Horses, wills and estate planning: what every equestrian needs to consider

Whether you own one cherished companion or operate a busy livery yard, horses are not just animals, they are a way of life. Yet when it comes to legal planning, many equestrian clients overlook the practical, financial, and welfare consequences that can arise on death or loss of capacity.

At Furley Page, we specialise in advising horse owners, yard proprietors, and rural businesses on all aspects of succession and estate planning. From Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, to business continuity and Probate, we help clients make sensible, legally sound decisions that protect their animals, their families, and their livelihoods.

Why a will matters for horse owners

If you own horses and die without a valid Will, your estate will be dealt with under the rules of intestacy which make no special provision for animals, businesses, or the specific needs of the equestrian world. This can result in:

• Horses being sold or rehomed without proper planning
• Livery agreements or grazing arrangements being terminated abruptly
• Delay in accessing funds for ongoing care of the horses
• Legal and financial stress for grieving family members unfamiliar with equine care

A professionally drafted Will allows you to:

• Appoint executors who understand your values and responsibilities
• Leave your horses to trusted individuals with instructions on their care
• Create gifts or funds to cover short-term and long-term upkeep
• Protect business interests, such as livery yards, through appropriate structuring
• Plan for tax efficiency, especially where land or business assets are involved

Appointing guardians and giving instructions

Unlike pets, horses come with serious ongoing responsibilities. Feed, farrier, insurance, veterinary care, and livery fees can quickly become a burden if no plans are in place.

We recommend that clients:

• Identify one or more trusted individuals to take over care or make decisions
• Consider creating a financial provision (e.g. legacy or trust) to fund ongoing care
• Leave detailed guidance in a letter of wishes or supplementary note, including;
  • Routine care,
  • Vet contact details and medical history,
  • Livery or field arrangements,
  • Handover of tack, rugs, and equipment.

Where appropriate, your solicitor can help draft a conditional legacy (e.g. “£5,000 to X provided they take responsibility for my horse Y”).

Livery yard owners and rural business planning

If you operate a yard, whether DIY, assisted or full livery, your business will not run itself during Probate or if you lose capacity. We advise clients to:

• Consider Business Property Relief (BPR) for inheritance tax mitigation
• Structure the business appropriately (e.g. partnership or limited company)
• Ensure a business continuity plan is in place and accessible to executors
• Appoint an attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to manage finances and contracts if you become incapacitated
• Keep up-to-date livery contracts and insurance in place
• Clarify what happens to horses on the yard in the event of sudden closure or sale

Many clients also find it helpful to prepare a ‘Yard Handover File’, including client contact details, feed schedules, grazing plans, supplier accounts, and insurance policies to support executors, attorneys, or temporary managers.

Powers of attorney for equestrians

Loss of mental capacity — whether temporary or permanent — can leave horse owners in a vulnerable position. Without a valid Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA):

• No one can legally access your bank account to pay for horse care
• Livery arrangements may default or collapse due to non-payment
• Contracts may go unsigned, and business decisions delayed
• A Court of Protection deputyship may be required, at significant cost and delay

An LPA for Property and Financial Affairs allows someone you trust to step in and make decisions about:

• Paying livery, vet, and insurance bills
• Signing business contracts and managing employees
• Accessing funds and liaising with clients

An LPA for Health and Welfare may also be relevant if you are concerned about who can make decisions about your personal care, residence, or welfare — particularly where your horse is part of your therapeutic or mental health routine.

How we can help

At Furley Page, we understand the realities of equestrian life — the early mornings, the mud, the vet bills, and the deep bonds between horse and rider. Our private client and rural business teams work hand-in-hand to offer:

• Expert advice on Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney tailored to horse owners
• Business structuring and succession planning for livery yards and equine enterprises
• Assistance with Probate and Estate Administration involving equine assets
• Liaison with vets, yard managers, and family members during difficult times
• Practical support in recording and updating instructions for equine care

If you own horses or run a livery yard, contact us today to ensure your legal affairs are in good order — for your animals, your business, and your peace of mind.

For expert advice contact our private client team on 01227 763939 or get in touch here.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.