Legal Liability - Rider or Owner

[wench]

If someone else is riding your horse, and horse gets injured whilst other body is riding it (and it's their fault), who would legally be responsible for paying the vets bills?

 

[GlamourDol]

Id say owner, because unless the horse was ridden without your permission, you chose to let that person ride your horse, and therefore was your responsibilty.
However as a rider, if i did something seriously wrong that resulted in a big injury i may be tempted to pay something towards it.
What happened?
x

 

[Chex]

I would say the owner too. Most insurance covers the horse when ridden by anyone that the owner gives permission too, so not sure how it could be the riders fault (unless they were doing something really stupid against the owners advice).

 

[wench]

Not serious but nasty cut that will cost about £100.

Went to near another horse that they know kicks, and horse got kicked badly

 

[Chex]

Hmm, thats a tough one. If I was the rider I would offer to pay that, if it was my fault the horse got too close.

 

[GlamourDol]

But then what about the owner of the horse that kicks?
Taking something into the school that they know could injure someone else is surely their responsibilty, and they should stay out of the way?

 

[Chex]

I guess it depends how it happened. If I was riding a horse that kicks, and the other person was warned, advised to keep their distance - and they still ran into the back of me then I don't see how anything more could be done. Apart from not riding a kicker out with other horses, or riding at the back I suppose

. Very complicated this liability stuff

 

[clipclop]

[ QUOTE ]
Id say owner, because unless the horse was ridden without your permission, you chose to let that person ride your horse, and therefore was your responsibilty.
However as a rider, if i did something seriously wrong that resulted in a big injury i may be tempted to pay something towards it.
What happened?
x

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto

 

[Puppy]

You could probably argue this any way you like.

The owner is legally liable for paying the vet, as they would be the one to call them, and they would be the one billed.

The owner could certainly try to claim off the rider, for being negligent while in care of their property (the horse). (from the above example it does sound like negligence)

The rider may want to claim contributory negligence from the person in charge of the other horse, and as there is strict liability attached to horses, they would be successful, and probably be able to claim 100% of the damages back.

Complicated hey!?

 

[jumpthemoon]

Unless you want to go down the legal route and spend lots of time/effort/hassle I'd say your horse, your bill. If the girl riding was to contribute it would be nice of her, but otherwise I'd just pay up and be thankful your horse is ok