Equine Proceedings

Stoll Keenon Ogden has been providing worldwide law services in all facets of the equine industry for more than 75 years.  The Equine Law Litigation Subgroup is an active participant with the Equine Group, in our equine practice.  Kentucky is renowned for its Thoroughbred heritage and SKO represents many clients in the Thoroughbred industry; it also represents equine clients involved in a wide array of other breeds such as American Saddlebreds, Arabians, Morgans, Standardbreds and Quarter Horses.  Below is a brief summary of a few of the litigation issues with which SKO has assisted clients involved with all these multiple horse breeds.

Litigation and Alternative Dispute Proceedings
The equine industry presents unique challenges for the legal practitioner requiring in-depth knowledge of the customs and usages of the industry.  When conflicts arise among participants in the industry, SKO has professionals fully versed in all aspects of the equine industry as well as the intricacies of litigation and alternative dispute resolution. In the public auction arena, conditions of sale frequently require the use of mediation. SKO has also been at the forefront of major equine litigation, from antitrust to collection matters involving familiarity with the detailed and specific rules applicable to agisters’ liens and stud fee liens.

Administrative Law
SKO represents Keeneland and other well-known race tracks; owners, trainers and other equine participants before administrative tribunals; and has served as counsel to Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The proceedings involve allocation of racing dates, license approvals and suspensions and general matters.  SKO also represents equine groups and individuals before the United States Equestrian Federation.

Bankruptcy
SKO counsels several large horse farms as secured creditors in bankruptcy proceedings and has represented other equine industry participants in bankruptcy matters.

Collections

SKO assists equine clients in collecting fees and other debts.