I want to bring my horse home from a failed boarding and training contract. How do you stop me?

I own two horses at present that are boarded. If I was faced with this situation it is very simple. I would go to the stable, get my horses on a trailer and be off. If I was having difficulties with the barn owner I wouldn't bother mentioning when I was coming. I take my horses out of the yard on a regular basis for treks and competitions, no one has ever questioned my right to take my own horses. When I've moved horses from one place to another in the past I would honour any written contracts, if there were none then I am not obliged to cater to the barn owners wishes. They run a business, if they feel 30 days notice should be mandatory then it is up to them to conduct business properly and have written contracts with clear terms.

I have had horses since I was young, moved to plenty of difference stables and have never had a problem legally or had to get the law involved in removing my own horses. Sure some of the barn owners might have been unhappy to lose my business but being unhappy and holding your horses against your will and/or taking legal action are completely different things.

As someone who had once been a boarder , a stable manager and now have my own stable and boarders of my own , unless you owe back board you have every right to come take your horse. I imagine if she wants notice , she is either making it mean for you or she wants to secure another boarder before you leave , if your current and have time left .... even better the stall is paid for ...take the horse. A written contract this should have been made in the first place . The lady should let you go. If you think you may have trouble with this person , by all means bring a disinterested party with you to pick up your horse. A deputy would not be a bad idea if she may make a scene. ALWAYS cover yourself. You do not want to have her try to come back on you and start something. Believe me horse people can be the nasty to eachother.

Personally, I wouldn't. But if I were a douche I'd keep my gates locked 24/7, especially the gate to the horse's pasture. I'd ignore communication or give half assed excuses as to why I can't unlock the gates. I'd call the cops and try to coerce them into taking my side. If it comes down to the worst, I'd get physical. I might try to counterfeit a contract signed by you to prove you can't leave. But like I said, if it were me, I'd just let them leave. And if I were in that situation, I'd get all the evidence I have. Everything I have to prove I've kept my side of the agreement and that I own the horse and everything I have to prove she hasn't. I'd get all that collected and call the police. I'd take them with me to pick up my horse. If she keeps leaving and locking her gates every time I say I'm coming, then I'd surprise her so she doesn't have time to leave. Surprise her and confront her with evidence and cops at my side.

Side note: I realize keeping the owner from the horse is illegal. That's why I said I wouldn't do it personally, but it's something a crazy person might try. Also why I said to bring the cops, because it's illegal. And it's allowed, not aloud.

If I were the barn owner, I wouldn't try to stop you unless I was an idiot. If I were an idiot, I would have my hired help prevent you from entering the barn, or would call the police and have you arrested for criminal trespass. Either way, YOUR case is FAR stronger than his, and you would almost certainly win any small claims case. He really doesn't have a legal leg to stand on. If I were you however, I'd bring a friend or two just in case he is either stupid, or nuts.

Most owners, I suspect try to physically block you from entering or leaving the property with locked doors and gates. I would be surprised it it got physical.

If you believe there is potential for this, I would gather up my paperwork, especially whatever proves that you actually own the horse, and call the local police, requesting a "stand by" to help keep the piece. With proof of ownership, this becomes a civil manner. The police will prevent anyone from getting hurt. You, however, need to be on your best behavior also, the officer is not going to have much sympathy for you if you use their presence to bully the barn owner.

Unless you have signed a written contract that says you cannot remove your horse from the premise for so many years or something like that which you've said u haven't they legally cannot, they can recommend it and get annoyed but unless youve sold the horse or signed a contract they have no right to

It is YOUR property. Bring proof of that. If you're all paid up for the month there's nothing they can do to stop you. If the person calls the police BE CALM and explain what happened to the officer.

If she tries blocking your taking of your property you can contact police yourself and have them come out to fix the issue. The horse is your property not hers.

Where is Zephania666? She was pretty invested in a similar situation yesterday.

In fact... she had delved into how the 4th Amendment would come into play in a situation like this. I felt like I was in college again... waiting for the buffoon at the back of the hall to stop lecturing my contracts class professor....

if it were me, I would cease all communication with her. I would not tell her when I was coming. I would bring a friend and a smart phone, in case things get ugly. I'd be getting my horse asap....as she is probably really going to start scrimping on care.

The better response is to call the local police yourself explain the situation with proof and ask if they can provide you an escort to pick up your horse. This way you dont have to worry about being charged with trespassing, you dont have to worry about the property owner attacking you, and you dont have to deal with attacks from employees. This way you also avoid a potential theft charge.