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It’s Only Fun Until Someone Gets Hurt

Why you need personal equine liability insurance

You have the perfect horse. He or she would never harm anyone and is just a big sweetie. But that big sweetie can kick. And someone walking behind your horse may not be paying attention. Or maybe you walk your horse too close to a parked car at a horse show. Hooves can cause significant damage to fenders and side panels.

The bad news? We live in a world of litigation where high-dollar verdicts can take your home, your lifesavings and everything you own. And that’s despite state equine liability laws and signed hold-harmless waivers. Yes, they may help in your defense at a trial, but they won’t pay your attorney fees and the possible payment of damages to an injured party.

The good news? You CAN protect yourself. A good personal equine liability insurance policy provides a lawyer to defend you and pays any claims against you.

If you keep your horse at home or board at a stable and aren't engaged in any equine activity for which you are paid, personal equine liability insurance may be all you need. This type of insurance is specifically designed to protect you against claims arising out of bodily injury or property damage caused by your horse, whether at its barn or at a show. Even if your horse is boarded at a professional equestrian facility, you as the horse’s owner can still be held liable.

Before investing in personal equine liability insurance, though, make sure protection isn’t already offered to you through other coverages.

Check first with your homeowner's insurance carrier. Your existing policy may provide coverage for your horse activities even if you board, but you must ask. If your agent says your homeowner's policy will cover claims resulting from your horse, be sure to get it in writing. Many homeowners’ policies put limits on equine liability coverage or exclude it all together.

Some equine member associations, such as the United States Equestrian Federation, offer types of personal equine liability insurance, so make sure you investigate your association benefits, as well. Keep in mind that group policies may seem attractive because the average price per policy is often lower, but they are limited in their coverages and options.

Recent verdicts in equine liability lawsuits have ranged well into the millions of dollars, so it's best to make sure you are protected. The simple answer to the question of how much liability insurance you need is to buy as much insurance for all your equine activities as you can afford. Read your policies carefully. Shop around and compare, but be sure to go with a reputable agent and company.

Horses and riding are wonderful activities, but as your mother may have told you: “it's only fun until someone gets hurt.”

For more information, contact us direct at: Equidae Insurance, Inc. 608 Virginia Street East, Suite 302 Charleston, WV 25301 p. (304) 346-1198 f. (304) 345-3535

Stacey Halloran, Agent
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