Can I File a Personal Injury Claim After a Horseback Riding Accident?

Horseback riding is an enjoyable activity that also involves some amount of risk for the rider and the horse, especially when riding through rough terrain or on challenging courses. If an injury occurs while riding a horse, the liability usually falls on the rider. There are some instances, however, when someone else might be responsible for a rider's injury.

Horse riding facilities and academies, ranches, tour companies, and stable operators are not responsible for the injuries of riders, but they are responsible to meet a certain standard of reasonable care in order to prevent injuries. If the owner/operator of a horse business did not take reasonable care, they might be held liable in a personal injury case filed by the injured horseback rider.

While the standard of reasonable care varies from case to case, there are some factors that might indicate liability on part of the owner/operator:

• If the horseback rider was given faulty, sub-par equipment

• If the horseback rider was not given proper safety equipment

• If the horseback rider was matched with an uncontrollable horse

• If the horseback rider's guide was not properly trained

Any of the above factors can indicate negligence on the part of the horse's owner. Again, though, liability most often falls on the rider. Anyone who rides a horse should make sure that they take all precautions to help avoid an injury. Riders have many responsibilities:

• Comfort with the horse . Riders should be comfortable riding and directing their horse before riding unassisted. If a rider is uneasy on a certain horse, they should voice their concern and ask for a different horse.

• Safety Equipment . Riders should wear safety equipment, including a helmet.

• Horse Comfort . Riders should not intentionally agitate or aggravate their horse.

When rider and horse are comfortable and in a generally safe environment, horseback riding is an enjoyable sport. Accidents do happen, however, and at times a personal injury suit may be necessary. If you have suffered a horseback riding injury that you think was caused by negligence outside of your own control, a personal injury settlement can help you address your medical bills, time away from work, and unexpected lifestyle changes.

If you think that your horseback injury is a result of another's negligence, you should contact an attorney in your state who specializes in personal injury claims. Each injury case is different and an attorney will need to review the factors of your injury in order to determine if you have a viable claim.