Our Dutch Equine Lawyers
The Dutch headquarters of Schelstraete Equine Law is at the heart of our international equine law and sports law practice. From here, our Dutch equine lawyers advise and represent national and international clients throughout the horse industry in complex legal matters.
Our specialized legal services in equine law and sports law are available to clients worldwide and 24/7. Clients rely on our equine lawyers for timely, strategic and experienced legal guidance, with a constant focus on safeguarding their career, reputation and business.
Our Equine Law Expertise
Our equine lawyers advise and represent clients across a wide range of matters, including:
- Drafting and negotiating equine contracts
- Equine transactions
- Litigation and disputes, including matters relating to hidden defects and veterinary liability
- Doping and disciplinary proceedings before governing bodies such as the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Horse Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)
- Corporate legal advice
- Mediation
- Immigration-related matters, including visas and work permits for riders, grooms, and other professionals
- Import and export of horses
- Family office advisory services
An overview of recent results can be found in our news section.
Specialist Equine Knowlegde: Legal, Veterinary and Commercial
Our multidisciplinary team combines legal and veterinary expertise with an in-depth understanding of the horse industry. With an in-house veterinarian as part of our team, veterinary aspects such as warranties, disclosure obligations, and liability issues are carefully taken into account in our legal advice. When required, our equine laywers are involved in pre-purchase negotiations and pre-purchase examinations (PPEs).
This enables us to provide clients with legal advice and representation that is not only legally robust, but also practical, strategic, and tailored to the veterinary and international aspects of the equine industry.
Global Leader in Equine Law and Consultancy
At Schelstraete Equine Law, our equine lawyers build on more than 40 years of equine law experience and excellence to deliver strategic, cross-border legal services that protect the career, reputation, and business of clients.
As leading equine law firm, we provide comprehensive legal support across the equine and sports industries, helping clients operate with confidence in a rapidly evolving international environment. Our equine lawyers are internationally recognized for handling cross-border transactions, equine contracts, disputes concerning hidden defects or veterinary liability, FEI, CAS, and HISA tribunal representation, and other complex equestrian legal matters.
With offices in the Netherlands, the United States, the Middle East, France, and the United Kingdom, our equine law team serves clients in more than 50 countries.
Our experienced equine lawyers combine extensive legal and veterinary expertise with a deep knowledge of the horse industry, making Schelstraete Equine Law the trusted choice for international equine law and sports law matters.
24/7
Availability for urgent legal matters
Meet our Dutch Equine Lawyers
Leading equine 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
- Disciplinary
- Litigation
- Corporate
- Insurance
Piotr Wawrzyniak
Partner / Attorney-at-law
Vincent Zitman
Attorney-at-law / Senior associate
- Commercial Dispute Resolution
- Mediation
- Sports Law
- Litigation
Dr. Zachary Calo
Attorney-at-law / Professor of Sports Law
Deniz Colkusu
Attorney-at-law
Charlotte Kros
Paralegal
Femke Laan
In-house veterinarian / Paralegal
Charlotte van der Steen
Legal Advisor / Certified MFN Mediator
Jessica Koolman
Senior Secretary / Office Manager
Lara Schönherr
Paralegal
Charlotte van den Akker
Marketing & PR Manager
Fabienne Jongen
Accountmanager
Ella ten Have
Finance Manager and Controller
Laura ter Steeg
Council Advisor
Ludovic Duarte
Council Advisor
Our Expertise in Equine Law
We combine specialized equine law expertise with in-house veterinary and commercial insight.
Contracting
Our experts draft and negotiate legally robust and cross-border equine contracts that protect your interests in national and international transactions.
Litigation
Our equine lawyers represent clients in complex cross-border equine disputes and litigation, acting decisively to safeguard legal and commercial positions.
Corporate Consultancy
We advise equine businesses and investors on governance, restructuring, and cross-border corporate strategy.
Disciplinary & Doping Cases
We are the global equine law firm of choice for providing strategic defense in disciplinary and doping proceedings before national and international sports authorities, such as the FEI and the CAS.
Immigration
Our equine lawyers handle visas, work permits, and residency procedures to support international equestrian careers and operations.
Equine Sports Industry Practice
We structure and provide strategic advice for equine events, series, and joint ventures, advise on mergers and acquisitions of equine businesses, and represent private equity investors.
Our experts draft and negotiate legally robust and cross-border equine contracts that protect your interests in national and international transactions.
Our equine lawyers represent clients in complex cross-border equine disputes and litigation, acting decisively to safeguard legal and commercial positions.
We advise equine businesses and investors on governance, restructuring, and cross-border corporate strategy.
We are the global equine law firm of choice for providing strategic defense in disciplinary and doping proceedings before national and international sports authorities, such as the FEI and the CAS.
Our equine lawyers handle visas, work permits, and residency procedures to support international equestrian careers and operations.
We structure and provide strategic advice for equine events, series, and joint ventures, advise on mergers and acquisitions of equine businesses, and represent private equity investors.
Mediation Consultancy
We facilitate structured, confidential mediation to resolve equine disputes efficiently while preserving professional relationships.
Compliance
We support equine organizations in meeting regulatory, welfare, and governance requirements at national and international level.
Family Office
We assist high-net-worth families with structuring, succession planning, and long-term protection of equine assets.
Finance
We provide legally grounded financial guidance for equine enterprises, transactions, and investment structures.
Import & Export of Horses
We guide clients through the legal and regulatory complexities of international horse transport and trade.
We facilitate structured, confidential mediation to resolve equine disputes efficiently while preserving professional relationships.
We support equine organizations in meeting regulatory, welfare, and governance requirements at national and international level.
We assist high-net-worth families with structuring, succession planning, and long-term protection of equine assets.
We provide legally grounded financial guidance for equine enterprises, transactions, and investment structures.
We guide clients through the legal and regulatory complexities of international horse transport and trade.
Our Clients
Our Dutch equine lawyers represent leading professionals and organizations across the major disciplines of the equine world.
News & Deals
Latest equine news and legal insights.
Our Global Reach
Serving clients across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
United StatesUnited States
United Kingdom
France
The Netherlands
Middle EastGet in touch
Whether you have a specific legal question or need strategic advice, our team of Dutch equine lawyers is ready to assist you.
Head Office
Hoflaan 7-9,
5223 LT
’s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands