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| Author |
Message |
    
L. Kemmish
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2000 - 3:33 pm: |   |
I know that there is a specific law/legal language that almost all states have regarding liability for other people riding on their property. I live in Iowa and would like to know what that language is for Iowa. Can you provide that for me? |
Katrina DeBruhl
| | Posted on Thursday, Jun 1, 2000 - 12:05 pm: | |
I am hunting Equine Liability Law Posters for NC - Where do you find them? Thank you
Katrina
prepvet@yahoo.com |
Linda Antipala (Alika)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 19, 2000 - 2:05 pm: | |
My farrier told me yesterday that several states (including Hawaii where we live) has a law on the books that basically says a horse owner CANNOT be sued by someone riding their horse or using their facilities. I think he mentioned Texas and Colorado as other states with this law. Anyone have knowledge of this type of law? |
Lois
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 19, 2000 - 10:18 pm: | |
A number of states now have statutes limiting liability for equine activities, putting the burden on the participant to acknowledge the risk involved. However, you can always be sued even if not at fault. Negligence can be claimed and is not excused under the law (misrepresenting a horse, providing bad tack, hazardous riding areas etc.) It's all in the interpretation of how an accident happens and who may be at fault. If someone's horse spooks because of your dog, are you at fault or is the accident due to the nature of the horse and therefore falls under the protection of the statute? Someone will hire a lawyer to find out and you will have to hire one to defend yourself. That's what insurance is for and a number of people don't think they need it due to the new laws. I'm not taking any chances. Not only are the horses flighty but a lot of people are too! Unfortunately, there is no law against them. |
Linda Antipala (Alika)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 20, 2000 - 3:55 pm: | |
Our pasture lease requires that we have a million dollar liability policy. In the "saddle horse" section of the policy, the EXCEPTIONS are "horses rented to other" (which we do not do) and "horses used in training for competition or exhibition". I have seen newspaper legal notices about commercial stables (trail rides for tourists) getting sued regarding "fall from a horse". I don't know for sure if Hawaii is a state with the equine risk law - BUT, I agree with you about the insurance nevertheless being essential. Lois, you sure are right about flighty people - it's hard to say "no" to friends and relatives who want to ride our horses, even just in the arena. We've been open and friendly about this in the past, but I'm going to start saying no nicely. Most of these folks have never even been on a horse! They think they are on a Merry Go Round. Will gently suggest they have a few lessons first The horses totally "know" it's a rookie up there and get disobedient - not good! |
Tammy Taylor (Taylor)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 20, 2000 - 5:49 pm: | |
Linda,
I carry liability insurance thru my homeowners. It isn't a "million dollar policy", but it covers anyone riding my horse on or off the property, anyone who may get hurt via bite, kick, etc..., my horse (should he get struck by lightening), and my tack. It wasn't very expensive nor is it a lot of coverage, but at least it is something.
Nonetheless, I don't allow anyone I don't know EXTREMELY well, to ride my horse or their own in my arena. It just isn't worth being sued. |
