LEGAL SERVICES
Schelstraete Equine Law provides strategic equine law, commercial litigation, and sports law services to businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and private clients operating in both national and international markets. While the equestrian industry remains a core area of expertise, our practice extends to a broad range of complex commercial and cross-border legal matters.
Our services are available 24/7 worldwide, ensuring that urgent and time-sensitive matters are handled immediately and efficiently.
Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your legal and commercial objectives.
Law practice
Consultancy
Law Practice
We combine extensive legal knowledge with industry-specific insight to deliver practical, commercially-driven expert equine law, commercial litigation and sports law services
Schelstraete Equine Law advises on, drafts, and negotiates contracts for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and private clients across a broad range of industries. We also have extensive experience preparing contracts for owners, riders, trainers, and organizations operating within the equine sector.
Our expertise includes commercial agreements, shareholder arrangements, co-ownership structures, sponsorship agreements, and more. We ensure that each contract incorporates all essential elements and safeguards, providing reliable protection in both national and international contexts.
Our team of experts advises and represents clients in complex litigation and cross-border dispute resolution. We act in national courts, international arbitration proceedings, and regulatory bodies worldwide, protecting the legal and commercial interests of riders, owners, breeders, investors, private clients, and (equestrian) businesses.
Schelstraete Equine Law advises equine businesses, stables and investment structures on governance, risk management, acquisitions and restructuring in an international and cross-border context. We create robust legal frameworks tailored to the operational realities and regulatory demands of the global horse industry.
With Schelstraete Equine Law, your enterprise benefits from strategic, compliant and internationally oriented corporate guidance.
Schelstraete Equine Law advises and represents clients worldwide in disciplinary and doping proceedings before leading national and international sports tribunals, including the FEI, CAS, and HISA. We combine legal expertise, scientific knowledge, and strategic representation to navigate complex regulatory matters with precision and confidentiality.
Schelstraete Equine Law assists riders, trainers, grooms, and equestrian staff with visas, work permits, and residency procedures. Our firm ensures timely and accurate handling of documentation to support international competition schedules and stable operations.
Structuring and providing strategic advice for equine events, series, and joint ventures. Mergers and acquisitions of equine businesses. Representation of private equity investors in equine sports.
Consultancy
We provide strategic, commercially driven advice tailored to the dynamics of the international equine industry.
Schelstraete Equine Law offers mediation for parties seeking an efficient, discreet and solution-oriented approach to resolving disputes. We facilitate structured and informed dialogue aimed at achieving balanced outcomes, preserving professional relationships and minimizing the risk of further escalation.
Mediation is conducted by Mr. Charlotte van der Steen, Master of Laws, who has completed the ICM mediation training program. Her legal background and in-depth knowledge of the equine sector enable her to guide parties through complex disputes with clarity, neutrality and a strong focus on practical solutions.
Schelstraete Equine Law supports equine businesses in meeting their compliance obligations, which include adhering to applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. This encompasses areas such as animal welfare, transport regulations, anti-doping frameworks, employment law, and corporate governance. We help organizations operate securely, responsibly, and in full alignment with both national and international standards.
Schelstraete Equine Law supports high-net-worth families with asset structuring, succession planning, and international ownership matters.
Schelstraete Equine Law provides legal guidance on a broad range of financial matters within the equine sector. We offer clear, well-founded, and legally sound support in financial matters relevant to horses and equine enterprises.
Schelstraete Equine Law guides clients through the legal and regulatory complexities of importing and exporting horses worldwide. We prepare transport contracts, purchase agreements, and veterinary documentation, and intervene in disputes involving delays, injuries, or regulatory failures.
Our Specialized Lawyers
Leading lawyers delivering cross-border legal excellence.
- Contracting
- Litigation
- Corporate
- Family Office
- Doping and Disciplinary Cases
- Sports Law
- Due Diligence in Equine deals
Luc Schelstraete
Partner / Attorney-at-law
- Contracting
- Litigation
- Corporate
- Family Office
- Doping and Disciplinary Cases
- Sports Law
- Due Diligence in Equine deals
Piotr Wawrzyniak
Partner / Attorney-at-law
- Litigation
- Corporate
- Liability
Vincent Zitman
Attorney-at-law / Senior associate
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- Commercial Dispute Resolution
- Mediation
- Sports Law
- Litigation
Zachary Calo
Head of U.S Practice / Attorney-at-law
Get in touch
Whether you have a specific legal question or need strategic advice, our team of international equine lawyers is ready to assist you.
Head Office
Hoflaan 7-9,
5223 LT
’s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands