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.
The Virginia General Form of Agreement or Contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions between a horse owner (referred to as the "Owner") and a horse caretaker or facility (referred to as the "Aviator") for the boarding and care of horses. This agreement is specifically designed for Virginia state laws and regulations. The Virginia General Form of Agreement covers various important aspects of the horse boarding arrangement to ensure a clear understanding and protect the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved. It includes key clauses related to horse care, payment terms, liability, and dispute resolution. Under the terms of the agreement, the Owner agrees to pay the Aviator for the agreement services provided, including but not limited to, feed, water, turnout, stall cleaning, and veterinary care. The Owner may also specify any additional services required, such as blanketing or exercise, which can be included as separate clauses in the contract. Payment terms are clearly defined in the agreement, including the rate charged per horse day, month, or year, and the acceptable methods of payment. Late fees, if applicable, can also be discussed in this section. The parties may agree upon discounts for multiple horses or long-term boarding arrangements. Liability is a crucial aspect covered in the Virginia General Form of Agreement. It outlines that the Aviator will take reasonable care in looking after the horses but cannot be held responsible for any injury, illness, or death of the horse unless caused by negligence or willful misconduct. The owner is generally required to provide proof of insurance to cover any potential risks associated with agreement. The dispute resolution clause ensures that any conflicts or disagreements arising out of the agreement will be resolved through mediation or arbitration, rather than resorting to court litigation. This provides a quicker and less costly alternative to reaching a resolution. While the Virginia General Form of Agreement can be used as a template for most boarding arrangements, there may be variations or additional clauses required for specific situations or facilities. Some examples of specialized agreements include Partial Agreement Contracts (where the owner retains some care responsibilities) or Breeding Agreement Contracts (for the care of mares during the breeding process). Overall, the Virginia General Form of Agreement serves as a comprehensive and customizable document that aims to protect the interests of both horse owners and aviators while ensuring the well-being of horses under their care. It is essential for both parties to carefully review, understand, and modify the agreement to accurately reflect their particular situation and requirements.
