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.
Michigan General Form of Agreement or Contract is a legally binding document that regulates the arrangement between a horse owner (known as the "Owner") and a person or facility providing care, boarding, and maintenance services for the horses (known as the "Aristae" or "Boarding facility"). This agreement ensures that both parties clearly understand their rights and responsibilities. The Michigan General Form of Agreement includes several key aspects. Firstly, it outlines the details of the parties involved, such as their names, addresses, and contact information. It also specifies a description of the horse(s) under consideration, including breed, age, markings, and any identification details like microchip or registration numbers. The contract further provides information regarding the duration of the agreement, whether it is a fixed-term contract or open-ended. It usually sets forth the agreed-upon boarding fees, payment terms, and acceptable methods of payment. This section may also cover additional charges for services such as veterinary care, farrier visits, or special feeding requirements. The Michigan General Form of Agreement also addresses the responsibilities of both parties. The Owner is typically responsible for maintaining current vaccinations, deforming, and hoof care of the horse(s) in accordance with industry standards. The Aristae, on the other hand, agree to provide appropriate stabling, feeding, and general care in a safe and responsible manner. In the event of injury or illness to the horse(s), the agreement often outlines the procedures and limitations of liability for both parties. It may state that the Aristae is obliged to promptly notify the Owner and obtain veterinary care as necessary, with any expenses generally being the Owner's responsibility. The contract may also include provisions regarding termination of the agreement, including notice requirements from either party and any applicable penalties for early termination. It is advisable to include a clause that addresses dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation or arbitration, in case any conflicts arise. Different types of Michigan General Form of Agreement or Contract may include variations based on specific needs. For instance, there might be separate agreements for full care or partial care boarding, seasonal or temporary boarding, or agreements tailored to specific disciplines like dressage or show jumping. In summary, the Michigan General Form of Agreement or Contract is a comprehensive document that enables both horse owners and boarding facilities to establish clear expectations and protect their interests. It covers aspects such as horse identification, payment terms, responsibilities, liability limitations, termination procedures, and dispute resolution.
