Horse liability insurance and third-party riders: comprehensive protection or an expensive coverage gap?
29/09/2025
3
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A friend wants to ride your horse – an everyday situation with potentially existential risks. If the rider falls, the costs can quickly run into six figures. We show you what you need to look out for in your horse liability insurance so that a third-party rider is actually covered.
The topic in brief and concise terms
As a horse owner, you are generally liable under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) for all damage caused by your horse, even without any fault on your part.
The greatest financial risk arises if the third-party rider is injured and makes a claim for compensation against you.
A good horse liability insurance policy must explicitly cover the third-party rider’s own damage and recourse claims from social insurance providers.
The foundation of liability: Why Section 833 of the German Civil Code is so crucial for horse owners
The legal basis for liability for animal owners is clearly regulated in Germany. Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) establishes strict liability, making you, as the owner, responsible for almost any damage caused by your horse. This means that even without any fault on your part, you are liable if your horse, for example, startles and causes a road traffic accident resulting in personal injury and damages of over €250,000. This provision protects third parties from the unpredictable dangers that can arise from animals. Liability is unlimited in amount, which represents an existential financial risk. A high-performing horse owner’s liability insurance is therefore not an option, but an absolute necessity for every horse owner. Understanding this strict legal requirement is the first step towards properly assessing the further risks associated with third-party riders.
Standard cover under review: Is the other rider automatically covered?
Modern insurance policies have adapted to the realities in the stables. In over 90 per cent of equine liability insurance policies currently on offer, the so-called risk posed by a rider other than the policyholder is included in the basic cover. This means that if the other rider causes damage to third parties with your horse – for example, €500 worth of damage to crops in an adjoining field – your insurance will step in. This cover is an important foundation and protects you against third-party claims. Many owners are lulled into a false sense of security by this clause. However, standard cover usually only covers damage that the rider *third parties* causes. A far greater risk lies elsewhere, and it is often overlooked. The next section examines the most critical gap in cover of all.
Recognising the coverage gap: When the third-party rider claims compensation from the owner
The greatest financial risk arises if the third-party rider is injured and makes claims against you as the owner. If the rider falls and sustains a serious injury, the claims can quickly amount to more than one million euros. This includes treatment costs, compensation for pain and suffering, and loss of earnings. The rider’s social security providers, such as their health insurance fund, will also seek recourse against you. This is precisely where many standard policies fail, as they exclude claims between co-insured persons. An implied waiver of liability is recognised by the courts only in rare exceptional cases. You therefore need a policy that explicitly also covers the third-party rider’s own losses and their recourse claims. The following criteria show you how to identify such policies.
Contract details that make the difference: These clauses really protect you
Comprehensive cover depends on specific clauses that go far beyond simply mentioning third-party rider risk. A careful look at the insurance terms and conditions is essential if you do not want to be left on your own in the event of a claim. Pay attention to a sufficiently high sum insured of at least EUR 15 million. The following points should be clearly regulated in your policy:
Claims by the third-party rider against the keeper must be explicitly included.
Recourse claims by social insurance providers (e.g. health insurers) must be covered.
The insurer should also provide cover for shared riding arrangements, without classifying them as co-keepers.
Compensation for pain and suffering should be insured up to the full sum insured.
The policy should also apply when riding without a saddle or with a bitless bridle.
These details are crucial for avoiding the most dangerous liability pitfalls, as court rulings repeatedly confirm.
From legal practice: Real court rulings and their financial consequences
The German courts have confirmed the strict liability of horse owners in numerous judgments. The Schleswig Higher Regional Court awarded a paraplegic driver €330,000 in damages for pain and suffering after an accident involving a pony that had broken loose. In another case, the Nuremberg Higher Regional Court made it clear that a rider who contributes €100 a month towards the costs does not automatically become a co-owner and therefore has full claims against the owner (case no. 4 U 1162/13). These judgments show that the financial burden in the event of a claim can threaten one’s financial existence. A comparison of horse liability insurance tariffs is therefore not just a question of price, but above all of the quality of the terms and conditions. To prepare as well as possible, a clear approach helps.
Your action plan: A five-point checklist for maximum safety
To ensure that you and any third-party riders are optimally insured, you should proceed systematically. Careful review and preparation can save hundreds of thousands of euros in an emergency. We recommend the following five steps:
Review your current policy: Check whether own damage suffered by the third-party rider and any recourse claims are explicitly included in cover.
Adjust the sum insured: Make sure your cover amount is at least ten million, preferably 15 million euros.
Put a written agreement in place: A simple third-party rider agreement can help clarify expectations, but it does not replace insurance.
Define shared-riding arrangements clearly: Clarify with your insurer how shared-riding arrangements are classified and insured.
Seek advice: Consult experts to analyse your individual requirements and close any gaps in cover.
These measures give you the certainty of being able to share the joy of riding with peace of mind. Request your individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Federal Ministry of Justice provides the legal text of Section 833 of the German Civil Code on liability of animal owners.
German Equestrian Federation (FN) provides figures and facts about equestrian sport.
German Equestrian Federation (FN) provides information on safety when riding and handling horses.
Consumer Advice Centre offers information on third-party liability insurance for pets.
Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (SVLFG) provides information on horse keeping.
Lower Saxony State Stud Celle presents its website with information about the stud.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes statistics on animals and animal production in agriculture.
FAQ
Is a guest rider automatically covered under my horse liability insurance?
In most modern policies, yes, but often only for damage caused by the rider to third parties. The key point is whether the rider’s own injury and any claims they may have against you as the owner are also covered. Be sure to check this in your policy terms.
What happens if the injured person is a part-loan rider?
With a shared riding arrangement, insurers sometimes argue that the rider is a "co-owner" and exclude cover. A good policy should make clear that shared riding arrangements are also comprehensively protected and can bring claims against the owner.
Does the rider’s private accident insurance not pay out?
The private accident insurance does pay out to the rider, but that does not exempt you from liability. The rider’s health and long-term care insurance will seek reimbursement from you for the treatment costs, which can quickly reach six-figure amounts.
Is the insurance coverage also valid abroad?
Insurance cover is often limited to the EU or geographical Europe. If you are planning a longer stay abroad or a trip outside Europe, you should clarify the scope of your policy with the insurer in advance.
Are damages to hired horse trailers or stables also covered by insurance?
Yes, a good horse liability insurance policy should also cover damage to rented property. However, the level of cover for such damage can vary and is often limited to a certain amount, for example €10,000.
What is uninsured loss cover in horse liability insurance?
Claims default cover applies if you or your horse are harmed by a third party and that person has no own liability insurance and is unable to pay. In this case, your own insurance will cover the loss.
