Few things inspire more awe in the American consciousness than the image of sleek, strong horses galloping across the plains, racing down the stretch, or leaping over obstacles. These animals, honed by years of selective breeding and thorough care, capture the imagination of children and adults alike with their beauty and sensitivity. The paradox of their strength and their vulnerability generates strong emotions in those who interact with them.

The law is much less fanciful when it comes to the legal protections for those who own, work with or love horses. Horses are often expensive to purchase and maintain. They are always remarkably fragile. A horse that appears perfectly healthy in the morning can be dead by the afternoon due to sudden illness.