Equestrians - looking after your horse in your will

I have been a horse owner for many years. Owning a horse or pony is a lifestyle rather than a hobby and I am all too familiar with the commitment involved in owning these beautiful animals, they are like family. There is nothing I enjoy more than riding my Connemara pony, Dazzle, after work or on a sunny Sunday morning. 

I hope Dazzle will not outlive me, but if he does, I want to ensure he is looked after by someone I trust and who knows exactly how to look after him. That is why it is important for us equestrians to make provision in our wills for our beloved equines. If there is no specific provision in your will for your horse or pony, they will be passed with the rest of your estate.  

Previously, under the Administration of the Estates Act 1925, the definition of chattels included a horse, together with carriages and stable furniture. The definition was updated in 2014, so horses were no longer a specific part of the definition and would no longer pass under the chattels clause of your will. If you are a horse owner and your will is dated prior to 2014, you may wish to update your will. 

What to consider

Fundamental considerations you should include in your will are:

• who your horse should be passed to and whether they are able and willing to look after your horse
• how the costs of looking after your horse or pony will be met when you die. Costs you will usually need to consider will include livery rent, hay, feed, farrier bills, vet bills, equine insurance and more!  You could leave a specific sum of money to the beneficiary to hopefully cover the costs for your horse’s lifetime. You will also need to consider matters such as tack, transfer of ownership on their passport and transporting your horse or pony to their new home.  

I would recommend you discuss your wishes with the potential beneficiary before making your will, as although a horse or pony is very much an asset, it is also an ongoing liability.

Plan B 

What if the beneficiary’s circumstances change and for any reason cannot look after your horse? There are many animal welfare charities that would be willing to rehome your horse.  It is advisable that you have a plan B, like a charity, and that you leave a specific cash sum to help the charity with the costs of looking after your horse. 

What if you change horse or pony during your lifetime?

Like me, you may have had horses and ponies all your life and, therefore, you have not owned the same horse or pony for the duration due to either the passing of your horse or you may have sold them and bought a new one. 

If you believe that there is a possibility that you will acquire additional horses or ponies, or may change your beloved equine during your lifetime, you may wish to make your will in a way that it has provision for any horse or pony you may own at the point of your death. 

What if your horse has a specific routine or requirements? 

You may have a horse who has a medical condition such as gastric ulcers or sweet itch, which involves the administration of treatment or a specialist feed. A way to let the beneficiary know of your horse’s requirements is by leaving a side letter with your will. This may include their feed, who their farrier is, how often to exercise your horse, their chiropractor, vet and even what their favourite treats are! 

By making a will with a specific provision for your horse, you can have peace of mind that your horse will be looked after the way you would like them to be after you are gone. If you would like to discuss making or amending your will, please contact Charlotte Burkert on 01245 453844 or charlotte.burkert@birkettlong.co.uk