Horse Boarding Contract Template

Care You Can Count On: Customize horse boarding contracts to define services, protect your facility, and ensure trust between owners and providers.

  • Horse

    Boarding

    Contract

    Jim Clark Co
  • Horse Boarding Contract 


    Agreement

    This Horse Boarding Contract ("Agreement") is made and entered into on [Date], by and between:

    Participants
    • Horse Owner
      John Doe
      123 Main St
      New York, Ny 10012
      (212) 555-1212
    • Stable Owner
      Jim Clark
      3445 Ravenwood Dr
      College Park, GA 30349
      (404) 763-3294
    Terms

    1. Proof of Ownership and Coggins Test:


    The Horse Owner agrees to provide proof of ownership for the following horse(s):


    • Horse 1 Name: [Horse’s Full Name]
    • Breed: [Horse’s Breed]
    • Age: [Horse’s Age]
    • Color: [Horse’s Color]
    • Sex: [Horse’s Sex]


    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.


    2. Boarding Term:


    • Start Date: Horse boarding services will begin on [Start Date].
    • End Date: Horse boarding services will continue until [End Date], unless renewed or terminated as outlined in this Agreement.
    • Extension of Boarding Term: Either party may request an extension of the boarding term by providing [Specify notice period, e.g., "30 days’"] written notice before the end date. The terms for the extension will be discussed and agreed upon by both parties.
    • Termination Notice: Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing [Specify notice period, e.g., "30 days’"] written notice to the other party. Termination provisions are outlined in Section 14.


    3. Scope of Work and Care Provided:


    The Stable Owner agrees to provide the following care and services for the boarded horse(s):


    • Feeding: The horse(s) will be fed [Specify type and quantity of feed] at [Specify feeding times]. The Horse Owner may provide specific feed, supplements, or dietary requirements, which must be clearly communicated to the Stable Owner.
    • Exercise: The Stable Owner will [Specify type of exercise, e.g., "turn out the horse(s) in the pasture daily for [X hours]"].
    • Training (if applicable): The Stable Owner will provide training for the horse(s) as follows: [Specify type and frequency of training, or state that training is not included in the boarding services].
    • Cleaning: The Stable Owner agrees to clean the stall(s) daily and provide fresh bedding as necessary.
    • Waste Disposal: The Stable Owner will be responsible for the disposal of all waste produced by the horse(s).
    • Medical Care: Routine medical care (such as farrier services and vaccinations) is the responsibility of the Horse Owner unless otherwise agreed. In case of emergencies, refer to Section 5.
    • 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:


    • Veterinary Information: In case of an emergency, the Stable Owner will contact the Horse Owner immediately. If the Horse Owner cannot be reached, the Stable Owner is authorized to contact the veterinarian:
    • Veterinarian Name: [Vet’s Name]
    • Clinic Name: [Vet Clinic Name]
    • Phone Number: [Vet’s Phone Number]
    • Address: [Vet Clinic Address]
    • Emergency Treatment: In the event of an emergency, the Stable Owner is authorized to seek veterinary care for the horse(s). The Horse Owner agrees to pay for all medical expenses incurred for emergency treatment.
    • Emergency Contact Information:
    • Primary Emergency Contact: [Emergency Contact’s Full Name, Relationship, and Phone Number]
    • Secondary Emergency Contact: [Secondary Contact’s Full Name, Relationship, and Phone Number]


    5. Fee Schedule and Payment Terms:


    • Boarding Fee: The monthly boarding fee is [Specify Amount, e.g., "$500 per horse"].
    • Additional Fees (if applicable):
    • Training Fee: [Specify Amount]
    • Grooming Fee: [Specify Amount]
    • Payment Schedule: The monthly fee is due on the [Specify Date, e.g., "1st of each month"].
    • Payment Methods: Acceptable payment methods include [Specify methods, e.g., "bank transfer, check, PayPal"].
    • Late Payment Policy: A late fee of [Specify Amount] will apply to any payments not received by the due date. If payment is not received within [Specify period, e.g., "15 days"], the Stable Owner reserves the right to terminate the Agreement.


    6. Default and Lien Rights:


    Failure to make timely payments or comply with the terms of this Agreement constitutes default. In the event of default, the Stable Owner may exercise lien rights under [Specify relevant laws or state]. This may include withholding the horse(s) until all debts are settled.


    7. Risk of Loss and Hold Harmless:


    The Horse Owner agrees that the risk of loss remains with the Horse Owner while the horse(s) is boarded. The Stable Owner will not be held liable for injury, illness, loss, or death of the horse(s) unless caused by the Stable Owner’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.


    8. Insurance Requirements:


    The Horse Owner is responsible for maintaining insurance on the horse(s), including mortality and liability coverage. The Horse Owner agrees to provide proof of insurance to the Stable Owner upon request.


    9. Stable Rules and Regulations:


    The Horse Owner agrees to abide by all stable rules and regulations, which are provided in the attached document [Attach copy of stable rules]. The Stable Owner reserves the right to modify or update the rules at any time, with written notice provided to the Horse Owner.


    10. License, Permits, and Compliance:


    Both parties agree to comply with all applicable licensing, permit, and insurance requirements as mandated by state and local regulations. The Stable Owner certifies that they hold all necessary permits to operate the boarding facility.


    11. Amendments to the Contract:


    This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both parties. Any requests for changes must be submitted in writing and mutually agreed upon before taking effect.


    12. Termination of the Agreement:


    Termination by Either Party: Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing [Specify notice period, e.g., "30 days’"] written notice to the other party.

    Termination for Breach: Either party may terminate the Agreement immediately in the event of a material breach that is not cured within [Specify period, e.g., "10 days"] after written notice of the breach.


    13. Dispute Resolution and Remedies:


    • Negotiation: In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through good faith negotiation.
    • Mediation/Arbitration: If negotiation fails, the dispute will be submitted to mediation or binding arbitration under the rules of [Specify mediation/arbitration association].
    • Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Specify State/Country].


    14. Signatures:


    By signing below, both parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Horse Boarding Contract.


    This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements, or representations, whether written or oral. This Agreement may not be amended except by written agreement signed by both parties. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

    Signatures
    • Click to sign
      John Doe

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 this: 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. 

No more guesswork or “I thought you said...” moments. Sleep easier knowing everything is crystal clear.

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 both parties’ rights are protected.

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: This is critical for avoiding legal disputes. Who's responsible if the horse gets hurt or causes damage? Cover the bases by addressing insurance and liability to avoid any legal 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?
  • And 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 on Speed Dial: 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 (Double Duty): 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, 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 Signatures (Yes, Please!): 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 (Smooth and Easy): 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.

Butterscotch Contracts

  • Sign online
  • Collect payments
  • Custom designs
  • Audit trail
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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most asked questions about horse boarding contract templates

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