Loans & SharingUpdated 1 July 2026· 6 min read
Free Horse Loan Agreement Template (UK, 2026)
A free UK horse loan agreement template covering full loans and part loans — costs, insurance, vet care, notice period and return conditions. Copy, download or print.
Why use a written loan agreement?
Most horse loan disputes come down to money and unclear expectations — vet bills, who pays the farrier, what happens if the horse becomes unrideable, or how much notice is fair. A short written agreement forces both sides to talk through the awkward stuff before the horse moves, and gives you something to refer back to if it goes wrong.
This template works for both full loans (horse moves to the loaner's yard) and part loans / shares (horse stays put, riding days agreed). Delete the clauses that don't apply, add the ones you need, and both parties sign and date every page.
How to use this template
- Fill in every square-bracketed `[PLACEHOLDER]`.
- Cross out any clause that doesn't apply and initial the change.
- Take dated photos of the horse at handover — condition, feet, any existing marks — and staple them to the agreement.
- Both parties keep a signed copy. Ideally have it witnessed.
What this template covers
- Parties, horse identification and location
- Notice period and how the horse is returned
- Split of costs (livery, feed, farrier, dentist, worming, vaccinations, insurance)
- Routine vs major vet care thresholds
- Discipline restrictions and competition rights
- Owner's right to inspect and reclaim
- Death, unfitness and dispute resolution
The template
HORSE LOAN AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made on [DATE] between:
OWNER: [FULL NAME]
of [ADDRESS]
Telephone: [PHONE] Email: [EMAIL]
and
LOANER: [FULL NAME]
of [ADDRESS]
Telephone: [PHONE] Email: [EMAIL]
1. THE HORSE
Name: [HORSE NAME]
Breed / type: [BREED]
Colour: [COLOUR] Sex: [SEX] Height: [HH]
Date of birth: [DOB]
Passport number: [PASSPORT NO]
Microchip number: [MICROCHIP NO]
2. TYPE OF LOAN
[ ] Full loan — horse moves to the Loaner's chosen yard.
[ ] Part loan / share — horse remains at [YARD NAME & ADDRESS];
Loaner has use of the horse on [DAYS PER WEEK / SPECIFIC DAYS].
3. LOCATION
The horse shall be kept at: [YARD NAME & FULL ADDRESS].
The horse shall not be moved to any other yard without the Owner's
prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
4. TERM AND NOTICE
Start date: [DATE].
Minimum term: [e.g. 3 months] (optional — delete if not required).
Either party may end this Agreement by giving [ONE MONTH] written
notice. The Owner may end the Agreement immediately if, in their
reasonable opinion, the horse's welfare is at risk.
5. COSTS
Unless otherwise stated below, the Loaner shall pay for:
- Livery / grazing at [£AMOUNT] per [WEEK / MONTH]
- Feed, hay, bedding and supplements
- Routine farriery (trim or shoe) every [5–8] weeks
- Worming and dental treatment on the standard yard schedule
- Annual vaccinations (flu / tetanus)
- Insurance premiums as set out in clause 7
The Owner shall pay for: [LIST ANY EXCEPTIONS, e.g. remedial shoeing,
passport renewals, breeding-related costs].
6. VETERINARY CARE
Routine vet treatment up to [£250] per incident may be authorised by
the Loaner without consulting the Owner, and shall be paid by the
Loaner. Any treatment expected to exceed [£250], or any operation,
euthanasia decision, or referral to a specialist, must first be
discussed with the Owner (except in an immediate emergency where a
vet advises treatment cannot wait).
In an emergency where the Owner cannot be reached, the Loaner shall
act on the treating vet's advice and inform the Owner as soon as
possible.
7. INSURANCE
The horse shall be insured throughout the loan for:
- Veterinary fees: minimum £[AMOUNT]
- Mortality / theft: £[AMOUNT]
- Public liability: minimum £[1,000,000 / 2,000,000]
The policy shall name both Owner and Loaner. Premiums shall be paid
by [OWNER / LOANER / SPLIT 50:50]. A copy of the policy schedule
shall be provided to the other party on request.
8. USE OF THE HORSE
The Loaner may use the horse for: [e.g. hacking, light schooling,
unaffiliated dressage up to Novice, small jumping up to 90cm].
The following activities are NOT permitted without the Owner's prior
written consent: [e.g. hunting, cross-country above 80cm, racing,
loaning on to a third party, allowing anyone else to ride the horse].
9. COMPETITION
Where the horse is entered in competition, entries shall be in the
name of [OWNER / LOANER]. Any prize money and points shall belong to
[OWNER / LOANER / SPLIT AS AGREED].
10. INSPECTION
The Owner may visit the horse at any reasonable time on
[24 / 48] hours' notice. If the Owner has reasonable concern for
the horse's welfare or condition, the Owner may reclaim the horse
immediately.
11. DEATH OR UNFITNESS
If the horse dies during the loan, the Loaner shall notify the
Owner as soon as possible and provide a copy of the vet's report.
If the horse becomes permanently unfit to ride, the Loaner may
return the horse to the Owner on [14] days' notice.
12. RETURN CONDITION
On termination the horse shall be returned:
- Shod / unshod as at the start of the loan (unless agreed)
- Fit, in reasonable body condition and free from lameness
- With vaccinations and worming up to date
- With passport and all tack/rugs provided by the Owner
13. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by the law of [ENGLAND AND WALES /
SCOTLAND / NORTHERN IRELAND]. Any dispute shall first be dealt
with by good-faith discussion between the parties.
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This document sets out the entire agreement between the parties in
relation to the loan of the horse and replaces any previous oral or
written arrangement.
SIGNED
Owner: ______________________________ Date: ____________
Print name: [OWNER NAME]
Loaner: ______________________________ Date: ____________
Print name: [LOANER NAME]
Witness: _____________________________ Date: ____________
Print name / address: [WITNESS DETAILS]