Free Template
Horse Boarding Contract Template
Updated February 11, 2025
A horse boarding contract is your go-to playbook for making sure everyone’s on the same page—horse owner and boarding facility alike. It lays out the nitty-gritty details like care, payment, and who’s responsible for what, so there’s no room for misunderstandings. Think of it as a safety net for the horse’s well-being and your peace of mind.
These contracts can be tailored to fit different care levels—whether it’s full care, partial care, or self-care. And with customizable templates in PDF or Word format, it’s super easy to create a clear, signed agreement that everyone can refer to whenever needed. It’s a smart way to keep things secure and straightforward!
Why a Detailed Horse Boarding Contract Is the Ticket to Peace of Mind
Picture no surprises, no stress, just an owner, their horse, and a contract that’s got everyone’s back. A detailed horse boarding contract is the ultimate insurance policy for keeping things smooth and simple between the owner and the boarding facility. It lays out who does what, when the bills are due, and what happens in an emergency. Here’s what the contract should cover:
- Health Rules: Vaccination and health check requirements to keep the horse in tip-top shape.
- Emergency Protocols: What happens if the horse gets sick or injured? Who’s in charge of making decisions?
- Liability Matters: Who’s responsible if the horse causes damage or gets hurt?
- Payment Terms & Late Fees: How much to pay, when to pay, and what happens if payment is late.
- Termination Rules: How to part ways if things don’t work out.
Having all this written down in a format that’s easy to pull up (hello, Word docs or PDFs!) means everyone’s in sync. Less confusion, fewer disputes, and most importantly, the horse stays at the center of it all, getting the care they deserve. Peace of mind? You bet!
The Must-Have Elements of a Rock-Solid Horse Boarding Agreement
A detailed horse boarding agreement is the backbone of a smooth relationship between the horse owner and the boarding facility. It's like the ultimate to-do list—covering every detail of horse care, payments, and responsibilities so nothing gets lost in translation. The goal? Keep the horse happy and healthy while making sure everyone's on the same page. Here are the key ingredients a contract needs:
- Care & Feeding Plans: Who’s on feeding duty? Who’s cleaning stalls? Spell out exactly who does what and how often, right down to the type of feed and frequency.
- Health & Medical Care: Lay out the vaccination schedule, deworming routine, and any other medical needs. When everyone's onboard, the horse’s health never falls through the cracks.
- Emergency procedures: From colic to injury, emergencies happen. Include a clear plan for how to handle them—especially if the owner can’t be reached. Who makes the calls when time is of the essence?
- Insurance and liability: Who's responsible if the horse gets hurt or causes damage? Cover the bases by addressing insurance and liability to avoid any headaches later on.
- Visitation rights and access: Visiting the horse—make sure the contract spells out when and how often visits can happen, plus any rules around access to the facility.
- Payment terms: Set clear terms for payment—when it’s due, how much, and any penalties for late payments. No surprises here!
- Extras: Don’t forget the not-so-obvious stuff. This can include rules about what equipment is allowed if the owner can provide their own feed and what’s included with extra services like training or exercise.
And remember, even the best relationships can hit a bump. That's why it's important to have a plan for handling things like ending the boarding agreement or sorting out any disagreements.
Setting Up Emergency Protocols in a Horse Boarding Agreement (Because Life Happens!)
Let’s face it, emergencies are a part of life, and when it comes to the horse’s safety, a game plan is essential. Imagine a horse gets a twisted gut or has a nasty fall. In those moments, every second counts.
A horse boarding agreement should spell out exactly what to do if something goes wrong. Who's in charge of making decisions if the owner can't be reached? What steps should the boarding place take to get a horse the help they need?
By having a solid emergency plan, everyone can rest easy knowing their horse is in good hands, even during the most unexpected situations. Here’s what to cover:
- Contacts Information: Make sure the key people are listed—both primary and backup contacts—so decisions can be made when the owner is unreachable. Think of a friend, family member, or trusted horse professional who knows the horse well.
- Vet Info: Include not only the regular vet’s details but also a backup vet, just in case the go-to is unavailable when they’re needed most.
- Medical Care Green Light: Be clear on how far the facility can go with treatment, whether it’s a minor issue or a full-blown emergency, and who’s picking up the tab.
- Transport Plan: Need to rush the horse to the vet or a hospital? Lay out how transportation will be arranged, so there’s no scrambling in a crisis.
By setting up an emergency plan ahead of time, everyone can breathe easier knowing that the horse will get prompt care when it matters most.
Why Butterscotch is the Secret Sauce for Your Horse Boarding Agreement
Let’s talk about making your horse boarding contract process a breeze—because, honestly, who wants to drown in paperwork? With Butterscotch's templates, you can whip up a fully customized agreement online, send it off electronically, and get everything signed without ever leaving the barn. No printing. No fuss. Just pure digital efficiency that keeps things moving fast! Here’s the scoop on what Butterscotch can do for you:
- Same-Day Electronic Signatures: Why wait around for snail mail when you can get contracts signed online, often on the same day? Boom, done!
- Send Invoices and Get Paid: Handle invoices and payments online, so your clients can pay you without any headaches. Easy for them, easy for you!
- Downloadable Contracts: Once your boarding agreement is ready to roll, download it as a PDF for super simple access and safe storage. Keep it handy whenever you need it!
- Brand It Your Way: Personalize your contracts with your stable’s logo and colors, because why not look professional while you're at it?
