Equine Law Essentials: Liability, Business Protection, and Growth Strategies (2026 Edition)

Peter J. Sacopulos is a senior partner at Sacopulos Johnson & Sacopulos in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he has practiced law for more than 30 years before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts. His practice spans civil litigation, equine law, mediation and arbitration, and trust and estate law. He is admitted to practice in both Indiana and Illinois. A prolific writer and recognized voice in equine law, Sacopulos has published more than 30 articles on equine legal issues and continues to serve as a freelance writer for Trainer magazine and The Horsemen’s Journal.

Robert C. Webb is a Partner at FBT Gibbons in Louisville, Kentucky, where he focuses his practice on tax law, white collar defense, business and commercial litigation, corporate law, and health care matters, including a specialized concentration in equine law. Drawing on an insider’s perspective from his early career with the Department of Justice Civil Tax Division, Bob applies strategic, seasoned judgment to IRS matters ranging from civil audits and criminal investigations to complex tax disputes across a wide variety of industries. He has particular expertise resolving multi-million-dollar tax cases involving the thoroughbred and quarter horse industries, grounded in his lifelong connection to Kentucky. Bob has also taught federal taxation of entities at Bellarmine University and authored the first criminal tax practice monograph for the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Jennifer A. Guidea is a Partner and the Assistant Managing Partner of the firm’s Livingston, New Jersey office at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, where she routinely handles a wide range of diverse and complex litigation. Licensed in both New Jersey and New York, Jennifer has appeared before state and federal courts in various jurisdictions across the United States. Her multi-faceted practice encompasses franchise matters, healthcare law, construction defect litigation, business litigation, product liability, and employment litigation and counseling. Jennifer focuses on practical and personalized legal solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs, consistently working to balance her clients’ business objectives with the best possible litigation results. She is also the chair of the firm’s Equine Law practice group, combining her experience as a commercial litigator with her personal passion for horses to represent equine facility owners, breeders, trainers, and horse owners in a range of disputes. Beyond her legal career, Jennifer is a breast cancer survivor and actively mentors women who have been diagnosed and are undergoing treatment, and she volunteers for an equine therapy center and with several youth sports leagues.

Allison Fabyanske Eklund is a Twin Cities attorney, artist, musician, and advocate for the arts and the equine industry based in Roseville, Minnesota. Her solo law practice, Eklund Law PC, focuses on equine law and public policy, small business and nonprofit formation and governance, legacy lands, and estate planning, and also includes family law and Federal Indian Law. Her professional background includes experience in the practice of Federal Indian Law representing Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Allison serves as General Counsel for the Minnesota Horse Council and its affiliated nonprofits and has been an active voice in Minnesota equine and agritourism public policy, including efforts to advance equine liability legislation at the state legislature. Beyond her law practice, she is an avid plein air painter, organizes plein air events for Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, and plays mandolin and solo flute with the Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra.

Peggy Hosking is a Partner at Buchalter in Los Angeles and Orange County, California, where she maintains a dynamic practice spanning multiple facets of business law. Serving as outside general counsel to business owners, she guides clients through every stage of growth, from startup and formation to successful sale or generational transfer. Her practice encompasses mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, tax and estate planning, franchise law, and start-up and early-stage company counsel, with additional industry focus in equine law, sports, automotive, agribusiness, solar and renewable energy, and family office and wealth management. Hosking co-chairs the firm’s Equine Law practice group, blending her legal acumen with her lifelong passion for the equestrian world. Known for her personalized approach, she takes the time to deeply understand each client’s unique needs and goals, providing practical, insightful advice that has made her a trusted advisor across a wide range of industries.

Heather Wright is a Partner in Buchalter’s Nashville office and a member of the firm’s Litigation and Insurance Law practice groups. She helps a broad variety of commercial clients identify operational risks and manage risk through insurance, with a practice that spans insurance coverage, mortgage lending compliance, and commercial litigation. Wright helps policyholders maximize insurance recovery under a variety of commercial insurance policies — including property, general liability, professional liability, directors and officers, and cyber liability policies. She also represents commercial property owners, asset managers, real estate developers, and general contractors in the negotiation of insurance and indemnity provisions across a wide range of transactional documents. In addition, she provides regulatory and compliance counsel to lenders and mortgage servicers regarding the Flood Disaster Protection Act, as well as litigation involving alleged violations of security agreements and other contracts in matters involving property insurance on secured property.