Equine Law Blog
Saddles, bridles, and harnesses are necessary assets in equine activities, but they can also generate liabilities. Over the years, lawsuits have claimed that someone either provided faulty equipment or improperly failed to detect and fix foreseeable equipment defects. For example, a 1992 Illinois court case involved a community center that provided horseback rides. During a ride, a cinch strap broke, causing the rider to fall from the horse and suffer injuries. The injured person blamed the mishap on an allegedly “worn, dry, and old” cinch strap that the center knew of or should have known about.
When someone brings a lawsuit claiming to be injured from defective equipment, that person’s lawsuit might be predicated on the legal theory of negligence or, where applicable, under a provision of a state equine activity liability law. Most of the 46 existing equine activity liability laws, in fact, specifically address certain liabilities associated with “faulty tack or equipment.” In some cases, the tack or equipment manufacturer is blamed for causing the problem, and the lawsuit can become one of “products liability.”
Avoiding Liability
Try to inspect your equipment regularly. Looking for cracks in the leather or worn-out areas. Leather care products can effectively clean and prolong the life of horse-related equipment. However, make sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Some areas of saddles, such as billet straps, may not be suitable for oiling but can be treated with other products. If you have broken equipment, consider hiring a reputable repair service or replacing it altogether.
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 ...
