Fournol & Associés is an independent Paris-based law firm advising international clients across the French equine and equestrian sectors. The Firm acts throughout France, with particular involvement in Normandy and the major equine centres of Deauville, Caen and Lisieux.
Our practice brings together two complementary areas of law: equine law and auction law. We advise auction houses, owners, buyers, sellers, breeders, trainers, riders and other equine professionals on transactions, commercial relationships and disputes involving France.
Our work covers the entire economic life of a horse, from acquisition, ownership and training to competition, racing, breeding, commercial exploitation and resale. This includes horse auctions, private sales, livery and training arrangements, stud agreements, the sale and distribution of frozen stallion semen, professional liability and litigation.
Fournol & Associés acts as French counsel for clients based abroad, whether they are buying a horse at auction in France, investing in a breeding or equestrian activity, negotiating a contract or facing a dispute governed by French law. We advise in English and work alongside foreign lawyers and specialist advisers where required.
We advise auction houses, vendors, bidders, buyers and intermediaries involved in horse auctions in France. Our work covers sale mandates, auction conditions, bidding arrangements, veterinary information, payment, delivery and disputes arising before or after a sale.
We assist owners and investors with the purchase, shared ownership, management and resale of racehorses, sport horses and breeding stock, including cross-border transactions, insurance and international transport.
The Firm advises professional riders, trainers, racing and competition stables, riding centres and other equestrian businesses on their contracts, commercial relationships and professional liability.
We assist breeders, stallion owners, stud farms and breeding professionals with covering and stud agreements, the sale and distribution of frozen semen straws, reproductive rights, ownership of semen stocks and related disputes.
Horse auctions raise questions that go beyond ordinary sale contracts. Auction rules, the conduct of bidding, the role of agents and spotters, veterinary disclosures and the respective obligations of sellers and auction houses may all determine the outcome of a dispute.
Fournol & Associés combines its equine practice with its work for auction houses and professionals in the French auction market. This complementary experience informs our advice on the preparation and conduct of horse auctions, disputed bids, contractual warranties, payment and professional liability.
We consider the horse’s intended use, veterinary history, sporting and breeding potential, commercial value and future prospects when assessing contractual risk or litigation strategy.
Based in Paris, the Firm acts throughout France, particularly in Normandy and the equine centres of Deauville, Caen and Lisieux, where horse auctions, breeding, training, racing and equestrian sport are closely connected.
Foreign clients may instruct us directly or through their existing lawyers. We assist with French-law contracts, negotiations, veterinary evidence, private and court-appointed expert investigations and proceedings before French courts. Where several jurisdictions are involved, we coordinate with foreign counsel, veterinarians, insurers and equine industry advisers.
Advice on auction and private-sale documentation, sale mandates, bidding procedures, veterinary disclosures, ownership, warranties, payment, delivery and disputes involving auction houses, sellers, buyers or intermediaries.
Drafting and negotiation of livery, training, competition, agency, management and shared-ownership agreements. Advice on unpaid boarding and training fees, contractual termination, ownership disputes and arrangements for the sporting or commercial development of horses.
Advice on stud and covering contracts, the sale and distribution of frozen semen straws, storage and traceability, breeding rights, syndication and contractual liability. Representation in disputes concerning reproductive performance, contractual obligations and alleged loss of breeding income.
Representation in disputes concerning defects, veterinary information, injuries, fitness for an agreed use, sport or breeding losses, accidents and professional negligence. We assist in obtaining and assessing veterinary evidence, expert investigations and proceedings before French courts.
The Firm also advises equine market participants on payment controls, anti-money laundering obligations where applicable and contractual risks in international transactions.
Yes. Foreign owners, buyers, sellers and equine professionals may instruct Fournol & Associés directly on matters governed by French law or involving transactions, horses or proceedings in France. The Firm advises in English.
Yes. We advise on horse auctions in Deauville, Caen, Lisieux and elsewhere in France, including the terms of sale, bidding arrangements, veterinary information, payment and disputes following an auction.
Yes. We advise on covering and stud agreements, semen sales and distribution, ownership and storage arrangements, contractual warranties and disputes concerning reproductive activities.
Depending on the circumstances, a claim may concern defects, contractual warranties, veterinary information, ownership or the conditions of the sale. The available remedies and deadlines depend on the transaction and the applicable law.
Yes. We assist with private and court-appointed expert investigations and represent clients in French proceedings involving a horse’s health, condition, performance, ownership or economic value.
A member of the Paris Bar and the Institut du Droit Équin, Alexis Fournol advises French and international clients on horse auctions, equine contracts, professional liability and disputes affecting the equine and equestrian sectors.
Fournol & Associés is dedicated to art, creativity and collectable assets, in France and internationally.
Fournol & Associés is dedicated to art, creativity and collectable assets, in France and internationally.
