Sharer advice!

[Sasal83]

I am after a bit of advice!
I have advertised my horse for share, he is not a novice ride and have explained this.
I had a response from a 16 year old about him and she has ridden him once, her riding is not brilliant but I think she will get there with some tuition, the only thing I'm worried about is her age. If something happens to her would I be insured if she was paying as a sharer and I would in effect be 'teaching' her and is there an issue with her being under 18, I'm worried that if she was to fall off or have an issue handling him the parents might sue.
Should I be looking at a disclaimer for this or is it really too much hassle for £20 per week.
Sorry this sounds so confusing but any advice would be great!!
Thanks

 

[lexiedhb]

Just get her to get her own insurance, for herself!

 

[brightmount]

You can adapt the BHS loan agreement, and get the parents to sign it as well as the child.

http://www.bhs.org.uk/Horse_Care/Horse_Care_Advice/Publications/Download/Download_Article.aspx

 

[Rudey]

[ QUOTE ]
Just get her to get her own insurance, for herself!

[/ QUOTE ]

I would do this and ask for a copy of the certificate AND sign a disclaimer to this fact, together with her parents signatures and a witnesses signature!!

It may sound a little OTT but unfortunately, you have to cover your backside in every possible way to eliminate any confusion, blame or sueing! Horse politics are the worst kind lol!

It's probably wise to get a written agreement sorted as to vet bills etc... My friend loaned her mare out to a young girl. She hadn't got an agreement in place yet as it was only early days. The young girl had an accident out on a hack where some wire fencing sliced the mares leg open really badly and needed to go into the vets to stay for several days to have it treated.

The girl hadn't got any insurance out for herself or the horse. As the mare was elderly, my friends insurance only covered her up to £1,000 vet fees. Her bill came up to £1,700.

After a few weeks of not being able to ride, the girl gave up the mare and found something else to loan. Leaving my friend (who had a broken arm at the time), to care for her mare on 24/7 box rest, nursing her wounds, having to dress them daily, and to pay the outstanding vet bill herself!!

These situations DO happen, and so I think it would be very wise you learn from my friend's unfortunate experience, and protect yourself as much as possible. It doesn't matter what age of the person who shares your horse, a young girl or an adult can leave you hanging dry! (I've just read that back and it sounds really bad, I hope I haven't put you off sharing, that wasn't my intention! Just be careful) xx

 

[Koda]

I would agree with both of the above. Get the parents and child to sign an agreement, and make part of the agreement stipulate that the parents are to provide rider insurance for their child.

 

[Divasmum]

When I had a sharer for a pony a few years ago they got rider insurance from Petplan which they paid for.

 

[Tickles]

Even as an ancient (well, older than the adult owner at any rate!) sharer I have to have insurance. Mine is via BHS gold membership which has other benefits too - might be good to suggest that to the girl/her family?

I'm not sure what legal position you'd be in if she got hurt. Might be worth checking with BHS legal advice (free for gold members - gosh! I sound like an ad for them!) or local CA?