Free to download and print · Last updated July 1, 2026
Not legal advice. These templates are provided as a free starting point for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Equine liability law varies by state and changes over time. Review any document with a licensed attorney in your state before using it.
Pennsylvania law: Pennsylvania's stable keeper's lien is possessory; the Stable may retain the horse and enforce the lien by public sale after 30 days' written notice to the owner under 68 P.S. § 421 et seq.
HORSE BOARDING AGREEMENT — PENNSYLVANIA
This Boarding Agreement ("Agreement") is made on [DATE] between:
Stable: [BARN OR STABLE NAME] ("the Stable"), located at [BARN ADDRESS]
Owner: [HORSE OWNER FULL NAME] ("the Owner"), of [OWNER ADDRESS], phone [PHONE]
1. HORSE. The Stable agrees to board the following horse(s):
Name: [HORSE NAME] Registered name: [REGISTERED NAME OR "N/A"]
Breed: [BREED] Age: [AGE] Color: [COLOR] Sex: [SEX]
Identifying marks / microchip: [DETAILS]
2. BOARD AND SERVICES. Board type (circle one): full board / partial board / pasture board / self-care.
Included services: stall or shelter, [#] feedings per day of [FEED TYPE], hay, water, turnout [SCHEDULE], stall cleaning [FREQUENCY].
Services NOT included (billed separately or arranged by Owner): farrier, veterinary care, dentistry, deworming, blanketing, training, exercise, mane pulling/clipping, holding for vet/farrier at $[RATE].
3. FEES. Monthly board is $[AMOUNT], due in advance on the [DAY] of each month. A late fee of $[AMOUNT OR %] applies after [GRACE PERIOD] days. Returned payments incur a $[AMOUNT] fee. Board may be adjusted with [30/60] days' written notice.
4. STANDARD OF CARE. The Stable agrees to provide reasonable and customary care consistent with accepted equine husbandry practices. The Stable is not the insurer of the horse's safety or health.
5. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS. Owner shall provide proof of: negative Coggins within the previous 12 months, current vaccinations ([LIST]), and a regular deworming program. The Stable may refuse entry or require quarantine for any horse showing signs of contagious illness.
6. EMERGENCY CARE. If the Stable cannot reach the Owner during a medical emergency, the Owner authorizes the Stable to obtain veterinary care up to $[AMOUNT], at the Owner's expense. Preferred veterinarian: [NAME / PHONE]. Preferred farrier: [NAME / PHONE]. In a life-threatening situation, the attending veterinarian's judgment controls.
7. RISK OF LOSS AND LIABILITY. The Owner acknowledges the inherent risks of equine activities and boarding, and agrees that the Stable is not liable for injury to, or death, illness, escape, or theft of the horse, nor for injury to the Owner or the Owner's guests, except where caused by the Stable's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Owner is encouraged to carry mortality, major-medical, and personal liability insurance.
8. OWNER'S PROPERTY. Tack and equipment are stored at the Owner's risk. The Stable is not responsible for loss or damage.
9. STABLEMAN'S / AGISTER'S LIEN — PENNSYLVANIA. The Owner acknowledges that unpaid board fees may give rise to a lien on the horse under Pennsylvania's Agister's and stable keeper's lien (68 P.S. § 421). Pennsylvania's stable keeper's lien is possessory; the Stable may retain the horse and enforce the lien by public sale after 30 days' written notice to the owner under 68 P.S. § 421 et seq. Nothing herein limits any lien or remedy available to the Stable under Pennsylvania law. The Owner is advised to consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney regarding the current scope and procedures of this lien.
10. TERMINATION. Either party may terminate with [30] days' written notice. The Stable may terminate immediately for nonpayment, dangerous behavior of the horse, or violation of Stable rules. Upon termination, all outstanding charges are due before the horse leaves the property.
11. RULES. The Owner agrees to follow the Stable's posted rules, barn hours [HOURS], and instructions of Stable staff. Guests are the Owner's responsibility and must sign the Stable's liability release.
12. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. Any dispute shall be resolved in the courts of [COUNTY], Pennsylvania. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the parties and may be amended only in writing signed by both parties.
NOT LEGAL ADVICE. This template is a free starting point for informational purposes only. Review this document with a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania before using it.
Stable signature: ______________________ Date: __________
Owner signature: ______________________ Date: __________
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Is this Pennsylvania horse boarding agreement legally valid?
This template is a free starting point. Review it with a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania before use to confirm it complies with current local law.
What is an agister's lien, and how does it apply here?
An agister's or stableman's lien gives a boarding stable the right to retain a horse — and in some states sell it — as security for unpaid board fees. Pennsylvania's stable keeper's lien is possessory; the Stable may retain the horse and enforce the lien by public sale after 30 days' written notice to the owner under 68 P.S. § 421 et seq.
Do I need an attorney to review this boarding agreement?
We strongly recommend reviewing this document with a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania before assigning it to participants. Equine liability laws vary by state and courts apply different standards to exculpatory clauses.