mknight994
Member
Hi all,
My first time posting on here but I’m just looking to see what people think.
I took on a horse for full loan in June 2024. A contract (we used the BHS Loan agreement template) was put in place and signed by both myself and the owner (+ witnesses) the day I went to collect him.
Unfortunately a few days ago whilst I was hacking him out, a freak accident occurred which meant the horse unfortunately passed away. Unsure wether it was a heart attack or wether he hit his head when he reared and fell backwards. No cars were involved.
When I went to view him, the owners said he can get nervous on his own. It was then agreed by both me and the owner that I could work on this as I am confident hacking out alone and my yard is in a quiet area. Nothing more got said on the situation.
Since the unfortunate accident of the horse passing, the owners are now saying I shouldn’t have been hacking him alone and that they specifically told me not to. As explained above, that was not the case. Surely if they specifically didn’t want the horse hacked out alone, they should’ve put that in our signed contract. Under one of the clauses in said contract, it says the horse will be used for hacking (and many other ‘all rounder’ disciplines). There is even a specific place that gave the owner the chance to have added that in.
Owners have also seen my Facebook posts about him hacking alone and have liked it and even commented. I also texted them videos and messages of his hacking saying how brilliant he was being. They replied very happy and not once have said to me to stop or that they didn’t want him hacked alone. If they did, of course I would’ve stopped there and then.
Another thing the owner is blaming me for is his insurance. In the insurance section of our contract, there is nothing about having to insure the horse for ‘Death or Loss of use’. Only Vet fees, saddlery, tack, transport, third party liability. Which of course, he was fully insured for. I have done a lot of research online and from what I have read it should’ve been the owners responsibility to insure him for ‘Death and loss of use’ as he is their horse.
Owners are now trying to claim £5000 from me (as that’s what they think he was worth…. which in my opinion is far from correct) There is nothing in the contract stating what the horse is worth.
Owners now seeking legal help, and so am I.
I just wanted to post on here to see what other peoples opinions were on the situation.
This was a major freak accident that was extremely traumatic for me to experience and witness. Not once have the owners asked how I am! I understand they must be upset and I guess angry that this has happened but I just don’t believe they’ve got a leg to stand on because of what’s in the contract we both signed.
Thank you!
My first time posting on here but I’m just looking to see what people think.
I took on a horse for full loan in June 2024. A contract (we used the BHS Loan agreement template) was put in place and signed by both myself and the owner (+ witnesses) the day I went to collect him.
Unfortunately a few days ago whilst I was hacking him out, a freak accident occurred which meant the horse unfortunately passed away. Unsure wether it was a heart attack or wether he hit his head when he reared and fell backwards. No cars were involved.
When I went to view him, the owners said he can get nervous on his own. It was then agreed by both me and the owner that I could work on this as I am confident hacking out alone and my yard is in a quiet area. Nothing more got said on the situation.
Since the unfortunate accident of the horse passing, the owners are now saying I shouldn’t have been hacking him alone and that they specifically told me not to. As explained above, that was not the case. Surely if they specifically didn’t want the horse hacked out alone, they should’ve put that in our signed contract. Under one of the clauses in said contract, it says the horse will be used for hacking (and many other ‘all rounder’ disciplines). There is even a specific place that gave the owner the chance to have added that in.
Owners have also seen my Facebook posts about him hacking alone and have liked it and even commented. I also texted them videos and messages of his hacking saying how brilliant he was being. They replied very happy and not once have said to me to stop or that they didn’t want him hacked alone. If they did, of course I would’ve stopped there and then.
Another thing the owner is blaming me for is his insurance. In the insurance section of our contract, there is nothing about having to insure the horse for ‘Death or Loss of use’. Only Vet fees, saddlery, tack, transport, third party liability. Which of course, he was fully insured for. I have done a lot of research online and from what I have read it should’ve been the owners responsibility to insure him for ‘Death and loss of use’ as he is their horse.
Owners are now trying to claim £5000 from me (as that’s what they think he was worth…. which in my opinion is far from correct) There is nothing in the contract stating what the horse is worth.
Owners now seeking legal help, and so am I.
I just wanted to post on here to see what other peoples opinions were on the situation.
This was a major freak accident that was extremely traumatic for me to experience and witness. Not once have the owners asked how I am! I understand they must be upset and I guess angry that this has happened but I just don’t believe they’ve got a leg to stand on because of what’s in the contract we both signed.
Thank you!
Hope you're alright and poor horse
