Equine recreation statute

Listen to this radio story on equine recreation laws (MP3 download)

While it's natural to want to share your love of horseback riding with others, allowing people to ride on your land is a decision that shouldn't be made lightly. If someone is seriously injured, you may face a substantial lawsuit. Depending upon the guidelines for liability outlined in your state's equine recreation statue, you may need to pay the injured person's medical expenses or provide a large cash settlement. If you plan to charge others for using your land, it pays to be especially cautious. The typical personal liability or general farm liability policy will not provide coverage for damages resulting from the commercial operation of recreation facilities.

Radio interview source: Harrison Pittman, director, National Agricutural Law Center

To learn more about how you can protect yourself while still enjoying your horses, we suggest the following Web sites:

Liability and Insurance Protection for Rural Recreation Enterprises: An overview of issues landowners must consider when determining if they have sufficient insurance coverage for allowing horseback riding and other recreational activities on their property.

National Agricultural Law Center: Learn more about landowner liability and other related agricultural law issues.

Recreational Use Statutes: View state-specific guidelines regarding the recreational use of private land, including horseback riding.