Schelstraete Equine Law provides specialized equine legal services with 24/7 availability. International matters, including instructions from U.S.-based clients, are handled immediately and delivered at the pace required by the client
Our multidisciplinary team combines legal, veterinary and commercial expertise. We work with an in-house equine veterinarian and paralegal, Drs. Femke Laan, who is involved in both transactional and advisory matters. Her expertise ensures careful attention to veterinary aspects, including warranties, disclosures and liability exclusions..
Where required, members of the Schelstraete Equine Law team can be present during pre-purchase negotiations and pre-purchase examinations (PPE). Our firm consists of experienced lawyers, legal professionals and a certified mediator, Mr. Charlotte van der Steen, enabling us to provide strategic, practical and internationally oriented equine legal solutions.
Law practice
Consultancy
We combine deep legal knowledge with industry-specific insight to deliver practical, commercially-driven solutions.
Schelstraete Equine Law drafts and negotiates equine contracts for owners, riders, trainers and investors. We prepare precise agreements for sales, leases, co-ownership, breeding arrangements, sponsorships, and international transport.
Our firm ensures that each contract incorporates all essential elements and safeguards relevant to the equine sector, providing reliable protection in both national and international contexts. With Schelstraete Equine Law, you receive legally secure documentation built for the realities of the international horse industry.
Schelstraete Equine Law represents clients in complex equine litigation, including international and cross-border matters, veterinary disputes, ownership conflicts and failed transactions. We combine legal expertise with deep industry knowledge to build strong, strategic cases. When litigation is unavoidable, Schelstraete Equine Law acts decisively to protect your rights and commercial interests.
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 is a leading authority in disciplinary and doping-related matters. We represent clients from across the globe in proceedings before national and international sports bodies, including FEI and CAS tribunals, ensuring a careful, knowledgeable and strategically focused approach throughout.
Our firm develops well-substantiated defence strategies and closely monitors the proper handling of each case. Our team is further strengthened by the involvement of Professor Zachary Calo, whose academic and professional expertise contributes to the depth and quality of our work in complex disciplinary and regulatory matters.
A selection of recent successful outcomes can be found in the news section on our website.
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.
Schelstraete Equine Law advises on VAT, income tax, and cross-border tax structures related to horse sales, breeding, and competition income. We ensure compliance and defend clients in tax audits and disputes when necessary.
We combine deep legal knowledge with industry-specific insight to deliver practical, commercially-driven solutions.
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 programme. 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 equine asset structuring, succession planning, and international ownership matters. We coordinate legal strategies for valuable horses, breeding programs, and global investments, ensuring confidentiality and long-term protection.
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.
Whether you have a specific legal question or need strategic advice, our team is ready to assist you.
Hoflaan 7-9,
5223 LT
’s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands