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 Ohio, equine law encompasses various legal aspects related to horses and horse-related activities. This includes the creation and enforcement of contracts for the sale, purchase, boarding, breeding, and training of horses. Additionally, Ohio has specific statutes that address the liability of equine professionals and activity sponsors. Under Ohio's Equine Activity Liability Act (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.321), there are limitations on the liability for injuries to participants in equine activities. This law requires that equine professionals post and maintain signs that alert participants to the inherent risks of equine activities and to include specific warning language in written contracts. The Act provides certain protections to equine professionals from lawsuits for an equine activity participant's injuries, provided that the injury was not caused by a willful or wanton disregard for safety or intentional misconduct. However, there are exceptions where the equine professional can still be held liable, such as if the equipment provided was faulty and caused the injury, or if the professional fails to assess the participant's abilities adequately. It is important for those involved in equine activities to understand these laws and to ensure that their contracts and practices comply with state regulations and statutes.