Can You Repossess a Horse When the Buyer Fails to Pay?
Can a horse seller repossess a horse if the buyer has failed to pay in full? We receive this question frequently, but the answer is more complicated than you might think.
What Makes Repossession Complex
Repossession is the act of taking back an item, such as a horse, that has been sold on credit when the buyer has violated a payment arrangement. The process may seem as simple as entering the non-paying buyer’s barn, removing the horse, and hauling it away. In the eyes of the law, however, repossession is far more complex.
The right to repossess generally can exist in three settings:
- The parties have a legally valid contract (that includes appropriate language) through which the buyer has allowed the seller the right to repossess the item that is being sold;
- The applicable state’s law gives the unpaid seller the right to peacefully (without trespassing and without receiving resistance from the buyer) repossess the item; or
- Before the repossession takes place, the seller goes to court and receives a legally valid court order that allows the seller, or someone acting for the seller, to repossess the item. Sellers may need to pursue this option if (1) buyers refuse to part with the item; (2) no contract exists; (3) the parties did have a contract, but it is silent about the seller’s repossession rights; and/or (4) the applicable state law requires a court order before any repossession can take place.
The risks of making a mistake in the repossession process can be significant. By entering another’s private barn or pasture to repossess a horse, sellers face costly legal battles and sometimes even criminal charges of trespass and theft. Hauling repossessed horses across state lines, if done unlawfully, might even trigger federal criminal offenses.
Avoiding Repossession Problems
Efforts can be made to avoid repossession disputes. Some sellers abandon installment sales completely and insist on payment up front and in full. Some sellers invest in a well-written sale contract that complies with the law, and require the buyer to sign it, before the transaction occurs. Some sellers will allow the buyer to make installment payments, but the sellers keep possession of the horse until the buyer’s final payment has cleared the bank. Unpaid sellers can also file lawsuits against non-paying buyers to recover the money owed, while allowing the non-paying buyer to keep the horse.
This blog post does not constitute legal advice. Secured interest and repossession issues can be very complex. When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.
Categories: Contracts, Sales/Disputes
Julie Fershtman is considered to be one of the nation's leading attorneys in the field of equine law. She has successfully tried equine cases before juries in four states. A frequent author and speaker on legal issues, she has written over 400 published articles, four books, and has lectured at seminars, conventions, and conferences in 29 states on issues involving law, liability, risk management, and insurance. For more information, please also visit www.fershtmanlaw.com and www.equinelaw.net, and www.equinelaw.info.
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Fershtman’s Equine Law Book Wins Fourth National Award
Julie Fershtman’s latest book, Equine Law and Horse Sense, won its fourth national award on May 31, 2021. It was selected to receive a "Finalist" Medal in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
The 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards are presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group, which is the largest International awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. Here’s a link for the complete list of 2021 winners and finalists: https://www.indiebookawards.com/winners.php?year=2021
Fershtman’s Equine Law Book Receives Third National Award
Julie Fershtman’s book, Equine Law & Horse Sense, published by the American Bar Association, has been selected to receive a 2020 NYC Big Book Award in the category of “Reference” books.
The NYC Big Book Awards draws nominations world-wide. This is the third award for Fershtman’s book since its publication last year. Here is a link for more information, and to see the list of winners: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2020winners
Information on the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/164105493X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0
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Upcoming Speaking Engagements
In 2022, Julie Fershtman is scheduled to be a speaker on equine liability at these conventions:
- American Horse Council Annual Meeting and National Issues Forum, Washington D.C. - June 6, 2022
- National Conference on Equine Law, Lexington, Kentucky – May 4, 2022
- IRMI Agribusiness Conference (“AgriCon”), Sacramento, California – March 8, 2022
- New York State Bar Association Equine Law Symposium (virtual conference) – February 9, 2022
Fershtman’s Equine Law Book Receives Second National Award
Julie Fershtman’s book, Equine Law & Horse Sense, published by the American Bar Association, has been selected to receive a 2020 NYC Big Book Award in the category of “Reference” books.
The NYC Big Book Awards draws nominations world-wide. This is the third award for Fershtman’s book since its publication last year. Here is a link for more information, and to see the list of winners: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2020winners
Information on the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/164105493X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0
Honors & Recognitions
Equine lawyer, Julie Fershtman, has received these prestigious equine industry awards from respected equine organizations:
"Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award" - American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Law Section Animal Law Committee
"Distinguished Service Award" - American Youth Horse Council
"Industry Service Award" - Michigan Equine Partnership
"Catalyst Award"- Michigan Horse Council
"Outstanding Achievement Award" - American Riding Instructors Association
"Partner in Safety Award" - American Riding Instructors Association
"Associate Service Award" - United Professional Horseman's Association
"National Partnership in Safety" Award" - Certified Horsemanship Association
Some of our Equine Law Services
Handling breach of contract, fraud/ misrepresentation, commercial code, and other claims involving equine-related transactions including purchases/sales, leases, mare leases/foal transfers, and partnerships.
Litigating a wide variety of equine-related disputes in court or through alternative dispute resolution (arbitration, mediation, facilitation).
Defending equine/farm/equestrian industry professionals, businesses, and associations in personal injury claims and lawsuits.
Drafting and negotiating contracts for boarding, training, sales, waivers/releases, leases, and numerous other equine-related transactions.
Representing and advising insurers on coverage and policy language as well as litigation;
Advising equine industry clubs and associations regarding management, rules, bylaws, disputes, and regulations.
Representing some of the equine industry's top trainers, competitors, stables, and associations.
Counseling industry professionals, stable managers, and individual horse owners.
THE NATION'S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER EQUINE LAW SPEAKER
Did you know Julie Fershtman has spoken at the American Horse Council Annual Meeting, Equine Affaire, US Hunter/Jumper Association Annual Meeting, Midwest Horse Fair, Equitana USA, US Dressage Federation Annual Meeting, North American Riding for the Handicapped (now PATH International) Annual Meeting, American Paint Horse Association Annual Meeting, US Pony Clubs, Inc.'s Annual Meeting, All-American Quarter Horse Congress, American Youth Horse Council Annual Meeting, American Riding Instructors Association Annual Meeting, CHA Annual Meeting, and numerous others? Consider signing her up for your convention. Contact Julie directly.
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