I wonder if you would be liable?

[Alphamare]

Just had a random thought.

If someone rides your horse and gets hurt you are liable right? Does that also apply to professionals such as paid trainers or a riding school?

Taking the thought further if your horse injured your vet, farrier, dentist, back person, saddler or other professional would you be liable? Should you be?!

 

[Sagittarius]

You can only be held liable if it is proven that you have been negligent.

If someone rides your horse and falls off through their own actions with horse doing nothing that would be considered "wrong" then very unlikely to be any negligence or liability.

On the other hand, if you have a lunatic horse known to buck, rear and bold and you put up your beginner friend who had only previously ridden a beach donkey - and she fell off and hurt herself, then Yes, it is highly likely that you would be negligent and therefore liable.

As for equestrian professionals - same pretty much applies. Full disclosure of the likely behaviour of a horse allows then to make a choice and reduces (but may not completely erase) negligence and liability on your part>

 

[Luci07]

All professionials dealing with your horse should have their own insurance and it is highly doubtful that they would not!

However, if someone rides your horse (friend etc) it is well worth checking your insurance. Most insurance will cover any damage the horse does, regardless of who was riding/looking after it. It will NOT cover the rider.

Which actually has just made me think. I cheerfully grab other rides when I can. I have never thought to check to see if my own insurance covers me riding other peoples horses - just for fun, no money involved!