An agister is a person who feeds or pastures livestock for a fee. Agistment contracts are generally subject to the law of bailments. The liability of an agister depends on the terms of the agreement. In the absence of a special contract, the agister is not an insurer against the escape of animals entrusted to his care, but the agreement may provide otherwise.
Maine General Form of Agreement or Contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon between a horse owner (known as the "owner") and an agreement provider (known as the "aristae") in the state of Maine, United States. This agreement is specifically designed for the purpose of boarding and caring for horses on someone else's property. The Maine General Form of Agreement or Contract typically includes the following key elements: 1. Parties: Clearly identifies the owner and aristae along with their contact information. 2. Horse Description: Provides detailed information regarding the horse(s) to be boarded, including breed, age, gender, registration details, and any distinguishing characteristics. 3. Agreement Period: Specifies the duration of the agreement, including the start and end dates. 4. Boarding Fees: Outlines the financial aspect of the agreement, including the monthly boarding fees, payment terms, and late fee charges, if applicable. 5. Services Provided: States the services to be offered by the aristae, which may include stable accommodation, pasture access, feeding, grooming, exercise, and veterinary care. The agreement should also outline any additional services available at extra cost. 6. Responsibilities: Defines the responsibilities of both the owner and the aristae. This includes the owner's responsibility to maintain appropriate insurance for the horse(s), provide necessary documentation, and compensate for any damage caused by the horse(s). The aristae are responsible for providing adequate care, ensuring the horse(s) are kept safe and secure, and reporting any health concerns to the owner. 7. Liability and Waiver: Addresses the issue of liability. It clarifies that the owner assumes the risk associated with boarding the horse(s) on the aristae's property and releases the aristae from any liability for injury, loss, or damage caused by the horse(s) except for cases of negligence on the part of the aristae. 8. Termination: Specifies the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement, including providing advance notice. 9. Dispute Resolution: Outlines the method of resolving any disputes that may arise during the term of the agreement, often through mediation or arbitration. It's worth noting that different types of Maine General Form of Agreement or Contract can exist, tailored to specific needs or situations. For instance, variations may include agreements for short-term or long-term boarding, active competition horse boarding, or boarding arrangements that solely focus on rehabilitating injured horses. Having a thorough and well-drafted Maine General Form of Agreement or Contract is essential to ensure both parties are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and liabilities. It safeguards the interests of both the owner and the aristae by minimizing misunderstandings and providing a clear legal framework for the boarding arrangement.
