Equine law is generally defined as the body of law (statutes, court opinions) that governs the ownership, buying, selling, riding, breeding, racing, training, handling, insuring, and boarding of horses—and membership and participation in related organizations and activities. For example, contracts often define these transactions, relationships, and activities, and statutes often limit the personal injury liability of owners and operators of equine-related events and activities.

In Arkansas, equine law encompasses various legal aspects related to horses, including ownership, sale, breeding, racing, training, and other horse-related activities. Contracts are commonly used to outline the terms and conditions of these activities, ensuring clarity and legal enforceability between parties involved. Additionally, Arkansas, like many other states, has enacted specific statutes that limit the liability of equine professionals and event operators. The Arkansas Equine Activity Liability Act (Arkansas Code Annotated § 16-120-201 et seq.) is a key piece of legislation that provides certain protections to equine activity sponsors and professionals from lawsuits brought by participants who sustain injuries as a result of inherent risks associated with equine activities. However, these liability protections are not absolute, and exceptions exist where the equine professional or sponsor may still be held liable, such as in cases of willful or wanton disregard for safety, provision of faulty equipment, or failure to properly assess the participant's abilities.