Harrowells launches equine law department

A new specialist Equine Law Department, which will advise on a wide range of legal issues across the spectrum of horse ownership, breeding, training, racing and care, has been launched by Harrowells Solicitors.

The new department, among the first and most comprehensive of its kind in Yorkshire, is being led by agricultural commercial and dispute resolution lawyer, Paul Burkinshaw, a partner at Harrowells’ office in Thirsk in the heart of North Yorkshire’s farming industry and a major horse ownership area with its own racecourse.

Other members of the team, who are based at Harrowells offices in York and Pocklington – another big area for horse ownership -  include  partner and head of litigation and dispute resolution,  Simon Black, a member of the Equine & Animal Lawyers Association, and several lawyers who are horse owners and enthusiasts.

Harrowells already has longstanding experience with horse owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, stud owners and ancillary bodies such as vets and riding schools but has launched the new department, which brings together lawyers from different specialisms, to create a comprehensive ‘joined-up’ service.

Paul Burkinshaw, who advises equine, farming and agricultural businesses nationally, says: “Horse ownership, either riding, racing or watching, is very big business and a way of life for millions of people in the UK, especially in largely rural areas such as North and East Yorkshire.

“The sector deserves a dedicated, comprehensive legal service as, in spite of the significance of horses to the UK’s sporting life, industry and recreation, legal guidance has generally been unspecialised and patchy, especially where agreements have traditionally been handled with a nod and a handshake but where a proper legal framework is badly needed. We are already receiving a huge amount of interest.”

Legal services provided by the new department will cover owning and managing equine businesses and representation in disputes; the acquisition and sale of horses, including co-ownership and syndicate agreements; disputes with stables, trainers and breeders and advising on matters associated with the British Horse Racing Authority.

For horse trainers and breeders, the new department will advise on ownership and training agreements; property and employment matters, and regulatory issues. Specialist help will also be available to jockeys on wealth management, employment contracts, dealings with agents and disciplinary and licensing issues involving the British Horseracing Authority.

Legal services will also be available to ancillary commercial bodies such as vets, riding schools and stables as well as to equipment and feed suppliers.