In recent months, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) General Rule 314, otherwise known as the Mileage Rule, has again been a hot topic of discussion among U.S. equestrian competitors. Though I am not an authority on horse show and competition management, I have seen horse shows evolve since the rule’s inception in 1975. Especially […]
Read more...
By Armand Leone, Jr. When it comes to course designing in the jumper rings, safety of the horse and rider are the greatest concern. However, it’s also a course designer’s job to create a track that presents a level of difficulty that is appropriate for the class. If you only get one clear in the […]
Read more...
Whether at home, on the road, in the air, or at a show, our horses require care to prevent injury and maintain peak condition. The administrative aspects of horse care are often overlooked because the paperwork creates more hassle than benefit. Unfortunately, the days of sealing a deal on a handshake are fading, if not […]
Read more...Dogs and horses go hand in hand. Where there is a barn or horse owner, there is often a dog tagging along. More often than not, horses, dogs, and their people can coexist peacefully and without issue. That said, there is the occasional problem caused by a dog that may have legal ramifications. For example, […]
Read more...
In Europe, a new directive (EU Directive 2019/771) has been passed by the European Parliament that aims to protect the consumer in the purchase of goods, presumably including horses. While this directive has a good purpose, treating horses like consumer goods may not provide the intended protection and may have detrimental effects on horse purchasers, […]
Read more...
Horse brokers can serve a very useful purpose and help ease and facilitate the daunting process of selling your horse. When you enlist the help of a broker, you enter into an agency relationship, meaning that you’re allowing the broker to act as an agent on your behalf in the sales transaction. It’s important to […]
Read more...
Leasing a horse can have positives as well as drawbacks, both for the person leasing out the horse (the “lessor”), and the person leasing the horse or (the “lessee”). We’ve all heard horror stories about owners getting a horse back from a lease to find that the horse is unsound or has developed bad habits. […]
Read more...
In the hunter and jumper rings, catch riding is common occurrence. A green or mischievous horse or pony matched with a timid or novice rider can present notable challenges, especially on horse show day. A catch ride with a more experienced rider is a useful training tool and remedy in the right situation to resolve […]
Read more...
By Armand Leone, Jr. and Jessica E. Choper September marks the beginning of “indoors” season and signals the start of major equitation finals. From September through early November, it’s become commonplace for riders to consider leasing a more suitable—or perhaps more seasoned—mount for these championship classes. In addition to the stiff competition, the jumping courses […]
Read more...
Boarders come and boarders go, but sometimes they leave with unpaid bills. What happens when a barn owner has a boarder that leaves with a large unpaid balance? Unfortunately, most barn owners do not have security deposits to cover departing boarders’ unpaid accounts. Once the horse is out of the barn, it’s too late to […]
Read more...