Horse ownership

Understanding equine law

• Contracts can help protect you and your business. 
• Be sure you and your business have proper insurance coverage.

Understanding Minnesota’s horse liability statute

• Who the statute protects.

• What activities the statute covers and doesn’t cover.

• The applicable liability protection exceptions.

• The warning sign posting required under the statute before the liability protections apply.

Limiting your horse liability under Minnesota law

• Use written contracts for any horse-related agreement.
• Make sure written agreements are specific and address each applicable risk.
• Work with an attorney.

Equine liability act webinar recording

Trailering horses in Minnesota: which laws affect you

• Minnesota has its own state transportation laws that can vary from federal regulations.
• It’s important for you to understand how these laws affect you when trailering your horse around Minnesota.

Companion animal welfare act requirements

• Horse owners must meet certain legal minimum requirements for equine welfare.

Caring for horses on a budget

• Most cost-reducing opportunities fall in the area of preventative medicine, education and being a responsible horse owner.
• There are also times when it is not appropriate to cut costs, such as for emergency care.

Coping with the loss of a horse

• If you are working through a loss, treat yourself kindly and find others who can do the same.
• If you know of someone who is grieving a horse, reach out, even in small ways, to let them know you are available to listen.

Horse science college programs in Minnesota

• Information about the college programs offered in Minnesota in horse science.
• These programs give students the tools they need to succeed in the horse industry.

Economic impact of the horse industry

• The total economic impact of the horse industry in the United States is $122 billion, creating 1.7 million jobs.
• Minnesota ranks 18th for the state with the greatest horse population.

Save these forms to help you plan for emergencies

• Operations Contingency Plan for Privately Owned Horse Farms
• Operations Contingency Plan for Horse Boarding or Training Farms
  • Forms will automatically download to your device. You will need a current version of Adobe Reader DC to first save then fill out the form.
  • The fillable PDFs outline essential livestock care if you or your managers experience illness, injury, or another emergency when you may need outside people to provide care.
  • These contingency plans cover essential care only. They are not comprehensive care plans.