Free North Carolina Horse Training Agreement Template
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.
North Carolina law: North Carolina's agister's lien is possessory; the Stable may enforce it by retaining the horse and conducting a public sale after 30 days' written notice under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-2 et seq.
HORSE TRAINING AGREEMENT — NORTH CAROLINA
This Training Agreement ("Agreement") is made on [DATE] between:
Trainer: [TRAINER FULL NAME / BUSINESS NAME] ("the Trainer"), of [ADDRESS]
Owner: [HORSE OWNER FULL NAME] ("the Owner"), of [OWNER ADDRESS], phone [PHONE]
1. HORSE. Name: [HORSE NAME] Breed: [BREED] Age: [AGE] Sex: [SEX]
Current training level: [DESCRIPTION]
2. TRAINING PROGRAM. The Trainer will provide approximately [#] training sessions per week in [DISCIPLINE], focused on the following goals: [GOALS]. The Owner acknowledges that horses progress at different rates and that no specific result is guaranteed.
3. TERM. Training begins on [START DATE] and continues month-to-month / for [#] months (circle one), unless terminated under Section 9.
4. FEES. Training fee: $[AMOUNT] per month, due in advance on the [DAY] of each month. The fee does / does not (circle one) include board. Additional costs (show fees, hauling, farrier, veterinary, supplements) are the Owner's responsibility and require the Owner's prior approval above $[AMOUNT].
5. CARE AND AUTHORITY. While the horse is in the Trainer's care, the Trainer may make routine decisions regarding daily care, exercise, and handling. The Trainer will promptly notify the Owner of any injury or illness. Emergency veterinary care is authorized up to $[AMOUNT] if the Owner cannot be reached; preferred veterinarian: [NAME / PHONE].
6. SHOWS AND TRANSPORT. The Trainer may / may not (circle one) haul the horse and represent the Owner at shows. Show entries, hauling fees, and day care are billed to the Owner at [RATES].
7. RISK AND LIABILITY. The Owner acknowledges the inherent risks of equine training activities and agrees that the Trainer is not liable for injury to, or death of, the horse, nor for injury to the Owner or the Owner's guests, arising from those inherent risks, except where caused by the Trainer's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Owner is encouraged to insure the horse. The Trainer carries / does not carry (circle one) commercial equine liability insurance.
8. OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES. The Owner shall keep the horse current on vaccinations, Coggins, deworming, and farrier care (unless included above), and shall disclose any known vices, health conditions, or behavioral history of the horse.
9. TERMINATION AND LIEN — NORTH CAROLINA. Either party may terminate with [30] days' written notice. The Trainer may terminate immediately if the horse is dangerous or fees are unpaid. All outstanding charges are due before the horse leaves the Trainer's care. The Owner acknowledges that unpaid training fees may give rise to a lien on the horse under North Carolina's Agister's lien (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-3). North Carolina's agister's lien is possessory; the Stable may enforce it by retaining the horse and conducting a public sale after 30 days' written notice under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-2 et seq. The Owner is advised to consult a licensed North Carolina attorney regarding the current scope and procedures of this lien.
10. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. Any dispute shall be resolved in the courts of [COUNTY], North Carolina. 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 North Carolina before using it.
Trainer signature: ______________________ Date: __________
Owner signature: ______________________ Date: __________
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Is this North Carolina horse training agreement legally valid?
This template is a free starting point. Review it with a licensed attorney in North Carolina before use.
Can a trainer keep my horse if I don't pay?
Under North Carolina's agister's lien law, a trainer who has custody of your horse may have a lien right to hold — and potentially sell — the horse to recover unpaid fees. North Carolina's agister's lien is possessory; the Stable may enforce it by retaining the horse and conducting a public sale after 30 days' written notice under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-2 et seq.
Do I need an attorney to review this training agreement?
We strongly recommend reviewing this document with a licensed attorney in North Carolina before assigning it to participants. Equine liability laws vary by state and courts apply different standards to exculpatory clauses.