Should I let daughter's friend ride pony tomorrow?

[FinellaGlen]

My daughter's friend is coming over this evening to stay for a couple of days and they want me to take them up to the yard tomorrow so that they can both have a ride on Nelly. I am happy to do this but there is a nagging doubt in my mind saying what if the friend falls off? Nelly is a very good pony and there is no reason to suspect that there will be any problems but, like all horses, she could shy or stumble etc and the friend, who has never been on a horse to the best of my knowledge could fall off. Could I then be open to being sued or am I making a fuss about nothing?

 

[Stacie_and_Jed]

I would ask the parents of the friend first (if you havent done already) and just state ver very clearly that your pony is very well behaved but there is always a chance something could happen.

If parents agree then go ahead. Just keep by her at all times.

 

[stencilface]

I wouldn't worry too much, stay somewhere safe with her and you should be fine. I think you would be in trouble if she paid you for it, but different if its a free ride? I am not sure on this though! Keep her on the lead too.

Could always make her mum sign something to say she accepts liability? Can just be written out by hand.

Many years ago a girl that my mum taught at school fell off my mum's decidedly unsafe horse and broke her arm (bones sticking out and everything). Before these litigious days though

 

[FinellaGlen]

Thanks both. I have asked the parents is it is ok and they said it is fine so long as she wears a helmet. I wouldn't dream of putting on her on the pony without a hat so no problems there. No money will change hands because I'm not "teaching" her. I am just going to lead her around the indoor school for starters to see if she seems balanced and, if she does, I am going to let my daughter ride up the lane and then let her friend get on again once we reach the grass tracks between the fields. I told my daughter that I was thinking of getting her friend's parents to sign a disclaimer type document but she told me that I was going to embarass her if I did that so I have decided not to but I will still worry until I get the child safely home in one piece!

 

[gigs]

Agree its always a worry with other peoples children , I just chuck my own daughter on !! Think if I were you I would keep the lead rein on just to be safe even the best pony can put a foot wrong now and again .

 

[Kenzo]

I would be very careful, there is always a risk no matter how well behaved your pony is, it usually happens to the people who like yourself are blessed with a good pony and think it will be ok....its sods law, if you get what I mean.

My friend came of one of my horses many years ago (she could ride by the way) through no fault of the horse (to start with) she simply lost her stirrup while trotting on road and the horse went into canter thinking she was kicking it on, rather than slowing the horse down, she panicked gripped up, lost her other stirrup, horse went into gallop and decdied to throw herself off (dismount in gallop) she hit the ground hard, few bruises and cuts to be expected but seemed to be ok, she went to the doctors then next day as she was suffering from what she thought mild concussion, turns out after being sent to hospital for an xray she'd fractured her skull!

Now there is nothing worse than sittng there in hospital seeing your friend knowing that your horse caused this, not only that but you kick yourself wishing you hadnt been so kind to let them ride, I should never of let her 'have a go'. I'm not saying dont let your daughters friend ride, I'm just saying its not a very nice feeling if something goes wrong and you never forget it neither.

She made a full recovery and her parents were very understanding and were not annoyed, thankfully they did understand that it was an accident and that riding even sensible horses, there is always a risk.

 

[FinellaGlen]

OMG that sounds awful Kenzo. Poor friend and poor you! I think I have decided that we will stay inside the indoor school and the lead rope will NOT be coming off. If we go for a little hack up the lane my daughter can ride and her friend will have to walk with me.

 

[Kenzo]

I think you have to look at it from a mothers view...seen as you are a mum then I guess you'll know what is sensible at the time and what the risk factor is, sorry I was not trying to sway your decision in any way, just letting you know from someone who has been in that situation thats all.

I guess its not so bad if its another horse rider from a horsey background, who has also got there own horse insurance or rider policy etc, then your more covered ...I think

But yeah, sounds like you've chose a sensible option.

 

[Hippona]

I let a friend of a friends daughter sit on our shettie and be led around schooling ring...pony promptly decided to go for a roll with her on-board.

... never done it before or since.... couldnt believe my eyes....

kid was ok, but i fear she has been put off for life...just goes to show what the little buggers can do when they feel like it