This document outlines the comprehensive training contract provided by NSA Horsemanship LLC, detailing the terms and conditions for horse training services. It serves as a crucial agreement between Rodolfo “Rudy” Lara (Trainer) and the horse Owner, establishing expectations for training, fees, responsibilities, and liability.
Understanding the Training Agreement
The NSA Horsemanship LLC Training Contract is designed to clearly define the relationship and responsibilities between the trainer and the horse owner. It covers essential aspects such as the scope of training, financial obligations, and the care of the horse.
Fees, Term, and Location
Owners agree to pay a monthly fee for training and board, with a minimum commitment period. The contract specifies that the first payment will be prorated to the first of the following month, and full payment, along with a signed contract, is due prior to the horse’s arrival.
Payment of Services
Monthly training fees are due on the first of each month. Any outstanding expenses must be settled immediately upon completion of the agreement, at which point the horse will be released. A late fee of $10.00 per day is incurred if payment is overdue by five days. The Trainer is entitled to a lien against the horse and equipment for unpaid amounts, with the option to sell them in accordance with New Mexico law to recover costs.
Veterinarian, Farrier, and Related Services
The Trainer will utilize a veterinarian and farrier of their choosing for routine care, unless the Owner specifies their preferred professionals. All veterinary, farrier, and medication expenses are the Owner’s responsibility. Owners must ensure their horses are regularly wormed, vaccinated, and shod. If proof of these services is not provided within 30 days, the Trainer is authorized, though not obligated, to arrange for them at the Owner’s expense. The Trainer reserves the right to refuse any horse deemed unhealthy or dangerous.
Training of the Horse
The Trainer commits to performing all training services to generally accepted professional standards. However, no specific results can be guaranteed, as a horse’s individual physical and mental capabilities significantly influence training outcomes. The Trainer will provide all necessary labor, facilities, and adequate care, including feed, which is determined by the Trainer. Owners are encouraged to participate in individual lessons to better understand the training methods used. These lessons are charged at an hourly rate and are due at the time of service. The Owner must also submit a completed Owner’s Information Sheet for each horse.
Death of Horse
In the event of the horse’s death, sale, or unfitness for training, the Trainer has the option to accept another horse under the same contract terms within seven days or terminate the agreement upon full payment of all outstanding expenses and fees.
Feed, Facilities, and Services
NSA Horsemanship LLC agrees to provide adequate feed (including alfalfa and water) and facilities for the normal care required to maintain the health and well-being of the horses. Any supplements must be provided by the Owner at their expense. Blanketing is discouraged but incurs a $2.50 per day charge if requested. Owners confirm they have inspected the facilities and found them to be safe and acceptable.
Risk of Loss and Standard of Care
The Trainer is not liable for any sickness, disease, theft, death, or injury to the horse(s) or for any other cause of action related to boarding, unless caused by the negligence of the Trainer, its agents, or employees. This exclusion of liability extends to personal injury or disability sustained by the Owner or guests on the Trainer’s premises. The Owner acknowledges that the Trainer does not carry insurance for horses not owned by them and that all risks associated with boarding are borne by the Owner. The standard of care is that of an ordinary, prudent horse owner. The Trainer’s liability for equine death or injury is capped at $5,000 per animal. Owners of horses valued over $5,000 are responsible for obtaining equine insurance at their own expense and must disclose the entire agreement to their insurance company.
Inherent Risks and Assumption of Risk
The undersigned acknowledges the inherent risks associated with equine activities, including but not limited to unpredictable equine behavior, environmental hazards, and the potential for human error. By signing, the Owner expressly assumes all such risks. The Owner releases NSA Horsemanship LLC from any claims for personal injury or property damage, even if caused by negligence.
Warning: Under New Mexico law, liability for personal injuries or death resulting from the behavior of equine animals during equine activities is limited, as per the New Mexico Equine Liability Act.
