Securing Justice for a Misrepresented Equine Purchase

Background

Our client purchased a horse from an equestrian dealer based on advertisements and verbal assurances that it was suitable for showjumping and dressage. However, soon after the purchase, it became clear that the horse was unable to perform these disciplines. The client sought to recover the purchase price and associated costs, including livery and insurance, on the grounds of misrepresentation, breach of contract, and a violation of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Approach

The seller denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the horse was fully capable of competing. To build a strong case, we conducted a thorough investigation, obtaining veterinary records that revealed underlying health conditions affecting the horse’s ability to perform. We instructed expert witnesses to provide independent assessments and pursued the case through the courts, arguing that the seller knowingly misrepresented the horse’s capabilities.

Outcome

The court ruled in our client’s favour, confirming that the seller had breached the contract and misrepresented the horse’s condition. Our client successfully recovered the full purchase price and associated costs. This case reinforced the importance of consumer protections and demonstrated our expertise in securing fair outcomes for equestrian disputes.