Many people watch horses from afar, with their first experience often being a guided trail ride.
If you own horses and rent them out for guided trail rides in Canada, you’re making yourself liable for risk of bodily injury, property damage and even lawsuits.
What you’ll discover in this report:
- The risk level of running rental and guided trail ride services
- Common claims against guided trail rides and horse rentals
- How to plan ahead
- Coverage offered by a commercial general liability policy
- Government/insurance standards
- Other types of insurance to consider
The Risk Level of Horse Rental and Guided Trail Ride Services
The risk level of rental and guided trail ride services is high. You have customers of all ages and riding experience riding in natural areas. Horses can sometimes act unpredictably, and so can humans if they’re scared or inexperienced.
It’s difficult for people with little-to-no experience to control a horse in these situations.
There are some ways to reduce your risk, including making sure the horses never move at more than a slow trot. Also use horses that have had lots of experience with people.
Top Claims Involving Horse Rental and Guided Trail Ride Services
The most common claim incidents involving horse rental and guided trail ride services include:
- The rider gets hurt and jumps or falls off the horse when the rider and/or horse is becomes frightened.
- A medical crisis occurs because injured guests require more than what your resident medical staff can provide.
- A horse slips or is spooked during a sudden rain or thunderstorm, causing a rider injury
- An insect or a swarm of insects bites or stings the rider or horse
How To Plan Ahead
We know you care about the horses and the people you lead. Below are steps you can take to protect yourself against potential accidents.
Enforce barn and trail rules
Develop rules for your environment for both horses and people. Train staff members so they understand rules and procedures. Document procedures.
Plan for emergencies
Emergencies happen. But the more prepared you are, the better chance you have of providing proper care to your horses. Preparation can minimize the severity of any accident.
Develop inspections of your property, including all trails
By inspecting your premises for potential hazards, you can take care of them before an incident occurs.
Prepare a written waiver and review your province’s Occupiers’ Liability Act
Your province's Occupiers’ Liability Act could state that the stable owner/operator owes a duty of care to the people who enter their premises, which assures that any property they bring on your premises is also reasonably safe.
Anyone who participates in horse activities on your premises needs to complete and sign your province’s waiver, if applicable. Make sure to keep signed forms on file and safely stored. You are free to restrict, modify or exclude this duty of care through your written waiver.
Follow Provincial Safety Regulations
Check your provincial safety regulations regarding helmet use for minors and if helmets need to meet certain criteria, such as ASTM, BSI or European Safety Standards. Footwear is also often regulated (i.e. hard-soled footwear with a heel of no less than 1.5 centimeters).
Purchase an equine liability insurance policy
Protect you and your business with an insurance company that knows horses and your business. You want to make sure that any legal fees are covered, claim costs and settlements to ensure that in the case of an accident, your business doesn’t suffer a financial loss.
What’s Included in the Commercial General Liability Policy?
The policy gives you maximum limits or amounts of liability insurance for:
- Lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage caused by conducting your business operations .
- Legal defense costs: You can save your business the financial burden of court costs if you’re sued, whether or not the case has merit.
- Claims or settlement costs: Without this policy, the business could be held responsible for bodily injury and property claims. damage
Equine Facility Operations Standards
Depending on the commercial venture you’re starting, if it involves horses, there are minimum safety standards for activities, including coaching, trail rides, equine assisted learning and pony rides.
You also need to be aware of your province’s safety regulations. Check your provincial safety regulations regarding helmet use for minors and if helmets need to meet certain criteria, such as ASTM, BSI or European Safety Standards. Footwear is also often regulated (i.e. hard-soled footwear with a heel of no less than 1.5 centimeters).
Other Coverages To Consider
In addition to horse rental and guided trail riding insurance, you should also consider property coverage. We can add this endorsement to your general liability policy if you’re a stable property renter to insure your tack, equipment and machinery for loss or damage.
Get Horse Rental and Guided Trail Ride Insurance Today
At Henry Equestrian, Powered by NFP, we understand horses and we want to make sure your business isn’t taken for a ride. Contact us today to learn more or click below for a free, no-obligation quote.