Equine Liability Warning Signs

The purpose of equine liability warning signs is mainly to protect the establishment where they are posted. Training facilities for all types of riding post signs to limit their liability in the case of an accidental fall or mishap that injures riders or their horses. Businesses that rent horses to ride on trails or on the beaches also use equine liability signs to protect themselves. Some individuals use the same signs to limit their liability on their property in case of an accident of any type that involves horses.

  1. Equine Statute

    • This sign states the law for an individual state, as state laws vary slightly. In general, the law limits liability for owners, agents and lessors of any riding stable. This also protects equine personnel and equine sponsors for a riding event such as a horse show or a rodeo in case a participant, rider or bystander is injured or killed. Many of these events also require all participants to sign a waver that will not hold any personnel associated with the events liable for any types of injuries.

    Barn Signs

    • There is a large array of barn signs that are available to limit an owner's liability and to protect owners and their horses in the case of accidents. This will also hold the injuring or negligent party involved responsible for any insurance claims arising from their actions. This type of sign can be on display in stables and holding areas of horses both in a rodeo or show horse setting and in a racetrack stable. The most commons signs are "no smoking in the barn," "do not feed the horses," "be careful of biting horses" and "stable area--watch your step." In extreme cases, it is also necessary to post signs with "no admittance" so that patrons do not disturb ailing horses or animals that are nervous before an event.

    Rented Horses

    • Many vacation sites offer rides on trail horses that are usually hourly rides. Some have guides and only ride at pre-determined times, and others just show you which trail to enter and give you a map. These trails usually have signs posted along the trail and on the barn that state "ride at your own risk." This will cover the company for any mishaps on the trail. Beach horse rentals also use the same signs on their barn, though they may not be prominent on the beach.