Horse helpers contract? - not loaning or leasing contract

[Merlins Mum]

I get a lot of people wanting to help me out with my ponies. Not lease or loan them, just come up, groom, take them out on walks in hand and what not.

Obviously(?) as they aren't loaning or sharing the animals I can't use a standard contract- but I want to cover myself in case they get hurt.

They wouldn't be contributing any money towards costs.

Anyone in a similar situation and what do you do?

Many thanks

 

[Goldenstar]

You get yourself good third party cover .
You ensure you maintain a good safe environment and the people who help you are competent and you train if they are not .
You can’t cover yourself if they are injured and you found to be negligent then your insurers would have to pay out .
You can’t sign away your rights in English law a disclaimer can be used to show someone knew something was potentially hazardous but it does not remove a horse owners liability .

 

[Merlins Mum]

You get yourself good third party cover .
You ensure you maintain a good safe environment and the people who help you are competent and you train if they are not .
You can’t cover yourself if they are injured and you found to be negligent then your insurers would have to pay out .
You can’t sign away your rights in English law a disclaimer can be used to show someone knew something was potentially hazardous but it does not remove a horse owners liability .

I have 3rd party with ibis insurance. Hmm This may be more trouble than it's worth then.. although it would be nice to have a bit of help if I was sick or on holiday lol
I was hoping it could be done 'at their own risk' and have them sign something that said so.
My boys aren't nasty or dangerous but horses are horses and you just never know.

One of the girls is younger (16) and has BHs exams and training. However imo that means nothing without a lot of practical experience and my pair are not riding school ponies.

Thank you, lots to think about. 😀

 

[Shay]

The "contract" you are looking for is a disclaimer or liability waiver. But as Goldenstar says they have no actual value in law. They are often used by riding schools and other equestrian businesses. But the only impact they have is a slight deterrent from legal action - at least until the individual gets proper advice and realizes it is a wasted bit of paper. Liability under the Animal Act is strict - you don't have to be negligent to be liable. You only have to own the animal which caused the damage.

The best you could do really is to insist that anyone helping out has their own insurance. At least that way if something does happen the two insurance companies can battle it out. Watch out also that you don't accidentally create an employment relationship - which would require you to hold employer's liability insurance as well. You don't have to pay someone wages to create that - consideration under a contract could be rides, informal training etc.

The cleanest way to get some help when you are on holiday etc is to employ someone directly I'm afraid. Informal arrangements can be interpreted by the courts and that gets very messy.

 

[Merlins Mum]

The "contract" you are looking for is a disclaimer or liability waiver. But as Goldenstar says they have no actual value in law. They are often used by riding schools and other equestrian businesses. But the only impact they have is a slight deterrent from legal action - at least until the individual gets proper advice and realizes it is a wasted bit of paper. Liability under the Animal Act is strict - you don't have to be negligent to be liable. You only have to own the animal which caused the damage.
The best you could do really is to insist that anyone helping out has their own insurance. At least that way if something does happen the two insurance companies can battle it out. Watch out also that you don't accidentally create an employment relationship - which would require you to hold employer's liability insurance as well. You don't have to pay someone wages to create that - consideration under a contract could be rides, informal training etc.

The cleanest way to get some help when you are on holiday etc is to employ someone directly I'm afraid. Informal arrangements can be interpreted by the courts and that gets very messy.

Lol fair enough probably easier if I just do it myself then. Gonna be a few disappointed friends I think.
Thank you appreciate the replies 😀