Equestrian Property

Our specialist Equestrian Property Team understands your needs. As key members of the team own and compete horses, we are aware not only of the legal issues involved in your property transaction, but also the practical issues. We understand that the accommodation for your horses can often be more important than your own accommodation, and that obtaining planning permission to construct your sand school may be more important than consent to extend the house.

Planning

Planning is often an issue with equestrian properties as “horseiculture” does not fall within the definition of “agriculture”. Planning permission will usually be required for the construction of stables, ménages and hay barns. It will almost always be required for a cross-country course, and may even be required if show jumps are set up and used permanently on the land.

A property located in Green Belt land may have access to superb hacking, but if there are no existing equestrian facilities at the property you may find that your dream of constructing a luxury stable block and indoor school is thwarted by the planning office. By instructing us early, we can make enquiries before you commit to spending money on surveys and the like.

Liveries and other equestrian business uses

If you wish to keep a few liveries at the property we can check whether the existing planning permission allows this and also prepare livery agreements or grazing licences. There will be different requirements if you are planning to run a livery yard as a business, or provide a full livery service rather than rent out your stables on a DIY basis. We can assist with a change of use planning application to try to secure permission for the type of equestrian business that you would like to carry out at the property.

In every instance where members of the public and/or their horses have access to your property you should ensure that you have adequate public liability insurance in place.

Whatever equestrian business you propose to undertake, we can advise you on the relevant legislation and give you practical advice on issues that relate to your existing property, or before you commit to a new purchase.

Our other equestrian services

To complement our conveyancing service, we can assist you with the following: