Equine Liability Insurance for Riding Partnerships: Why it is Essential for Owners and Riders
16 Nov 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A horse-sharing arrangement can provide financial and time relief, but it also carries liability risks of up to several million euros. Without the right horse liability insurance for the horse-sharing arrangement, an accident can quickly become life-threatening. We show you how to fully protect yourself and your horse-sharing arrangement.
The topic in brief and concise terms
As a horse owner, you are liable under § 833 BGB for any damage caused by your riding partner.
A horse liability insurance is indispensable for owners and must explicitly include the risk posed by third-party riders.
A written riding participation contract that clearly outlines the insurance situation is essential for both parties.
Understanding Liability Without Fault: The Legal Basis for Horse Owners
As a horse owner, you are liable for any damage caused by your animal, and this liability is unlimited. This so-called strict liability is enshrined in § 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) and applies regardless of fault. If, for example, your horse causes a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, the claims can quickly reach six or seven figures. This liability remains fully applicable even if your riding partner is responsible for the horse. While a written contract can regulate duties, it does not absolve you of your fundamental responsibility as the owner. The right horse liability insurance is therefore the only way to avert this financial risk. Understanding this legal basis is the first step towards proper protection.
Check insurance coverage: Is the horseback riding partnership automatically covered?
A standard horse insurance is often not sufficient to cover a riding partnership. You need a policy that explicitly includes the "risk from third-party riders" or the "riding partnership". In many contracts, the riding partnership must even be named to enjoy full protection in the event of damage. Therefore, check your policy for these clauses. An example: Your riding partner is out on a trail, the horse takes fright and damages a parked car. Without the inclusion of the third-party rider risk, your insurance would refuse to cover the cost of around €3,000. Ensure that the coverage amount is at least ten million euros. A comprehensive horse insurance comparison helps find the right policies. Next, let's consider the liability question if the riding partner themselves gets injured.
Accident with a Horse Share: Who is Liable for Personal Injuries?
If the riding participant injures themselves, the question of liability becomes complex. For a long time, owners tried to exclude their liability through clauses in the rider participation contract. However, recent court judgments show that such general liability exclusions are often ineffective, especially in cases of personal injury. The Saarbrücken Regional Court ruled in 2024 that the animal owner liability also applies in the event of a fall by the riding participant and the owner must cover treatment costs of around 4,000 euros. A good horse insurance should therefore also cover self-inflicted damages or claims by the rider. The following points are crucial:
Check whether your insurance covers recourse claims from social security carriers (such as health insurance companies).
Ensure that claims from the riding participant against the owner are also insured.
Recommend to your riding participant additionally taking out a private accident insurance.
Document the insurance details clearly in the rider participation contract.
Our expert tip: Courts rarely accept an implicit exclusion of liability anymore. Never rely solely on oral agreements. Therefore, the contractual design is a key element of your protection.
The Part-Boarding Agreement: More Than Just a Formality
A detailed riding lease agreement is essential to avoid misunderstandings and clearly define liability. It provides legal security for both parties and should record much more than just the cost contribution, such as 150 euros per month. In addition to usage times and duties like stable work, insurance aspects are particularly crucial. Document in writing that there is an equine liability insurance policy and that the riding share is explicitly covered. Ensure the riding share confirms the existence of personal liability and accident insurance. A well-constructed contract not only protects in the event of damage but also strengthens the trust relationship. It is the basis for a functioning partnership around the horse and also defines who is liable in the event of an escape.
Optimise coverage amount: Assess risks realistically
Legal liability is unlimited, so the coverage amount of your equine liability insurance should be sufficiently high. An amount of less than five million euros is no longer adequate today. Personal injury can quickly incur costs that exceed this amount, for instance, through lifelong pension payments. Experts recommend a coverage amount of at least 15 million euros for personal, property, and financial damages. The additional costs for higher coverage are often minimal, usually only a few euros per year. An inadequate coverage amount could mean your financial ruin in the event of a claim. Therefore, not only consider the price but, more importantly, the performance of your insurance. With the right coverage, you can enjoy your time with your horse and your equestrian activities worry-free.
More useful links
Gesetze im Internet contains the legal text of § 833 BGB on liability of animal keepers.
Rechtslexikon.net explains the term liability of animal keepers in the legal lexicon.
Deutscher Tierschutzbund provides background information on horses as pets.
FAQ
Is horse liability insurance necessary for a riding participation?
Yes, it is absolutely necessary. Although it is not a legal requirement, the horse owner is liable without limit for all damages caused by the horse – even if a riding partner is riding. An equine liability insurance that includes riding partners protects the owner from potentially crippling costs.
Which insurance pays if the horse causes harm to a third party?
In this case, the horse owner's liability insurance provides coverage, assuming the risk for third-party or guest riders is included. It covers the costs for personal injuries, property damage, and financial losses up to the agreed coverage amount.
Does the insurance also cover damage to borrowed items?
Yes, many modern policies also cover rental property damage. This is important if, for example, the horse damages a rented horse trailer or a stall in a foreign stable. Check the exact terms of your policy.
What happens if the riding involvement breaches contractual agreements?
If the co-rider acts with gross negligence or intentionally against agreements (e.g., jumping despite a ban) and damage results, the insurance may reduce the benefit or reclaim costs from the co-rider. The protection against the injured third party usually remains intact.
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