liability may provide a false sense of security to yard owners and can be challenged if they go beyond what the law allows.No practical termination processI often see contracts that state a notice period, but they give no guidance on what happens during that period or how disputes about departure are handled.What yard owners should look for before signingFrom a yard owners perspective, the contract should:Reflect how the yard genuinely operatesClearly limit responsibilities to what is realistically manageableInclude robust payment and termination provisionsProtect staff and other liveriesComply with consumer and negligence lawA good contract is not about being harsh it is about being clear and fair.What horse owners should look for before signingHorse owners should take time to:Read exactly what care is included (and what is not)Understand fee increases and extra chargesCheck notice periods and exit termsLook closely at liability and risk wordingEnsure emergency veterinary authority is sensible and proportionateIf something feels unclear, it is worth asking for clarification before the horse arrives.Final thoughtsFrom a legal and commercial perspective, a livery yard contract is more than an administrative document it is a risk management tool and, increasingly, a consumer compliance document.A livery yard contract should support a good working relationship, not undermine it. Most disputes could have been avoided with clearer drafting and better alignment between expectations and reality.Whether you are a yard owner or a horse owner, taking advice on a livery agreement before problems arise is almost always time and cost well spent.This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are a yard owner or horse owner seeking advice on a specific agreement or dispute, taking early legal advice can prevent issues escalating and protect both your business and your horse. Images ShutterstockRelated contentSpike in livery yard legal battles amid inadequate contracts and rising feesTop tips to protect your yard from thieves Great ways to enrich your horses environment and make them happierEssential guide to horse health insurance: costly gastric ulcers and colic are leading causes of claimsExpert guide to public liability insurance for horse riders *Sponsored*The post What should be in a livery yard contract? Solicitor explains what to look for before signing appeared first on Your Horse.