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At your next visit to a barn or show, look around, and you will probably see at least one “WARNING” sign citing the state’s equine law. Aside from Maryland and California, every state has an equine law. These laws limit the legal remedies for lawsuits seeking damages for horse-related injuries. Despite popular belief, most equine laws […]

Florida law requires individuals under the age of 16 to wear a properly fit, securely fastened, American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) certified helmet when horseback riding. Riders under 16 must wear a helmet when riding on: The law provides several exceptions for riders practicing for and competing in events where wearing a helmet […]

With the growing popularity of shows like Yellowstone and 1883, there have been an increasing number of people taking an interest in horses and equestrian activities. Here in Florida, before saddling up to become the next John Dutton, horse enthusiasts should be aware of the state’s equine activities law, which is specifically designed to protect […]

PSA to all horse professionals…use a waiver to help cover yourself against potential lawsuits. Anyone who has spent time around animals, and horses in particular, know they can be unpredictable. Even with gentle and well-trained horses, accidents and injuries occur. A person harmed by a horse may suffer serious injuries requiring expensive medical care. A […]

Interacting with even the most gentle horse always involves some risk. As any horse person will tell you, horses are horses and they can behave in ways that are unexpected. Horse owners and professionals can help protect themselves and their businesses by requiring all clients, guests and spectators to sign a liability release agreement, sometimes […]

For most horse people, few things are as exciting as purchasing a horse. Unfortunately for some, buying a horse can be a difficult experience—emotions cloud buyers’ judgment, sellers misrepresent, and your new horse may feel more like an adversary than a partner. To avoid a bad purchase, buyers should keep in mind the following: *** Kimbrell […]

With the winter show circuit just around the corner, now is the time to revisit the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Drugs & Medications rules and ensure your barn is compliant before the winter show season begins. On November 3, 2025, USEF hosted a Drugs & Medications webinar featuring Dr. Stephen Schumacher, chief veterinary officer […]

The 2025 Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak has done more than disrupt show calendars and strain veterinary hospitals. It has created significant legal and practical challenges for horse owners, trainers, boarding facilities, transporters, and event organizers. On November 25, 2025, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) hosted a […]

The U.S. Center for SafeSport has the authority to investigate misconduct, impose sanctions, and restrict or remove individuals from participation in sport, yet it is neither a court nor a government agency. For athletes, coaches, trainers, and sport administrators, having a basic understanding of how SafeSport operates has become an important part of participating in […]

Generally, most courts in the United States take an expansive view of what it means to be engaged in an equine activity, and a recent Michigan decision reinforces just how broadly those statutory protections can apply. In Goch v. Edison Institute, No. 371176, 2025 Mich. App. LEXIS 8446 (Mich. Ct. App. Oct. 17, 2025), the […]
