Horse Association Membership Application Is “All or Nothing” Proposition
Two Massachusetts-based harness-racing trainers sued the Harness Horsemen’s Association of New England, Inc. (“HHANE”), after their membership applications were rejected because they had crossed out language on the application form. The trainers had been members of HHANE for many years and previously served on its board. Over time, the trainers became dissatisfied with the organization and its contract negotiations with a local harness racing track operator.
Court Dismisses Carriage Drivers’ Lawsuit Against Animal Rights Groups
Controversy around the carriage horse industry in Charleston, South Carolina became heated when animal rights advocates used social media to disseminate video of carriage horses falling to the ground during a carriage tour in 2017. In response, Charleston Carriage Works, LLC filed suit against the Charleston Animal Society and Charleston Carriage Horse Advocates (and its president) alleging the information they had posted on the internet gave rise to claims for defamation, civil conspiracy, intentional interference with business relations and civil rights violations.
New York Court Reverses 2006 Ruling, Changing Law On Owner Liability For Harm Caused By Domestic Animals
A recent ruling from the Court of Appeals of New York has dramatically changed the New York law of negligence liability for harm caused by domestic animals. A 2006 case in New York held that there can be no common-law negligence liability when a domestic animal causes harm. That case significantly changed the landscape of animal liability law in New York by eliminating common law negligence claims
What Must Be Asked (And When) To Determine Equine Activity Participant’s “Ability”?
A Wisconsin court has ruled that a horse owner is entitled to statutory immunity for injuries sustained by her friend who fell while mounting her horse. Dismissal of the friend’s personal injury claim was affirmed on appeal.
Court Enters $1.6 Million Judgment Against Trainer Who Lied About Cancer Diagnosis
The legal troubles of jumper rider Eric Lamaze have been pending in the Florida court system for the past few years, with the rider/trainer defending multiple lawsuits arising from his horse business dealings with various individuals and limited liability companies.
Florida Jury Awards Damages To Buyer Of “Bucking” Horse
What should have been a horsey-girl’s dream turned into a nightmare when the first horse her father purchased for her turned out to be a dangerous, bucking bronc. Her father sued the seller for misrepresentation, fraud, and violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Workers’ Compensation Act Provides Exclusive Remedy To Barn Manager Bitten By Employer’s Dog
The Virginia Court of Appeals has ruled that a barn manager who was bitten by her employer’s border collie is limited to […]
Houston, we have a problem
Houston, we have a problem. And I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks so…. There is little room at the […]
How Hard Is It To Sue A Vet For Malpractice? Pretty Darn Hard.
A California appellate court has set aside a jury verdict of $46,000 awarded to the purchaser of a horse that turned out […]
USEF Drug Testing and Beyond – Tips for Avoiding Disaster
It has been my professional observation that the general population lacks familiarity with the “rules of law” that govern our lives, the […]
Trainer Liability For Student Injury?
A number of years ago there was a lawsuit in California that was brought by the parents of a junior (Mia Eriksson) […]
Tax Time Tips
Is your horse activity a business, or just an expensive hobby? The real test comes if you claim your horses as business […]