Leone Equestrian Law

Whoever Stands with George Should Sit Down and Shut Up While the USEF Needs to Stand Up and Speak Out

Sexual abuse of minors by an adult has no place in our sport. Failing to acknowledge the problems in our past guarantees that problems will continue. Regardless of how extraordinary George Morris was as a horse trainer, his abuse of young boys was unconscionable and deserves condemnation without reservation. The recommendation of SafeSport to suspend […]

Including Your Horse in Your Will: Factors to Consider

Thinking about adding your horse to your will? Here are several factors that you may want to consider and steps to take. Choose an Attorney You may want to consider establishing a Trust for the horse in connection with the planning for your Will and/or Estate. Consider an attorney who specializes in equine law and/or […]

Co-Owning a Horse With Your Trainer: What You Should Know

Question: I have the opportunity co-purchase a horse with my trainer for later re-sale, and I’m excited about it! I’ll be able to ride and enjoy the horse while my trainer is also putting in the training hours needed to later sell it for a hopeful profit for both of us. I have been with […]

Q&A: Fireworks and Horses

Question: My neighbors set off fireworks in their backyard (directly over my barn and pastures!) for two nights in a row. The first night, my horses were in their stalls, and I found them sweating and worked up. The second night, I had them turned out overnight – not knowing that there would again be […]

Does Working for Your Horse’s Board Make You a Professional?

Q: I just received notice that someone filed a U.S. Equestrian protest questioning my amateur status after they learned that I regularly hack horses for my trainer and help out around the barn in order to offset the cost of board for my horse. I’ve never received direct financial compensation for my work, and, skill-level […]

The Long Haul: Tips to Ensure Safe Horse Transport and Contain Risk of Loss

As horse people, we have likely all heard the commercial shipping horror stories: a trailer that flipped on the highway, the horse that arrives at its destination with severe shipping fever, the horse left to die on the side of the road. Any time a horse or human enters a vehicle, particularly for a long […]

Q&A: Donating Your Horse to a College Riding Program – What to Consider

Q: I’m no longer able to ride and show my horse regularly, so I’d like to donate my horse to a college riding program. Is there anything that I need to consider before doing this? A: Good question, and there are a number of things that need consideration. The first thing that always comes to […]

Q&A: I’m an Independent Contractor Trainer – Legally, What Do I Need to Know?

Q: I recently read the Q&A you wrote regarding the differences between an independent contractor and an employee. However, my question is a little bit different. I’m planning on being an independent contractor, as I’m training out of a few different barns. Is there anything I need to know, particularly regarding the legalities of this? […]

Hiring Equestrian Help: Employee or Independent Contractor?

Q: I own and oversee my own barn, and I’ve just arranged to hire an instructor/trainer for the first time! To start out, the trainer will likely only be working about 10-15 hours a week, with the hope of adding additional hours down the road, and she will continue doing some additional training elsewhere as […]

Equestrian #MeToo Deniers Need to Wake Up

By Armand Leone Shame on those who refuse to acknowledge the past sexual abuse of minors by trainers in the horse industry as reported in “#MeToo: The Story Of A Trainer, A Trophy And An All-Too-Common Betrayal,” April 9 & 16, pg. 42. Shame on those who question the equestrians who have been brave enough […]