Weslowski, Karen Articles

Reputation at Risk: Understanding Defamation in the Equestrian World

Updated:

May 23, 2025

horse industry gossip, gossip horse industry, equine lawyers in canada, horse lawyers canada, karen weslowski

In the tight-knit equestrian community, reputations matter—and so does what people say. With professional circles often overlapping and word-of-mouth running rampant, it’s no surprise that gossip is part of daily life in the horse world. While much of this chatter is harmless, there are moments when seemingly casual remarks may cross a serious line. For professionals who rely on their integrity and standing, the impact of defamatory speech can be career-altering.

Minimizing Boarding Disputes: Why Clear Agreements Matter in Horse Boarding

Updated:

May 22, 2025

stable boarding contract, boarding agreement, horse board agreement, horse board contract, boarding a horse, written boarding agreement, Livestock Lien Act, horse owner not paying

Horse boarding arrangements may cause tension for both equine owners and barn operators. Owners want peace of mind that their horses are properly cared for, while barn owners need to assure board is paid and facilities are treated with respect. To help keep things running smoothly, it’s wise to keep the following in mind.

Protecting Your Equine Property from Environmental Disasters

Updated:

April 12, 2025

Insurance Coverage for horse industry, natural disaster insurance coverage, Homeowners’ Insurance Policy, horse barn fire coverage, mitigate insurance risks

Of late, various regions of Canada have faced significant devastation due to natural disasters such as wildfires, ice storms, and floods. These catastrophic events have had a profound impact on the equine community, resulting in the destruction of stables, fences, feed resources, land, and even animals. In addition to the direct damage to property, many horse owners also face secondary losses, for instance income from their business due to property damage.

The Importance of Waivers of Liability in the Horse Industry: Ensuring Legal Validity

Updated:

September 4, 2024

karen L. Weslowski, equine waivers, equine liability agreements, Unambiguous Waiver Risk Hazard,

A key risk management tool used to transfer responsibility for injuries from one party to another through written agreement is called a Wavier of Liability (or “waiver”). These are frequently used in high-risk activities such as when riding horses. While frequently utilized in the equine industry, waivers are commonly signed without a clear understanding of their legal purpose or the necessary conditions for them to be enforceable.

Understanding Legal Liability for Accidents Involving Horses

Updated:

March 24, 2024

Liability Horse accidents, Karen L. Weslowski, equine litigation, horse owner liability, BC Livestock Act, British Columbia equine litigation, personal liability insurance coverage horse owner

Accidents involving horses can happen, even with the utmost care. If a horse-related accident occurs on your property, you, as the occupier of that land, could be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result. Let’s explore the potential legal liabilities horse owners and property occupiers face, how to reduce risks associated with horse-related activities, and the role insurance might play in covering claims for injuries or property damage.

Understanding Contracts in the Horse Industry

Updated:

November 10, 2023

horse-related contracts, buying a horse, legal documents horse sale, horse insurance contracts, horse breeding contract, karen weslowski

In the past, horse business transactions often relied on handshake agreements. Today, written contracts are increasingly common for buying and selling horses, as well as for services like training, leasing, breeding, and boarding. Contracts provide clarity and legal protection for all parties involved. As contracts become more prevalent in the horse industry, it’s important for horse owners and horse business owners to understand the basics of contract law. This guide will explain the key elements of a contract, offer tips for drafting horse-related contracts, and cover the common breeding contract.

Trailering Accident Liability

Updated:

November 1, 2020

A horse is not considered a “passenger” but rather “cargo”. Your horses should be insured appropriately under an All Risk Mortality or Specified or Named Perils policy. Contact a knowledgeable insurance broker for more information on these types of policies.

Understanding Horse Leasing Contracts

Updated:

October 23, 2020

horse leasing contract, horse contract, equine contract, equine leasing, karen weslowski, miller thomson, leasing a horse, how to lease a horse

For people who do not have the time or money to buy their own horse, leasing is a great alternative to horse ownership. Leasing can provide the enjoyment of a horse without the added responsibility or cost. For horse owners, leasing can help reduce some of the costs associated with horse ownership. The key to a successful horse lease is to ensure that all parties are aware of their rights and obligations under the lease. This article will discuss some of the issues that arise in the context of a leasing contract and provide suggestions with respect to negotiating and drafting a horse lease.

Tax Talk for Horse People

Updated:

May 31, 2020

taxes horse farm, taxes horse ownership, canada taxes horse owners, taxing horse services

Making a living in the horse industry can be challenging. Not only are the horses themselves expensive, the land and equipment needed to sustain a horse business can be costly to purchase and maintain. Given the high costs associated with the horse industry, it may benefit those engaged in this business to familiarize themselves with the laws relating to taxes and taxation issues. A better understanding of these issues could result in tax savings.

Enforceability of Parental Waivers

Updated:

March 21, 2020

Waiver of liability agreements are commonly used in dangerous or high risk sports such as horseback riding. The intent is to transfer liability for injuries from the organizer to the participant through a written contract. The article, "Negotiating Risk: The Use & Enforceability of Waivers" contains a detailed discussion of waivers if readers are looking for more information on the subject.

The Legal Side of Buying a Horse at an Auction

Updated:

June 3, 2016

horse auction, equine auction, how to buy a horse, attend an equine auction, attend a horse auction, karen weslowski

Buying a horse is an important decision that usually involves careful planning, consideration, and research. Buying a horse at an auction can remove or reduce the ability to exercise due diligence in the buying process. “Deals” and good quality horses can be found at auctions; however, when attending an auction, buyers may be overcome with excitement for what appears to be a great bargain or sympathy for an obviously mistreated horse, and make a purchase they later regret. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to score a deal or rescue a horse, auction buyers should be aware of the legal obligations imposed upon buyers, consignors, and auction houses so they can protect their legal rights and, to the greatest extent possible, make informed decisions.