Why our Lara Jayne Davies makes an excellent equine lawyer

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Mark Keenan

OLS Solicitors Blog

Why our Lara Jayne Davies makes an excellent equine lawyer

By Mark Keenan on July 2, 2024

Why Lara-Jayne Davies of OLS Solicitors makes a great equine lawyer

In the intricate and specialised world of equine law, finding a solicitor who not only understands the legal intricacies but also has a deep personal connection with the equestrian world is invaluable. Lara-Jayne Davies of OLS Solicitors exemplifies this rare combination, making her an exceptional choice for anyone seeking legal expertise in equine matters.

Deep Equestrian Roots

Lara-Jayne Davies is not just an equine lawyer; she is a passionate and accomplished dressage rider. Her involvement in the makescommunity extends beyond the courtroom and into the riding arena. As a rider who has represented Wales, she brings a unique perspective and unparalleled insight into the needs and challenges faced by equestrians. This personal experience allows her to relate to her clients on a deeper level, understanding their concerns and aspirations from first-hand experience.

Legal Expertise

At OLS Solicitors, Lara-Jayne applies her extensive legal knowledge to a variety of equine-related issues. Her expertise spans contracts, disputes, purchases and sales of horses, negligence claims, and more. She is adept at navigating the complexities of equine law, ensuring that her clients receive comprehensive and accurate legal advice tailored to their specific situations.

Representing Wales: A Testament to Dedication and Skill

Lara-Jayne’s achievement in riding for Wales is a testament to her dedication, skill, and perseverance. Competing at such a high level requires not only talent but also an in-depth understanding of equine health, training, and competition regulations. This experience equips her with the knowledge to handle cases involving competition rules, doping allegations, and other sport-specific legal matters. Her clients benefit from her ability to draw parallels between her sporting experiences and the legal challenges they face.

Client-Centric Approach

Lara-Jayne’s approach to legal practice is client-centric, characterised by empathy, clear communication, and personalised service. Her equestrian background ensures she can speak the language of her clients, translating complex legal jargon into understandable terms. Whether her clients are seasoned equestrians or new to the sport, they can trust Lara-Jayne to guide them through their legal journeys with professionalism and care.

A Bridge Between Law and Passion

For many equestrians, their horses are not just animals but partners and friends. Lara-Jayne’s dual identity as both a lawyer and a dressage rider bridges the gap between the legal world and the equestrian passion. She understands the emotional and financial investments involved in horse ownership and competition, making her uniquely positioned to advocate for her clients’ interests effectively.

Get in touch

Lara-Jayne Davies of OLS Solicitors stands out in the field of equine law, not just for her legal acumen but for her genuine passion and involvement in the equestrian world. Her experience as a dressage rider who has represented Wales gives her a profound understanding of her clients’ needs, making her an invaluable asset to anyone seeking legal advice in equine matters. With Lara-Jayne, clients gain not only a skilled equine lawyer but also a dedicated advocate who shares their love for horses and the sport.

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How to Sell a Horse Without Misrepresentation: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on July 2, 2024July 2, 2024 by Lucy Batstone

OLS Solicitors Blog

How to Sell a Horse Without Misrepresentation: A Comprehensive Guide

By Lucy Batstone on July 2, 2024

Bronze horse figurine on stacks of coins with a traditional balance scale, symbolizing financial stability and legal fairness

How to Avoid Misrepresentation When Selling a Horse

Selling a horse is a significant transaction that involves trust, transparency, and responsibility. Misrepresentation, whether intentional or accidental, can lead to disputes, financial loss, and damage to one’s reputation. To ensure a smooth and ethical sale, it’s crucial to provide accurate and honest information about the horse. This article outlines practical steps to avoid misrepresentation when selling a horse.

1. Provide Accurate and Comprehensive Information

Tip: Ensure all details about the horse are truthful and complete.

Best Practice: Create a detailed profile of the horse that includes:

Age
Breed
Height
Training level
Competition history
Health status
Temperament
Vices or behavioral issues

Accurate information helps potential buyers make informed decisions and sets realistic expectations.

2. Disclose Health and Medical History

Tip: Be transparent about the horse’s health and medical history.

Best Practice: Disclose all known health issues, past injuries, and medical treatments. Provide veterinary records and encourage potential buyers to conduct a pre-purchase veterinary examination. If the horse has any chronic conditions or special needs, clearly communicate this to the buyer.

