Author: marywestmanlaw

Mary Westman is an Oklahoma attorney, horse owner and breeder and registered nurse with an MBA. Ms. Westman earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law graduating with honors as a merit scholar and in the top 5% of her class. Additionally, Ms. Westman associates with Perri Dunn PLLC in Oklahoma City in the areas of agricultural and equine transactional law. She is an active member of the Oklahoma and American Bar Associations, American Bar Association Animal Law Committee and Equine Law Sub-Committee, Oklahoma County Bar Association, American Morgan Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, United States Equestrian Federation, both the Oklahoma and American Horse Councils, and American Agricultural Law Association. Ms. Westman is an adjunct professor at the Oklahoma City University School of Law and frequently writes equine law related articles for the OklahomaHorses Magazine. A native of West Virginia, she now lives with her husband, David, in Norman, Oklahoma. To reach Ms. Westman, please visit the Perri Dunn PLLC website.

Agriculture Isn’t Just an Industry—Reframing It as Infrastructure Changes How We Value, Regulate, and Protect It

April 24, 2026

Agriculture is often evaluated as a discrete sector, measured primarily by production output. That framing is incomplete—and it matters. When agriculture is viewed too narrowly, its true economic role is underestimated, leading to gaps in policy, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making. In Agriculture as Economic Infrastructure: Why It Matters—and What Must Be Done, I explain … More Agriculture Isn’t Just an Industry—Reframing It as Infrastructure Changes How We Value, Regulate, and Protect It

🌾 Agriculture Is Not Just a Sector™

March 29, 2026

Agriculture is often discussed as one industry among many—measured, compared, and ranked based on its contribution to gross domestic product. It is frequently cited as representing only a small percentage of the economy. While that statistic may be technically accurate, it reflects an incomplete understanding of agriculture’s true value. … More 🌾 Agriculture Is Not Just a Sector™

US Visa Interview Waiver Policy Changes for H-2A Workers

October 14, 2025

On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced changes to its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy, effective October 1, 2025 (U.S. Department of State, 2025). The update narrows eligibility for applicants seeking to renew or apply for visas without an in-person interview.

… More US Visa Interview Waiver Policy Changes for H-2A Workers

Protecting the Horse Industry’s Social License

October 3, 2025

The equine industry is under more public scrutiny than ever. Our social license to operate — the public’s acceptance of horse sport and business — is just as important as legal compliance.
From racing whip rules to debates over carriage horses, we’ve seen how quickly public opinion can influence regulations, sponsorships, and even the viability of long-standing practices.
That’s why equine law matters. Strong contracts, welfare-focused policies, and compliance strategies don’t just protect against liability — they demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and care for the horses at the heart of our industry.
… More Protecting the Horse Industry’s Social License

Tripped Up by Procedure? Why Court Rules Matter in Litigation.

September 22, 2025

Explore the federal case Donlin v. Fonner Park, where a horse riding injury led to litigation over negligence and procedural rules. This case highlights the importance of court deadlines, amended pleadings, and the role of judicial discretion under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. A must-read for legal professionals tracking litigation strategy and case progression in U.S. District Courts. … More Tripped Up by Procedure? Why Court Rules Matter in Litigation.