Harrison Clark Rickerbys: expert advice
Our official legal partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR), bring to you their expert advice on a number of different topics.
Legal guidance and top tips
As well as offering British Dressage members access to a free legal advice helpline and fixed fee or discounted legal services, HCR share their expertise on some of the top current areas of interest that they're advising clients on:
Meet Harrison Clark Rickerbys' specialist equine solicitors
Advising on legal matters that affect the ownership of horses and the associated services provided, HCR work with horse owners, equine professionals, livery-yard owners and veterinary practices, providing a range of services from drafting agreements to resolving disputes and pursuing negligence claims.
Dealing with trespassers
Stable owners dealing with trespass on their land, especially by people they don’t know and can’t identify, may have another way of taking legal action to prevent that nuisance. Esther Stirling, HCR’s head of agricultural dispute resolution, looks at a recent Court of Appeal decision which may be helpful, though possibly expensive.
Trade marking in the equine industry?
Trade marking in the equine industry? If your business doesn’t have a distinctive brand name, you may be at risk of trade mark infringement. Emma Kirkpatrick explores a recent case involving a company selling high-visibility equestrian wear
I have a dispute – where do I start?
If you find yourself dealing with a dispute, you may not know where to start to resolve it, and rushing into action may be unhelpful – dispute resolution lawyer Clare Murphy answers common queries.
What would happen to your finances if you had an accident?
We all assume that, if we had an accident, someone we know would step in to manage our bill-paying or back accounts; but without Lasting Powers of Attorney, they might struggle – private client solicitor Lucy Willmett advises.
Going green for growth
With COP 26 on the horizon, green energy is being adopted by an increasing number of businesses in the real estate industry.
Harriet Murray Jones looks at the advantages and pitfalls.
The future of family farming: What will change?
The countryside has always offered an attractive option for investors and those looking to leave city life. Anyone with an interest in the rural economy should take an interest in the significant change it is undergoing.
Common employment issues for equine businesses
Young workforces, discounted wages, and offset lessons: the equestrian sector has a number of its own unique employment arrangements. And in light of recent findings from the British Grooms Association, Guy Hollebon reiterates the legal basics for equine businesses:
Safeguarding your pet's future
Your pet’s wellbeing should never be at the mercy of romantic politics. It’s another one of those tricky talks, which nobody wants to have when times are good, but are much harder to endure when things go wrong. Read about how formalising a Pup-Nup™ is sensible, caring, and much more affordable than other traditional legal agreements:
Farm diversification – how does that affect your tax position?
Farm diversification may never have been so important, as changes to agricultural subsidies loom from next year. But part of planning your way into the future should be to check how your projects affect your tax position to avoid any shocks once your new approach is up and running.
Buying and selling horses, top tips and advice
HCR share their expertise on the legal aspects of buying and selling horses and some of the top areas of interest that they're advising clients on:
Livery yard claims – cover yourself with a livery agreement
For both horse owners and the livery yard they use, a bespoke livery agreement is essential before they take occupancy, whether the plan is for DIY livery, part livery, full livery or working/competition livery.
Buying and selling horses
When it comes to buying and selling horses, it’s important to understand your legal rights.
Horse Loan Agreements
It is important to have a bespoke loan agreement in place before the loan commences. These horse loan agreements define who is responsible for what and helps to protect both parties.
When do you need planning permission to keep horses in a field?
If you are thinking of purchasing a field from a local farmer to keep some horses on it for private leisure purposes. However, the field is currently used by grazing livestock, growing crops or some other agricultural purpose, will you need to seek planning permission?
What happens if your vet lets you down
If you believe that your horse has been misdiagnosed or incorrectly treated by your vet, you may have a claim against them for veterinary negligence.
Arguing over the fence
Fences give rise to many disputes – damages, repairs, claims; almost every feature of a fence can be argued about. Esther Stirling from Harrison Clark Rickerbys looks at who takes responsibility.
Member benefits with HCR
HCR Ask the Expert webinars
Watch the latest episodes of HCR's Ask the Experts series. Follow the links under each video to see the list of questions asked and more information on each topic.
Webinar: Ask the Employment Expert
Robert Capper, HCR's Covid-19 Lead, asks the questions submitted on furlough and Covid-19 employment matters to HCR's Michael Stokes, Head of Employment & Immigration.
Webinar: Ask the Regulatory Expert
Robert Capper, HCR's Covid-19 Lead, asks the questions you submitted on getting businesses ready for reopening to Kamal Chauhan, a partner in our Licensing, Regulatory and Tax team.
Webinar: Ask Commercial Property Experts
Matthew Hayes, Head of Real Estate talks to Clare Day, Partner, Head of Real Estate Finance and Ben Thomas, Partner, Real Estate about the issues the commercial property market is facing right now.
Webinar: Future Work
This webinar looks at the effect recent changes have had on the way we work, including working from home, the impact of remote working during lockdown on our mental health and wellbeing.