LITIGATION

Schelstraete Equine Law 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.

Contact our litigation experts

Legal Help in International Commercial Litigation & Equine Disputes

At Schelstraete Equine Law, we advise and represent businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, private clients, and professionals in complex cross-border litigation. While our firm is internationally recognized for its expertise in the equestrian sector, our litigation practice extends to a broad range of commercial disputes across industries.

Our longstanding experience in the equestrian sector provides a thorough understanding of the industry’s commercial practices, regulatory bodies, and international nature. This sector expertise enables us to assess disputes within their broader commercial context and develop litigation strategies that are practical, strategic, and aligned with our clients’ long-term interests. The same commercially informed approach underpins our broader litigation practice.

Our approach is defined by:

Cross-border procedural expertise;
Industry-specific knowledge where relevant;
Risk assessment and dispute management;
Confidential handling of sensitive matters.

Areas of Expertise

High-stakes Commercial Disputes

Breach of contract, failed horse transactions, misrepresentation claims, partnership conflicts, agency disputes, and investment-related litigation

International Arbitration & Regulatory Matters

Representation in international arbitration, governing body proceedings, and disciplinary matters before sports authorities such as FEI Tribunal, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and HISA

Veterinary & Pre-Purchase Disputes

Professional negligence claims, pre-purchase examination conflicts, fitness and soundness disputes, and expert-driven technical litigation.

Ownership & Title Conflicts

Multi-party ownership disputes, syndicate conflicts, beneficial ownership claims, and emergency proceedings involving competition horses.

Insurance & Liability Issues

Mortality claims, transport liability, competition-related injuries, and complex risk allocation matters.

Our Specialized Lawyers

Leading lawyers delivering cross-border legal excellence.

l.schelstraete@schelstraete.com +31 6 51 61 9119

Areas of expertise:

Contracting
Litigation
Corporate
Family Office
Doping and Disciplinary Cases
Sports Law
Due Diligence in Equine deals

Luc has registered the legal practice area ‘Verbintenissenrecht’ in the Netherlands Bar’s register of legal practice areas (rechtsgebiedenregister). Based on this registration, he is required to obtain ten training credits per calendar year in this registered legal practice area in accordance with the standards set by the Netherlands Bar.

p.wawrzyniak@schelstraete.com +31 6 51 61 9120

Areas of expertise:

Contracting
Litigation
Corporate
Family Office
Doping and Disciplinary Cases
Sports Law
Due Diligence in Equine deals

Piotr has registered the legal practice area ‘Verbintenissenrecht’ in the Netherlands Bar’s register of legal practice areas (rechtsgebiedenregister). Based on this registration, he is required to obtain ten training credits per calendar year in this registered legal practice area in accordance with the standards set by the Netherlands Bar.

v.zitman@schelstraete.com

Areas of expertise:

Litigation
Corporate
Liability

Vincent has registered the legal practice area ‘Verbintenissenrecht’ in the Netherlands Bar’s register of legal practice areas (rechtsgebiedenregister). Based on this registration, he is required to obtain ten training credits per calendar year in this registered legal practice area in accordance with the standards set by the Netherlands Bar.