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Horse riding accidents can cause serious, life-changing injuries in seconds.If your injury happened because someone else failed in their duty of care, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Claims 24 Hours, we make the process clear, supportive, and stress-free.
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Horse Riding Accidents and Compensation Claims
Horse riding is enjoyed across the UK as a leisure activity, a competitive sport, and a professional career. From riding schools and livery yards to road riding and racecourses, horses are a part of many people’s lives. However, horses are powerful and unpredictable animals. When something goes wrong, injuries can be severe.
While not every horse riding accident leads to a claim, you may be eligible for compensation if your injury was caused by negligence. This could involve faulty equipment, poor supervision, unsafe riding conditions, careless motorists, or failures by riding schools, trainers, or event organisers.
If you were injured while riding, handling a horse, working with horses, or even as a member of the public, Claims 24 Hours can help you understand your rights and take action.
When Can You Make a Horse Riding Accident Claim?
You may be able to make a claim if your accident happened because someone else failed to take reasonable care. Not every fall or incident is claimable, but compensation may be possible when a duty of care was breached.
Examples include:
- Faulty or poorly maintained riding equipment
- Ill-fitting saddles, bridles, girths, or safety tack
- Inadequate instruction or supervision at a riding school
- Unsafe riding surfaces or poorly maintained arenas
- Dangerous road conditions or careless driving near horses
- Poor organisation or safety planning at events or competitions
If your injury was caused by pure misfortune, compensation may not apply. However, many cases are not as clear-cut as they first appear. This is why early legal advice is so important.
Common Causes of Horse Riding Accidents
Horse riding accidents are often preventable. Many occur because basic safety standards were ignored or risks were underestimated.
Common causes include:
Poorly maintained equipment
Saddles, reins, stirrups, and girths must be properly fitted and regularly checked. Faulty equipment can fail without warning and cause serious falls.Inadequate training or supervision
Riders must receive appropriate instruction for their skill level. Lack of guidance or poor supervision significantly increases accident risk.Unsafe riding environments
Uneven ground, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and unsafe weather conditions all increase the likelihood of injury.Unpredictable horse behaviour
Horses can spook due to traffic, loud noises, or sudden movements. While this is natural, liability may arise if risks were not properly managed.Road traffic incidents involving horses
Motorists who pass too closely or too quickly can cause horses to bolt, rear, or fall, leading to devastating injuries.
If any of these factors played a role in your accident, negligence may be involved.
Common Horse Riding Injuries
Horse riding accidents often result in serious injuries due to the height of the fall and the force involved. In some cases, injuries can be life-changing or fatal.
Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Spinal injuries and damage to the neck or back
- Broken bones and fractures to arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis
- Soft tissue injuries such as ligament and tendon damage
- Crush injuries caused by falls or horses landing on riders
- Cuts, abrasions, and internal injuries
It’s not only riders who are at risk. Stable workers, trainers, grooms, spectators, and members of the public can also suffer serious injuries involving horses.
Who May Be Held Responsible?
Liability in horse riding accident claims can be complex. Responsibility depends on who owed you a duty of care and whether that duty was breached.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Riding schools and instructors
- Horse owners or handlers
- Event organisers or racecourse operators
- Employers in equestrian workplaces
- Local authorities or landowners
- Motorists involved in road incidents
UK law, including the Animals Act 1971 and Riding Establishments legislation, sets clear responsibilities for those who own, control, or provide access to horses.
Proving Your Horse Riding Injury Claim
Strong evidence is key to a successful claim. Helpful evidence may include:
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- Photos of faulty equipment or unsafe conditions
- Medical records and injury reports
- Accident book entries or incident reports
- Expert medical assessments
Our team helps guide you through collecting and presenting the right evidence, so you are not left dealing with this alone.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life. Claims usually include two parts:
General Damages
Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Special Damages
Compensation for financial losses, including:
- Loss of earnings
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses
- Care and support needs
- Home or vehicle adaptations
Every case is different. Claims 24 Hours can help you understand what your claim may be worth based on your circumstances.
How Long Do Horse Riding Accident Claims Take?
Some claims settle within months when liability is clear. More complex cases may take longer, especially if injuries are serious or responsibility is disputed. Our aim is always to progress your claim efficiently while securing fair compensation.
Time Limits for Horse Riding Accident Claims
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. For children, the time limit usually begins on their 18th birthday. Fatal accident claims follow specific legal rules.
Early advice is crucial to protect your rights.
Fatal Horse Riding Accident Claims
If you have lost a loved one due to a horse riding accident caused by negligence, you may be entitled to bring a fatal accident claim. Compensation can help cover funeral costs, financial dependency, and the emotional impact on surviving family members.
How Claims 24 Hours Helps You
Free Initial Advice
Your first conversation with Claims 24 Hours is completely free and without obligation. You will speak directly to a trained claims adviser who listens carefully to what happened, assesses whether negligence may be involved, and explains your legal options in clear, straightforward language. We make sure you fully understand your rights before you decide how to proceed.
No Win, No Fee Representation
We operate on a genuine No Win, No Fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront to start your claim and nothing at all if your claim is unsuccessful. There is no financial risk to you. This allows you to pursue justice and compensation with confidence, knowing your case will only move forward if there is a strong chance of success.
Experienced Injury Specialists
We work with solicitors who have extensive experience handling complex horse riding and equestrian accident claims. These cases often involve specialist knowledge of riding environments, stables, equipment, and duty of care. By working with the right legal experts, we ensure your claim is handled professionally and with the attention it deserves.
Clear Communication Throughout
We believe communication should always be simple and transparent. There is no legal jargon and no confusion. You are kept informed at every stage of your claim, from initial assessment through to negotiation and settlement. If you have questions, we are always available to explain what is happening and what comes next.
Support From Start to Settlement
From your very first call to the final resolution of your claim, Claims 24 Hours manages the entire process for you. We gather evidence, liaise with solicitors, and deal with insurers on your behalf. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we focus on securing the compensation you deserve.
Start Your Horse Riding Accident Claim Today
If you’ve been injured in a horse riding accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t suffer in silence.
Call Claims 24 Hours on +44 20 7043 3779 for free, no-obligation advice.
We’re here to support you, protect your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.