An agister is a person who feeds or pastures livestock for a fee. Agistment contracts are generally subject to the law of bailments. The liability of an agister depends on the terms of the agreement. In the absence of a special contract, the agister is not an insurer against the escape of animals entrusted to his care, but the agreement may provide otherwise.
Colorado General Form of Agreement or Contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions between a horse owner (the "Owner") and a horse caretaker or a boarding stable (the "Aristae"). This agreement sets forth the responsibilities, rights, and obligations of both parties regarding the care, custody, and control of the horse(s). The Colorado General Form of Agreement encompasses several key elements. Firstly, it describes the identification details of the horse(s) such as name, breed, age, color, markings, registration information, and medical history. This ensures that the right horse is being cared for and aids in any future reference. Secondly, the document elaborates on the services being provided by the Aristae. It includes provisions for horse boarding, feeding, grooming, exercise, turnout, stall cleaning, disease prevention, and emergency veterinary care. It may also address additional services like training, transportation, or other specific requests as agreed upon by both parties. Thirdly, the agreement covers the financial aspects of the arrangement. It specifies the monthly boarding fee, the due date for payment, and any additional costs such as veterinary care, farrier services, or supplementation. It also outlines possible consequences for late payments or non-payment, including termination of the agreement and possible disposal of the horse(s). Fourthly, the agreement includes liability and insurance clauses to protect both parties. It clarifies that the Owner retains ownership and assumes the risks associated with the horse(s), while the Aristae will exercise reasonable care to prevent any harm or injury to the horse(s). Furthermore, it may require the Aristae to maintain liability insurance coverage and list the Owner as an additional insured party. Moreover, the agreement addresses termination and dispute resolution. It specifies the notice period required to terminate the agreement, grounds for termination, and any associated penalties or refunds. Additionally, it may include a clause for mediation or arbitration to resolve any disputes that may arise during the term of the agreement. While the Colorado General Form of Agreement serves as a comprehensive agreement applicable to most boarding arrangements, there might be variations or specific provisions required for different purposes or situations. For example, there could be specific forms for short-term or temporary boarding, breeding services, or training agreements. It is important for parties involved to carefully review and tailor the agreement to their specific needs to ensure all relevant details are included and understood. In conclusion, the Colorado General Form of Agreement provides a framework for horse owners and caretakers to establish a clear understanding of their responsibilities and rights. It outlines the care, financial, liability, termination, and dispute resolution aspects of the agreement. However, it is essential to note that different types of specific agreements may also be available to cater to the diverse needs and requirements of horse owners and caretakers in Colorado.
