Horse Liability Law and Safety

Face of a horse

Peta-Gaye Clachar


Liability Laws

Most of you probably know Nebraska's Liability Law as LB153. However, as this bill is now a law or a statute, it is known as Statute 25-21.

Legislative Bill 153 - For an act relating to equine activities; to provide standards and procedures for civil liability.

25-21,250. Equine Activities; terms defined
25-21,252. Equine Activities; applicability of other laws; liability enumerated
25-21,253. Equine Activities; signs and contracts; requirements
25-21,251. Equine Activities; liability and claims; limitations
25-21,249. Equine Activities; legislative intent

All contracts and signs must state:

WARNING

Under Nebraska Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to this act.

Horse Trailer Maintenance and Trailering Safety

Whether transporting your horse for pleasure or for evacuation purposes, the following sites can provide reminders for the proper maintenance of the horse trailer. Don't wait until the last minute and assume that everything is 'good to go' - especially if the trailer has not been used for a while. Also make sure to look it over to insure that no insects (wasps, for example); rodents, or snakes have decided to make a home in the trailer or in the area under or around it. A publication, Horse Trailer Maintenance and Trailering Safety, by Rutgers Cooperative Extension can be found on the national Ag. Safety Database.

A fact sheet, Common Sense Trailer Safety, that covers additional information about the selection of the towing vehicle, etc. by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

If traveling with horse(s) for several days, the following site includes a list of horse-friendly stop-over locations: Horsestrip.com