Hold Harmless
Owners agree to indemnify and defend the Trainer against any and all claims arising from damage or injury caused by their horse(s). Owners must disclose any hazardous or dangerous propensities of their horses. The Trainer reserves the right to notify the Owner within seven days of arrival if a horse is deemed dangerous, untrainable, unhealthy, or otherwise unfit for training. In such cases, the Owner must remove the horse within seven days, settling all incurred expenses prior to departure.
Emergency Care
The Trainer will attempt to contact the Owner if veterinary treatment is deemed necessary. If the Owner cannot be reached, the Trainer is authorized to secure emergency veterinary and farrier care. All costs must be paid by the Owner within 15 days of receiving notice, or the Trainer may arrange direct billing. The Trainer will assume the Owner desires surgical care for conditions like colic unless otherwise instructed. Owners must provide updated contact information and designate an authorized party to make decisions in their absence.
Ownership and Coggins Test
The Owner warrants ownership of the horse(s) and agrees to provide proof of a negative Coggins test upon request.
Changes or Termination of This Agreement
This Agreement may be changed or terminated by the Trainer with 30 days’ written notice. An early termination fee applies if the Owner removes the horse before the initial contract period. Owners are also required to provide 30 days’ notice before discontinuing services and removing their horse.
Rules and Regulations
Owners agree to abide by all rules and regulations set forth by the Trainer. Any individual collecting the horse on behalf of the Owner must possess written authorization.
Right of Lien
The Trainer has a right of lien for amounts due for board and keep, as well as storage and services, under New Mexico law. The Trainer may retain the horse(s) and other property until the indebtedness is discharged. If the debt exceeds the horse’s anticipated unregistered value, the Trainer is not obligated to maintain the horse. In cases of non-payment where lien rights are exercised, the contract serves as a Bill of Sale, authorizing the transfer of breed registrations upon affidavit by the Trainer’s representatives. If legal action is required for collection, the Owner agrees to cover all attorney’s fees and costs, with a minimum charge of $250.00.
Property in Storage on Trainer’s Premises
Owners may store tack and equipment on the premises at no additional charge. However, the Trainer is not responsible for any theft, loss, damage, or disappearance of stored property, which is stored at the Owner’s risk. This also applies to property taken to horse shows or clinics. Vehicles stored on the premises will incur a daily storage cost for delinquent accounts.
Entire Agreement
This contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior verbal or implied agreements. It is governed by the laws of the state where the Trainer’s stable is located.
Enforceability of Contract and Severability
If any part of this contract is found to be unenforceable or illegal, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
Consent to Use Media
Owners agree to allow No Strings Attached Horsemanship to use photographs and/or video clips of their horse on their website, unless they specifically initial and date otherwise.
Owner Visits
Regular visits to the barn are encouraged. While the Trainer will make efforts to accommodate visitors, ongoing training sessions will not be interrupted. If a horse has already completed its training session for the day of an unannounced visit, another session will not be provided. Appointments are recommended to ensure dedicated attention.
Final Owner Signature:
_____ Date: __
Visitor Policy: All dogs must be leashed and kept under control to prevent disruption.
Owner Information:
Address: _____
Telephone:
Home: Work: Cell: ___
Owner’s Information Sheet: This section requires detailed information about the Owner, Horse, medical history, feeding program, vaccinations, Coggins test results, emergency contacts, and insurance information. It is crucial for ensuring the horse receives appropriate care and for establishing clear lines of communication in emergencies.
- Ownership & Contact: Owner’s name, address, phone numbers.
- Horse Details: Name, age, color, markings, known dangerous propensities.
- Medical History: Past issues (colic, founder), allergies, vaccination and deworming dates, Coggins test status.
- Feeding Program: Hay type and amount, grain/pellet types and amounts, known feed allergies.
- Special Care & Habits: Any specific requirements or known behaviors.
- Emergency Contacts: Designated persons to contact if the owner is unreachable, including their contact details.
- Insurance Information: Details of any equine insurance policies.
- Veterinary Emergency Contact: Preferred veterinarian contact information.
- Surgical Candidate Status: Owner indicates whether the horse is considered a surgical candidate for colic or other serious illnesses.
