Horses are a passion, friends, investment, and often even a livelihood. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our German equine law team supports clients worldwide in their legal matters in Germany. Our law firm’s location in Aachen has enabled us to support and experience the international equestrian tournament CHIO Aachen for many years, witnessing firsthand the passion horse owners have for their animals and their sport.
Whether you’re an international buyer looking to purchase a horse in Germany, a breeder facing contractual issues, or a horse owner facing cases relating to complex cross-border regulations, our multilingual attorneys provide clear guidance through Germany’s equine legal landscape. We understand that horses represent not just significant financial investments, but also emotional connections, and we approach each case with the attention to detail and care it deserves.
Buying Horses in Germany
When purchasing a horse – whether as a leisure, competition, breeding, or racing horse – the buyer must always ensure that it meets all their requirements. Before purchase, the buyer must obtain the necessary information about the horse’s history, such as any injuries, veterinary visits, behavioural issues, and information about the seller or breeder.
Once a suitable horse has been found, all legal aspects such as the purchase contract, warranties, and provisions regarding potential import and export of the horse must be carefully reviewed. The completeness and accuracy of all the horse’s documents, such as the horse passport, ownership certificate, and any breeding certificates, should also be thoroughly checked.
Drafting and Reviewing Contracts | German Equine Law
The equine law attorneys at Schlun & Elseven support their clients in designing, reviewing, negotiating, and enforcing all contracts related to equine law.
In the context of equine law, difficulties can arise in drafting purchase contracts, whether clarifying warranty aspects, questions of liability, or issues regarding the import and export of horses. In addition to technical questions, uncertainties about the health or performance of the horse may also become relevant. When purchasing a horse, legal conflicts often arise regarding the agreed-upon characteristics or quality of the horse. For this reason, it is advisable to place particular emphasis on details when drafting the purchase contract.
We offer legal advice on the following types of contracts:
- Purchase agreements
- Sales contracts
- Leasing agreements
- Boarding contracts
- All contracts related to breeding | Preparation for stallion licensing | Mare performance tests
- Liability waivers
- Facility use agreements
- Training contracts
Divorce in Germany: Division of Equine-related Assets
The division of assets after a divorce can have significant implications for horse owners. A prenuptial agreement is a reliable means by which couples can regulate, before marriage, what will happen to joint assets (which may include horses) in the event of divorce. By drafting such a prenuptial agreement at the beginning of or during the marriage, couples have better chances of achieving a fair division of joint assets, thus reducing the risk of a costly and time-consuming process to clarify ownership of horses.
The attorneys at Schlun & Elseven are happy to advise on creating and enforcing prenuptial agreements. In the event of divorce, our attorneys advise on the division of assets related to horses or equestrian sports, offering comprehensive legal support and consultation.
Fraud Cases in Germany | Horse Purchases
Online fraud, in which non-existent horses and equipment (such as saddles and bridles) are offered for sale with fraudulent intent, is becoming increasingly common. Such fraud is often very sophisticated and can lead to significant financial losses for the buyer. Clients needing legal advice regarding purchasing or selling horses in Germany or across borders can contact us. We will inform you about possible fraud traps and explain what you should specifically be aware of during such an endeavour.
If you have fallen victim to a fraudster when purchasing a horse, we will advise you regarding further options. We will assess your legal situation and inform you about the most suitable legal strategies for your case.
Tax Aspects of German Equine Law
Various tax implications can also arise when purchasing horses, especially when purchasing horses from non-EU countries. Our attorneys advise on tax law issues, tax investigations, criminal tax proceedings, voluntary disclosure, and the associated legal risks. We support clients with all legal questions regarding the import of horses to Germany, the applicable import duties, the effects of value-added tax on transactions, and the required documentation to comply with tax obligations.
Tax Advice relating to Horse Ownership
At Schlun & Elseven, our team will inform you about your legal options and supports you in conflict resolution. As a law firm, we focus on achieving the best possible outcome for each of our clients, whether through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, arbitration, or court proceedings.
Our attorneys advise and represent business and private clients in all matters relating to horse purchase/sale, veterinary negligence, trainer negligence, and insurance claims.
Practice Group: German Equine Law
Practice Group:
German Equine Law
Contact our German Equine Lawyers
Please use the form to tell our team of German equine lawyers about your legal matters. After receiving your request, we will make a short preliminary assessment based on the information provided and give you a cost estimation. You are then free to decide whether you want to instruct us.
