We are often consulted by individuals who wish to rely on their right to reject a horse within the first 30 days of taking ownership, because that horse is either not fit for purpose, not of satisfactory quality or not as described to them.
It is important, as a buyer and a seller, to know when the right to reject applies to a sale. The right to reject a horse will apply if:-
• The seller was a “trader” (i.e: somebody who is selling horses or ponies with a view to making a profit)
• The buyer was a “consumer” (i.e: somebody acting outside of their own business, profession or trade)
• The horse is not fit for purpose, not of satisfactory quality or not as described to the buyer
The right to reject pursuant to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 does not apply to sales made between private individuals. Albeit, that in those circumstances, there may exist a claim for misrepresentation, if all is not as described with the horse.
