Equine Law Blog
Nationwide, 46 states – all but California, Maryland, Nevada and New York – have some form of an equine activity liability act. All of these laws differ, but approximately 31 require sign posting, usually, but not always, by “equine professionals.” The sign posting requirements vary considerably among the laws. Here’s a sampling of how the laws differ.
Delaware
Delaware’s law, 10 Del. Code § 8140(d)(1), states that “every equine professional” shall post and maintain signs that contain a warning notice specified in the law, and the warning notice “shall appear on the sign in red and white, with each letter to be a minimum of 1 inch in height.”
Illinois
Illinois’ law, at Il. Stat. Ch. 745 §47/25(a), requires “every equine professional” to post and maintain signs that contain that state’s warning notice “in a clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals, or arenas where the equine professional conducts equine activities if the stables, corrals, or arenas are owned, managed, or controlled by the equine professional.” The warning notice is to appear on the sign in black letters, with each letter to be a minimum of one inch in height.
Missouri
Missouri’s law, at Mo. St. § 537.325 (6), states that “every equine activity sponsor” shall post and maintain signs with a warning notice specified in the law “in black letters on a white background with each letter to be a minimum of one inch in height.”
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s law, Penn. Stat. § 603, provides immunity as to claims by adult equine activity participants only where signs are conspicuously posted on the premises at least three feet by two feet, in two or more locations.
Wisconsin
W. S. A. §895.481(4) requires “every equine professional” to post and maintain signs in a clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals or arenas owned, operated or controlled by the equine professional. The signs shall be white with black lettering, each letter a minimum of one inch in height” and contain the warning notice specified in the law.
Interestingly, except for the Pennsylvania law, none of the laws specifies exactly how many signs should be posted. Be sure to read each equine activity liability law carefully in the states where you do business and seek legal consultation where appropriate.
ShareholderJulie Fershtman is considered to be one of the nation's leading attorneys in the field of equine law. She has successfully tried equine cases before juries in four states. A frequent author and speaker on legal issues, she has written ...