Transparency about health ensures that buyers are fully aware of the horse’s condition and can make informed decisions about its suitability for their needs.

3. Present Honest Performance and Training Records

Tip: Accurately represent the horse’s abilities and training.

Best Practice: Provide honest accounts of the horse’s training history and performance in competitions. Avoid exaggerating achievements or capabilities. If the horse has limitations or areas that need improvement, communicate these honestly.

Honesty about performance and training helps buyers understand the horse’s true potential and avoid unrealistic expectations.

4. Use Clear and Honest Advertising

Tip: Ensure all advertisements are clear, accurate, and honest.

Best Practice: When creating advertisements, use recent and unaltered photos and videos. Describe the horse accurately, focusing on its strengths and any notable characteristics. Avoid using ambiguous language that might mislead buyers.

Clear and honest advertising builds trust and attracts serious buyers who appreciate transparency.

5. Facilitate Thorough Buyer Assessments

Tip: Allow potential buyers to thoroughly assess the horse.

Best Practice: Encourage buyers to spend time with the horse, both on the ground and under saddle. Allow them to ride the horse in various scenarios to evaluate its behavior and suitability. Offer trial periods when feasible to provide buyers with a deeper understanding of the horse.

Facilitating thorough assessments helps buyers make confident, informed decisions and reduces the risk of post-purchase disputes.

6. Document Everything

Tip: Keep thorough records of all communications and agreements.

Best Practice: Document all interactions with potential buyers, including emails, messages, and phone calls. Provide written agreements that outline the terms of the sale, including any warranties or guarantees. Ensure that all verbal agreements are confirmed in writing.

Documentation provides a clear record of the transaction and protects both parties in case of misunderstandings or disputes.

7. Provide After-Sale Support

Tip: Offer support and guidance after the sale.

Best Practice: Stay available to answer questions and provide advice during the transition period. Offering a reasonable return policy or a period of post-sale support can reassure buyers and demonstrate your commitment to the horse’s well-being.

After-sale support helps build a positive reputation and encourages future buyers to trust your integrity.

8. Understand Legal Obligations

Tip: Familiarize yourself with legal obligations related to selling a horse.

Best Practice: Understand the laws and regulations governing horse sales in your area. Ensure that your sales practices comply with legal standards to avoid potential legal issues. Consulting with a legal professional can provide valuable guidance and help draft comprehensive sales agreements.

Awareness of legal obligations ensures that your sale is conducted ethically and legally, protecting both you and the buyer.

Conclusion

Avoiding misrepresentation when selling a horse is essential for maintaining trust, integrity, and legal compliance. By providing accurate information, being transparent about health and performance, and facilitating thorough assessments, you can ensure a smooth and honest transaction. Documenting interactions and understanding legal obligations further protects both parties and fosters a positive selling experience.

Remember, honesty and transparency not only protect you from disputes but also enhance your reputation within the equestrian community. By prioritizing the welfare of the horse and the interests of the buyer, you can achieve successful and ethical sales.

Happy selling!

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Autumn Equine Law Guide: Navigating Seasonal Legal Challenges in Horse Ownership

Posted on November 10, 2023November 29, 2023 by Lara Davies

OLS Solicitors Blog

Autumn Equine Law Guide: Navigating Seasonal Legal Challenges in Horse Ownership

By Lara Davies on November 10, 2023

An article about common legal issues in the horse world in Autumn in the UK

Navigating the Busy Season: Understanding Autumn’s Peak in Equine Law Issues

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, the equine world gears up for one of its busiest times of the year. Autumn is not just a season of natural beauty and harvest; it’s also a critical period for equine law issues. Whether you’re a horse owner, breeder, trainer, or involved in equestrian sports, understanding why this season sees a surge in legal matters is essential for navigating the complexities of equine law.

Sale and Purchase of Horses

Autumn is a prime time for buying and selling horses. After the summer competitions and before the winter lull, many owners make decisions about selling or acquiring horses. This increase in transactions naturally leads to a rise in contractual matters, ownership disputes, and concerns over warranties and misrepresentations. It’s crucial for parties involved in these transactions to seek legal advice to ensure that contracts are fair, clear, and legally binding.

Breeding Contracts and Disputes

Breeding season typically begins in early spring, and by autumn, many issues related to breeding contracts come to the forefront. This can include disputes over stud fees, breeding rights, shares of ownership in future stock and the health of equines. These matters require careful navigation, often necessitating the involvement of equine lawyers to resolve conflicts and protect the interests of all parties involved.

