Terminating a horse share: template and OR notes

A horse share ends either by mutual agreement or by termination. For the end to be clean and both parties to part without a dispute, the form, deadline and content of the termination matter. This article shows Swiss practice, a template letter and the most important OR notes.

The Swiss standard termination

Most Swiss horse share agreements state a notice period of one month to the end of the month. This period applies to both sides and must be observed in written form.

• Notice period: one month to the end of the month is standard. To leave by the end of June, you terminate by 31 May at the latest.
• Form: in writing, ideally by email with read receipt or by registered letter.
• Content: date, parties, horse, the word "termination", termination date, signature or clear sender identification.
• Confirmation: the other party should confirm receipt in writing so that both sides have clarity.

If nothing is regulated in the contract, an "appropriate period" applies under the Swiss OR, which can lead to disputes. On horsedeal.com exactly this scenario is described as a reason for a clear contract clause.

The right form: email, letter, or really WhatsApp?

The following standard has emerged in Swiss horse share practice.

• Email with read receipt. Fast, provable, practical in everyday life. The read receipt secures the delivery date.
• Registered letter. Formally the safest variant. Recommended for complicated cases.
• WhatsApp and SMS. Legally problematic. Hard to prove as a valid termination in case of dispute.
• Verbal termination at the stable. Only if the other party confirms the termination in writing on the same day. Otherwise not recommended.

Anyone who issues a termination during a dispute should definitely choose the written form, because dispute-driven terminations particularly often end up in court.

Extraordinary termination for an important reason

Under Swiss law, immediate termination for an important reason is possible. Important reasons are those that make continuation of the horse share unreasonable.

• Mistreatment of the horse by the other party (beatings, overexertion, neglect).
• Persistent severe breach of the agreement despite a warning (chronic no-shows, non-payment, ignored instructions).
• Serious breach of trust. Theft, defamation, serious lying.
• Changed life circumstances on one side that create unreasonable pressure (for example an owner who has to sell the horse).

In an extraordinary termination, the reason is briefly named in the letter. Without justification it loses its effect as "extraordinary" and counts only as an ordinary termination with the normal notice periods.

Template: termination letter (adaptation recommended)

The following template fits an ordinary termination in most Swiss situations. It does not replace legal advice.

Subject: Termination of the horse share [horse name]

Dear [name],

I hereby terminate the horse share agreement concluded between us on [date of agreement] for the horse [horse name, TVD number if known], ordinary termination as of [specific date according to the notice period, usually one month to the end of the month].

Please briefly confirm receipt of this termination by email. If there are still points to clarify (outstanding amounts, return of keys, joint purchases), I suggest we discuss them in the next two weeks.

I thank you for the shared time at the stable and wish you and [horse name] all the best for the future.

Best regards, [Name, date, address]

For an extraordinary termination the middle element is replaced with, "I hereby terminate the horse share with immediate effect for an important reason. The reason is [concrete description]." An extraordinary termination without justification is problematic under Swiss law.

What else needs to be clarified at termination

A termination ends not only the horse share, but also triggers operational tasks.

• Monthly fee until the end of the notice period. The fee continues until the agreed termination date, even if the rider no longer rides during this time. In case of mutual dissolution a different amount can be agreed.
• Return of keys and equipment. Stable keys, any security-system codes, borrowed equipment go back to the owner.
• Jointly purchased items. Blankets or grooming gear bought jointly are settled (sale, distribution). Anyone without anything in the contract on this agrees pragmatically.
• Special costs. Outstanding vet or farrier bills are clarified before the end.
• Communication with the stable manager. The stable manager should be informed so that stable keys and access are properly handled.

On reitbeteiligungen.ch it is recommended to settle these operational points in a short closing conversation, ideally at the stable in a relaxed atmosphere.

When the other side does not accept the termination

It rarely happens that one party does not want to accept the termination from the other. Four steps help.

• Request written confirmation. If the other side does not reply, send a short reminder with a deadline (for example seven days).
• Involve the stable manager. In most Swiss stables the stable manager knows the situation and can mediate.
• Mediation. With escalating conflicts mediation can be cheaper and faster than the legal route.
• Legal route. In the most extreme case a court proceeding about the validity of the termination. Rare in practice, because mostly both sides are glad the horse share is ending.

Anyone with a sense that the conflict potential is high should document the first termination step particularly cleanly (in writing, with proof of receipt).

Frequently asked questions

What notice period applies to a horse share termination in Switzerland? Usually one month to the end of the month, if so stated in the contract. If nothing is stated, an appropriate period applies under the Swiss OR.

Is a WhatsApp message enough as a termination? Legally problematic. Email is common and accepted, WhatsApp and SMS are considered non-written.

Can you terminate without notice? Yes, for an important reason. Important reasons are mistreatment of the horse, severe breach despite a warning, serious breach of trust.

What must be included in a termination? Date, name of both parties, horse, clear wording of termination, termination date, signature or clear sender.

What happens to the monthly fee during the notice period? The fee continues until the end of the period. In case of mutual dissolution a different amount can be agreed.

Sources and further reading

• Obligationenrecht (OR) auf Fedlex
• Rechtliche Fragen bei der Reitbeteiligung (HorseDeal)
• Kosten, Aufgaben und Vertrag (reitbeteiligungen.ch)
• Mustervertrag Reitbeteiligung (markt.ch)

Wrap up the termination cleanly

In HorseCompanion, horse share data, special costs and key handovers can be documented per horse. That way the end of a horse share stays clean, without anything being forgotten. Get started for free

Updated: June 2026