Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Virginia

Re: Horse as a ''gift''?

The issue in this case is whether there was a gift of the horse or a contract for sale or a loan. If there was a gift of a horse the title would transfer to you; if there was not, the title would stay with the original owner, who then would be entitled to sell the horse to whomever. I would advise consulting an attorney directly to fully review the facts of your case and how to proceed. However ultimately the situation may need resolving in court.

Re: Horse as a ''gift''?

This is probably one "gift horse" that your daughter should probably "look in the mouth", to paraphrase an old saw, and just return the horse, making sure that you are properly reimbursed for all stabling and other costs associated with keeping the horse.

Who knows, maybe the true owner of this horse from whom the animal was supposedly "rescued" will also make her or his appearance on the scene, and also demanding the return of the animal.

If your daughter wants a horse and you have the means to keep such an animal, there are plenty to choose from which are not burdened with dubious or questionable claims of ownership which may suddenly appear out of the blue to vex your mental equilibrium in the future.