Liability Issues in Equestrian Events

The autumn season continues to host numerous equestrian events, with many competitors attempting to get their final qualifications for Winter Championships held in the spring. These events can be hotbeds for liability issues, especially as the season turns and decisions must be made as to whether events are held in adverse weather. The change in the weather can often result in accidents and injuries to horses, riders, and spectators. Understanding the nuances of liability, insurance, and waivers is essential for event organizers, participants, and owners alike.

Livery and Welfare Concerns

As the weather changes, the care of horses becomes more complex. The shorter days and increase in poor weather cause difficulties for most horse owners but this time of year often sees an increase in disputes regarding stable management, horse welfare, and livery agreements. Questions about liability for injury or illness, the quality of care provided by livery yards, and the responsibilities of both parties under a livery agreement are more common at this time of year.

End-of-Year Tax Planning

For professionals in the equine industry, autumn is a critical time for tax planning. Navigating the complexities of equine businesses, understanding tax liabilities, and making informed decisions about assets and investments require careful legal and financial planning.

Preparation for the Winter Months

Lastly, autumn is a period of preparation for the harsher winter months. This includes making arrangements for winter livery, feed, and care, which often involve legal considerations, especially in contractual arrangements with service providers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, autumn’s busy equine calendar, with its sales, events, and preparations for winter, brings a multitude of legal issues to the fore. For those involved in the equine world, being aware of these seasonal legal challenges and seeking expert advice is key to ensuring that this busy season is both successful and legally sound. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to the field, understanding the significance of equine law this autumn is essential for a smooth and enjoyable season with your equine partners.

Please visit our dedicated equine law page for more information and costs.

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OLS Solicitors launch new equine law service

Posted on June 12, 2023November 8, 2023 by Lara Davies

OLS Solicitors Blog

OLS Solicitors launch new equine law service

By Lara Davies on June 12, 2023

New equine law service launches led by Lara Davies, equestrian and lawyer

OLS Solicitors is pleased to announce the launch of a new equine law service. The firm’s decision to expand into this area of practice is rooted in their understanding of the unique legal needs of the equine world, including equestrians, farmers, and landowners.

Senior level expertise in equine matters

This new service is led by Lara Davies, a Director and solicitor specialising in Matrimonial and Private Children matters, who brings her personal passion and knowledge of the equine industry into play to provide comprehensive legal services tailored to clients’ needs.

Lara Davies seasoned dressage competitor and horse owner

Davies, a seasoned dressage competitor, understands the intricacies of the equine world first-hand, having spent her life successfully competing in national and regional level dressage competitions. Her experience in the saddle gives her a unique insight into the challenges and issues equestrians face. Combining this with her legal expertise, she is perfectly placed to guide clients through the complexities of equine law.

Wide range of equine law services covered

The equine law services offered by OLS Solicitors span a wide range of areas. These include Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements, Matrimonial Finances, Equine Dispute Resolution, Equine Drafting, and Wills and Inheritance Disputes. Each of these services is tailored to provide specialist advice on how equestrian and agricultural assets are treated and protected, particularly in the context of divorce and inheritance disputes.

Equine dispute resolution services

For instance, OLS Solicitors’ Equine Dispute Resolution service assists clients with all aspects of equine disputes, from the mis-selling of equines to loan disputes and ownership disagreements. Their senior solicitors work to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively, aiming to minimise clients’ legal costs.

Equine drafting services

The Equine Drafting service, on the other hand, is designed to prevent disputes from arising in the first place. This service offers drafting services in areas like loan agreements, agreements for sale and purchase, ownership and shared ownership, livery agreements, and more.

Our commitment to the equine world

In launching this equine law service, OLS Solicitors demonstrate their commitment to serving the unique needs of the equine world. With a team of senior solicitors equipped with personal understanding of the equine and agricultural industry, they are ready to assist clients in protecting their assets and resolving their disputes efficiently.

The equine industry is complex and multifaceted. Legal issues can be just as complicated, requiring a deep understanding of both the law and the industry. Lara Hooper’s unique blend of legal acumen and personal equine experience places OLS Solicitors in an excellent position to provide a first-class service to their clients. Whether you are a horse owner, farmer, or landowner, you can trust in OLS Solicitors’ equine law services to help you navigate the legal landscape with confidence.