Showing 54 posts in Sales/Disputes.
What Happens When a Twitter 'Tweet' of a Few Words Becomes a Horse Industry Defamation Lawsuit?
At Foster Swift, we've successfully defended equine-related defamation litigation. Today we're sharing an interesting case from Massachusetts that arose from a "tweet" of only a few words.
The Case
The plaintiff, Feld, owned a Thoroughbred named "Munition." She allegedly sold this horse through a Craigslist ad to a dealer who allegedly promised to place "Munition" with a "loving family" that would allow the plaintiff to visit him. Unfortunately, it was strongly suspected that the dealer instead shipped him to an auction where he may thereafter been slaughtered. Some media reports and Internet chatter followed the story of "Munition's" disappearance.
The defendant, Conway, was a Thoroughbred Bloodstock Agent who became involved in a heated Internet discussion regarding "Munition's" disappearance; she posted on Twitter: “[Plaintiff] -- you are f***ing crazy!” Because of this single "tweet," the plaintiff sued for defamation, claiming that the "tweet" defamed her reputation and attacked her sanity. In response, the defendant asked the Court to dismiss the case on the basis that the "tweet" was not defamatory but instead was mere opinion and hyperbole. The court agreed. Read More ›
Categories: Defamation, Lawsuit, Sales/Disputes
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Legal Aspects of the Trial Period: Three Foreseeable Problems and Ways to Avoid Them
"Try out my horse for few weeks. See if you get along with him."
These were the words of a sincere, well-intentioned seller who only wanted a satisfied buyer. Could anything possibly go wrong with this trial period arrangement? Let’s explore three possible problems and ways to avoid them. Read More ›
Categories: Insurance, Liability, Sales/Disputes
Know the Limitations of Small Claims Court
You just bought a horse but believe the seller lied to you about its health, history, and training. You want the sale reversed, the horse returned to the seller, and your purchase price returned. You also want all of your hauling expenses and veterinary bills reimbursed. Can you avoid the expense of a lawyer and sue the seller on your own in small claims court? Read More ›
Categories: Sales/Disputes
Not All Legal Disputes Warrant a Lawsuit
Is every legal dispute appropriate for a lawsuit? Not necessarily. Sometimes the dispute can be resolved quickly and amicably – as long as the parties are willing to consider an alternative to the legal system such as arbitration or mediation. Read More ›
Categories: Contracts, Sales/Disputes
Common Equine Breeding Disputes and How to Avoid Them
Horse breeding transactions can generate several disputes, including the following:
Problem
The stallion’s show or race schedule prevents its availability for breeding by cooled semen or live cover.
If the breeding will be accomplished by live cover, AI, or shipped cooled semen, which requires the stallion to be available for collection, this problem can be avoided by a contract that specifies a range of dates or months in which the stallion can be available. Read about other common disputes ›
Categories: Breeding, Sales/Disputes
Legal Aspects of Buying a Horse from a Sales Agent
Generally speaking, it is completely legal to do business with an agent in a business transaction. An agency relationship generally exists when one person, such as a horse seller, agrees to allow another person to act on his or her behalf in a transaction. The agent acts on behalf of the “principal.”
Risks
Those who deal with parties claiming to be agents can encounter risks, such as: Read More ›
Categories: Sales/Disputes
Tips for the Novice Horse Buyer
Our office receives numerous calls from first-time horse buyers who are soured on the horse industry due to bad experiences with horse sellers. Some proceed with lawsuits. Horse buyers who proceed cautiously and seek assistance at the proper time can, in many cases, avoid disputes. This article offers some suggestions. Read More ›
Categories: Sales/Disputes
Three Written Words That Might Prevent a Lawsuit
Gene buys a mare from a horse seller across the country, and pays the full purchase price, which the seller receives. Shipping was set for the next day. As the shipper pulls in to get the horse, it is discovered that the horse has become seriously ill and dies within hours, while still at the seller’s stable. Is Gene entitled to a refund?
The answer could depend on three important words, “Risk of loss.” Read More ›
Categories: Sales/Disputes
The Unique Benefits of Hiring an Equine Law Practitioner
In January 2013, I spoke at a number of education programs on Equine Law. Attendees raised several questions, and some of them are shared on this blog.
Question
Has your equine law experience made a difference in specific cases where opposing counsel may have lacked similar experience? If so, how? Answer ›
Categories: Insurance, Sales/Disputes
Pre-Sale Agreements Regarding Inspections and Testing
During a national teleconference on Equine Law in January 2013, I was asked: “Do you recommend pre-sale agreements regarding inspections and testing?”
Answer
Yes. When I represent sellers in equine sale transactions, I prefer a contract that specifies that the buyer has received an opportunity to have the horse tested by veterinarians and equine professionals of the buyer's own choosing and at the buyer's sole expense. Allowing, if not encouraging, the buyer to seek professional opinions on the horse can help break the chain of reliance on the seller. What about a buyer-oriented contract? ›
Categories: Contracts, Sales/Disputes
Top 10 Things The Equine Community Needs To Know About Equine Liability Laws
"Julie Fershtman is considered by many to be the nation's leading expert on equine activity liability acts. Her 30-minute presentation for a recent educational webinar on equine activity liability acts for the American Horse Council is available for viewing. Please take a look, here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCROISSPMJs
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
Equine Blog Ranked in Feedspot
Foster Swift's Equine Law Blog was ranked #8 in Feedspot.com's "15 Best Equine Law Blogs and Websites".
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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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