Liability and veterinary costs: Free advice

Questioner

My horse is stabled at a boarding stable. I was away for a day and the stable owner also went out for a day, he left the care of the horses to someone who also has her horse stabled there. She gets paid for this in lessons/training of her horse by the stable owner. I have told that girl several times in the past that I do not want others to let my horse loose in the indoor arena when I am not there. Now she has done it and my horse is lame. That is of course annoying enough, especially since my horse is for sale. But who is liable for the veterinary costs? I am very curious about your vision!

Lawyer

An unpleasant situation indeed. I wonder if you can recover the veterinary costs. That is possible if there is a breach of contract or an unlawful act. In both cases you must demonstrate that the damage to your horse was caused by the (unlawful) actions of the boarding stable and/or the girl. Because you were not there when the damage occurred, this proof can be difficult. Have you entered into a written agreement with the boarding stable? I advise you to read this agreement and see if it contains anything about damage and liability. Furthermore, you can always submit your problem to the boarding stable. They may be willing to think along with you and pay the costs. Good luck!