- Track It All: Stay in the loop with real-time tracking. From sending to signing, you’ll know exactly where things stand every step of the way.
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Horse Boarding Contract
AGreementThis Horse Boarding Contract (“Agreement”) is made and entered into on Date: , by and between Stable Owner, Full Legal Name: , of Address: , Phone Number: , Email: ("Stable Owner"); and Horse Owner, Full Legal Name: , of Address: , Phone Number: , Email: (“Horse Owner”). Stable Owner and Horse Owner may be referred to each as a "Party" and together as the "Parties."
1. Proof of Ownership and Coggins Test:
The Horse Owner also agrees to provide a negative Coggins test for each horse, which must be submitted before the horse(s) can be boarded. The test must be dated within the past 12 months.
Horse 1
- Name:
- Breed: Color:
- Age: Sex: Mare Gelding Stallion
- Microchip/Tattoo (if any):
- Coggins Test Date: Lab/Accession #:
Owner Initials acknowledging Coggins requirement:
2. Boarding Term:
- Start Date: End Date: Extension Request Notice (days): Termination Notice (days):
Boarding continues until the End Date unless renewed by written agreement or terminated under Section 12.
3. Scope of Work and Care Provided:
Boarding Type (select): Full Board Partial Board Pasture Board Custom:
The Stable Owner agrees to provide the following care and services for the boarded horse(s):
- Feeding
- Feed type/quantity:
- Feeding times:
- Supplements (if any) provided by: Owner Stable
- Supplement Details:
- Exercise:
- Turnout schedule/type:
- Daily turnout hours: Pasture/Paddock:
- Training (if applicable):
- Training provider/frequency:
- Included in board: Yes No - Additional fee: $ per
- Cleaning:
- Stall cleaning frequency:
- Bedding type and schedule:
- Waste Disposal: Stable to manage and dispose of manure and waste generated by boarded horse(s).
- Medical Care (Routine):
- Routine veterinary and farrier care arranged and paid by: Owner Stable (bill back to Owner)
- Notes:
- Additional Services: Any additional services, such as grooming or special care, must be requested in writing and agreed upon by both parties.
4. Emergency Medical Care:
If an emergency arises, Stable will attempt to contact Owner immediately. If Owner cannot be reached, Stable is authorized to obtain veterinary care.
Veterinary Information
Vet Name: Clinic:
Phone: Address:
Treatment Authorization Cap (without prior contact): $ per incident. Owner is responsible for all emergency medical costs.
Emergency Contact Information:
Primary Contact Name: Phone:
Secondary Contact Name: Phone:
Owner Initials authorizing emergency care:
5. Fee Schedule and Payment Terms:
- Monthly Boarding Fee (per horse): Number of horses:
- Total Monthly Fee:
- Additional Fees (if applicable):
- Training: $ per
- Grooming: $ per
- Other:
- Payment due each month:
- Payment Method(s): Bank transfer Credit card PayPal Cashier’s check Other:
- Late Fee: $ or % per month after days past due.
- If payment is not received within days of due date, Stable may terminate per Section 12.
6. Default and Lien Rights:
Failure to pay or comply with this Agreement constitutes default. Stable may exercise lien rights under the laws of State/Jurisdiction: , including retaining possession of the horse(s) until all amounts due (including board, care, and costs of collection) are paid in full.
Owner Initials acknowledging lien rights:
7. Risk of Loss and Hold Harmless:
Owner assumes the risk of loss, injury, illness, or death of the horse(s) while boarded, except to the extent caused by Stable’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Owner releases and agrees to hold harmless Stable, its owners, employees, and agents from claims arising from inherent risks of equine activities and ordinary risks associated with boarding.
Equine Activity Law Notice (if applicable): The parties acknowledge any state-specific Equine Activity Liability Act or similar statute may apply and agree to post/attach any required statutory notice. Jurisdiction/Statute reference:
Owner Initials acknowledging risk:
8. Insurance Requirements:
Owner shall maintain insurance on the horse(s), including mortality and liability coverage, and provide proof upon request.
- Carrier/Policy #:
- Coverage limits:
9. Stable Rules and Regulations:
Owner agrees to comply with Stable rules and regulations attached to this Agreement and any reasonable updates provided in writing. Document title/date of rules attached:
10. License, Permits, and Compliance:
Each party will comply with applicable laws, permits, and regulations. Stable represents that it holds the permits necessary to operate the boarding facility.
11. Amendments to the Contract:
This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both parties. Email/e-sign acceptance of amendments is:
Accepted Not accepted.
12. Termination of the Agreement:
- Termination by either party requires days’ written notice.
- Termination for breach: immediate if a material breach is not cured within days after written notice.
- Upon termination, Owner shall remove horse(s) by the termination date and pay all sums due. Board and care continue to accrue until horse(s) are removed.
13. Dispute Resolution and Remedies:
- Negotiation: Parties will first attempt good-faith negotiation.
- Mediation/Arbitration: If unresolved, submit to Mediation Binding arbitration administered by in (location).
- Governing Law: The laws of shall govern.
- Attorneys’ Fees (optional): Prevailing party entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
14. Signatures:
By signing below, both parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Horse Boarding Contract.
This Agreement (including attachments) constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions or agreements regarding boarding. It may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature; all counterparts together form one instrument.
Signatures-
Click to signJohn Doe
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Click to signJim Clark
