Many equine businesses, such as livery yards, trainers, or those who exercise horses on behalf of owners, take responsibility for horses that aren’t their own. While working with these animals is rewarding, it also involves managing potential risks. 

In this article, we’ll explore some scenarios where a horse under your care might be injured or cause injury or property damage, and outline some common types of equestrian business insurance that may help you manage these risks. 

What happens if a horse under your care, but not owned by you, is injured or causes damage? 

If you professionally care for horses, you may want to consider equestrian business Public Liability insurance as part of your risk management approach. 

In situations where a horse under your care is injured or causes injury or property damage, what happens will depend on the specific terms and coverage outlined in your policy. Many policies include a Care, Custody, and Control (CCC) section, which typically applies when you are responsible for someone else’s horse (for example, in livery or training). If that horse injures someone or causes damage, liability cover may apply, but this will vary based on the exact terms of your policy. 

Another point to keep in mind is that many insurance policies include exclusion clauses, meaning certain situations might not be covered. For example, exclusions can sometimes apply to injuries resulting from acts of negligence or participation in higher-risk activities, such as racing. Always check your policy documents to understand what is and isn’t included. 

Here are a couple of common scenarios and how they might be addressed under certain equestrian business insurance policies, depending on the terms and conditions: 

• If a horse you care for is injured and negligence is proven, some policies may include cover for veterinary expenses. Liability claims could also arise if another party, such as a rider, is involved. 

• If a horse you do not own but care for causes property damage or injury to a person, cover might apply under Care, Custody, and Control provisions, provided this is included in your policy. In most cases, negligence would need to be established for a claim to be considered. 

Understanding your responsibilities under an Equestrian business insurance policy 

Duty of care 

Many equine business insurance policies include conditions related to the care of animals under your responsibility. If an incident occurs and it’s found that agreed standards were not met, liability could arise, and cover may be affected. Reviewing these requirements in your policy can help you understand what’s expected. 

Following the correct claims procedures 

If an incident involving injury or property damage occurs, most policies outline a process for reporting and handling claims. It’s helpful to notify your insurer as soon as possible and follow the steps in your policy documents, as delays could impact how a claim is assessed. 

Why horse owners may also need their own insurance 

Horse owners often choose to carry their own rider liability insurance, even if someone else manages the horse’s day-to-day care. If a situation arises where the business caring for the horse is not found liable, responsibility may fall to the owner. Having separate cover can help manage this risk.[Text Wrapping Break]Some businesses also request copies of an owner’s public liability insurance as part of good risk management. This can help identify any gaps in coverage and clarify responsibilities. 

Equestrian business insurance can be complex, and policies vary widely. Taking time to review your coverage and understand any exclusions can help you manage potential risks. If you’d like to learn more about common insurance considerations for equine businesses, or explore available options, you can speak with a broker or visit our resources for further information.