I have approached the local 'big house' (now divided into 4 family homes) about renting their stables and 6 acre field as it's 100 yards from my house so will be a dream to have the horse so close. The people that live in the house are all non horsey (although 2 are vets) and I'd like an agreement in place for everyones protection, but it's not livery, and not strictly grazing so what contract would be best?
I rent from a landowner (who knows little about horses). He took advice from someone in the agricultural business and had a legal agreement drawn up when I first moved in and it was renewed every year. It just really stated what was to be paid, who was responsible for maintenance, weed control, taking dung off the land, husbandry of animals, no donkeys (!) and other bits and bobs. Well worth it I think - then you ALL know where you stand. I have lost friendships over NOT knowing where you stand! Good luck, how wonderful to be able to walk to your horses. I suspect many on here do (don't take it for granted). After many years of horse ownership I am the nearest ever to my boys - 6 miles! (But I do love the yard I am in so its a small price to pay really).
A tenancy agreement?
The 'renters' next door to my yard have a combination of a 'livery' and in the main - a tenancy agreement, as they lease/rent the entire small plot.
Basically theirs has:
The terms of rental (theirs is 2 yrs at a time), financial payments (due date & also what deposit).
Repairing section (fences & buildings were filmed & then agreed with sigs before they moved in)
Insurance liability (if any, tho they have to have 3rd party liability for the horses)
Section on horsecare: how many on the land, control of weeds, paddock care.
No sub-letting (you or the owners!)
Break clause for non-compliance of contract (eg, not paying rent etc)
No idea where they got all the contract done - think one of the owners hubbies is a solicitor & drew it up.
Am sure you could do outline document - take it to the people who own the land & get their input - then off to get it legally checked?