Whether you operate guided trail rides, run a riding school, or train horses professionally, your equine business faces a unique set of risks that standard insurance policies are not built to handle. Horses and people are both unpredictable, and when the two come together, the potential for injury and liability is real.
The John Bailey Company specializes in insurance for outdoor recreation and equine businesses. Since 1946, we have been a family-owned agency based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and we currently insure outdoor and recreation operations in 20+ states. We understand the risks of working with horses and guests, and we know how to build the right coverage around your operation.
Horseback Riding Operations We Insure:
- Guided trail ride operators (hourly, half-day, and multi-day rides)
- Riding instructors and lesson programs (all disciplines)
- Equestrian schools and training facilities
- Independent contractor instructors and trainers
- Horse rental and outfitting operations
- Therapeutic and adaptive riding programs
- Pony ride and petting zoo operations
- Day camps and youth equestrian programs
- Equine clinicians and traveling instructors
- Boarding facilities that offer lessons or trail access
Why Standard Insurance Won’t Cover Your Equine Business
A standard general liability policy or homeowners policy is not designed for commercial equine operations. The moment you accept payment for a trail ride, a riding lesson, or horse training, you are running a business with risk exposures that personal policies exclude. If a student falls during a lesson, if a rental horse bites a guest, or if a client’s horse is injured while in your care, a standard policy will likely deny the claim.
Guided trail riding is considered one of the highest-risk categories in equine insurance. Many riders are novices experiencing horses for the first time, rides often take place on varied terrain, and operators may work on leased land or public trails. Riding instructors and trainers face professional liability exposure as well: the more expertise you present to the public, the higher the standard of care you are held to. A specialized equine liability policy is essential to protect both your livelihood and your students.
What Does Horseback Riding Insurance Cover?
A comprehensive equine insurance policy from the John Bailey Company can be customized to include the following coverages:
Standard Insurance Options Available:
- General Liability: Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your equine operations, both on and off premises
- Professional Liability: Protects against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in your instruction or training services
- Equine Liability: Specifically covers injuries related to horseback riding, horse handling, and horse-human interactions. Verify that your policy has no animal bite exclusion
- Care, Custody, and Control: Covers injury, illness, or death of horses you do not own while they are in your care for training, boarding, or lessons. Standard GL policies exclude this, so it must be added as an endorsement
- Commercial Property Insurance: Protects stables, barns, arenas, tack rooms, and equipment from fire, weather, theft, and vandalism
- Workers’ Compensation: Required in most states for operations with employees; covers medical costs and lost wages for work-related injuries to your staff
Special Coverages Offered:
- Medical Payments: Pays for a claimant’s immediate medical expenses regardless of fault, typically starting at $5,000 with options to increase
- Fire Legal Liability: Covers damage to rented or leased property such as a stable or arena where you teach, often included at no additional charge
- Hired and Non-Owned Auto: Covers liability when using personal vehicles or trailers for business purposes such as hauling horses to events or trailheads
- Umbrella / Excess Liability: Provides additional coverage beyond primary policy limits for high-value operations
- Abuse and Molestation Coverage: Critical for programs that work with children or vulnerable adults, including youth camps and therapeutic riding
- Event Liability: Covers shows, clinics, competitions, gymkhanas, and other equestrian events you organize or participate in
- Personal Equine Liability: Optional coverage for your own personal horses separate from your commercial operation
- Inland Marine / Equipment: Covers tack, saddles, and specialized equipment that may not be covered under standard property policies
Our Process
Our process is simple. Here is how we work:
1) We Learn About Your Business
First, we discuss your horseback riding operation and craft a risk management solution tailored to your needs.
The following includes a few of the standard questions we typically ask during your initial consultation:
- What type of equine operation do you run (trail rides, lessons, training, boarding)?
- How many horses do you own, and do you care for horses owned by others?
- How many students or guests do you serve per year?
- Do you work at your own facility, or do you teach at other locations as an independent contractor?
- What age groups participate in your programs, including children?
- Do you use liability waivers with all participants?
- Do you operate on owned land, leased land, or public trails?
- How many employees or seasonal staff do you have?
- Do you host or participate in shows, clinics, or competitions?
- Have you filed insurance claims in the past? If so, what risk management practices have you put in place to prevent future incidents?
2) We Shop the Insurance Companies
After learning more about your insurance needs, we shop the insurance companies for you and then present a menu of recommended plans for your review.
Once you pick the coverage options that align with your risk appetite, our team can deliver a certificate of insurance to you quickly to ensure your business is protected.
Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation or call us at (865) 524-0785.
Equine Liability Law in Tennessee
Tennessee’s Equine Activities Liability Act (Title 44, Chapter 20) provides limited immunity to equine activity sponsors and equine professionals for injuries that result from the inherent risks of equine activities. This includes riding, training, driving, and being a passenger on a horse, as well as assisting participants or show management.
However, this protection has important limits. You can still be held liable if you provided faulty equipment or tack that caused the injury, failed to warn of a known dangerous condition on your property, showed willful or wanton disregard for the safety of a participant, or intentionally caused an injury. Tennessee law specifically requires that equine professionals post warning signs on the premises and include statutory warning language in all written contracts with participants.
The required notice must state: “Under Tennessee 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.” Signs must display this in black letters at least one inch in height.
While this law provides a meaningful layer of legal protection, it does not replace the need for commercial liability insurance. It does not cover property damage, employee injuries, damage to non-owned horses, professional negligence claims, or food service liability. A comprehensive insurance policy works alongside Tennessee’s equine liability protections to give your operation the full coverage it needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horseback Riding Insurance
How much does horseback riding insurance cost?
Costs vary depending on the type and size of your operation. For riding instructors, general liability coverage starts around $45 per month ($540 per year) for $1 million in coverage. Trail ride operators with rental horses typically pay more due to higher risk exposure. Factors that affect your premium include the number of horses, number of students or guests, types of activities offered, claims history, and coverage limits. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule a free consultation with our team.
Do I need insurance if I teach at someone else’s barn?
Yes. Most equestrian facilities require independent instructors and trainers to carry their own liability insurance before teaching on the property. The facility owner will typically require you to list them as an additional insured on your policy. Your coverage should apply both on and off premises so you are protected wherever you work.
What is care, custody, and control coverage?
Care, custody, and control (CCC) coverage protects you if a horse you do not own is injured, becomes ill, or dies while in your care. Standard general liability policies exclude damage to property in your possession, which means a client’s horse is not covered under your GL policy. CCC is added as an endorsement and is essential for trainers, instructors who use client horses, and boarding operations.
Are liability waivers enough to protect my riding business?
Waivers are strongly recommended and provide a layer of legal protection, but they are not a substitute for insurance. Courts do not always enforce waivers, particularly when negligence is involved, when the language is unclear, or when minors are participants. Tennessee’s Equine Activities Liability Act provides additional protection, but neither waivers nor the statute cover property damage, employee injuries, or professional negligence. Comprehensive insurance is essential.
Does my policy cover me if I travel to shows or events?
It depends on your policy. Many equine liability policies provide coverage both on and off premises throughout the United States, but you should verify this with your specific policy. If you travel to shows, clinics, or events, make sure your coverage extends to those locations. Event-specific liability can also be added if you organize competitions or clinics.
Do I need special coverage for therapeutic riding programs?
Therapeutic and adaptive riding programs serve vulnerable populations, which creates additional liability considerations. You should carry general liability, professional liability, and abuse and molestation coverage at minimum. Many carriers offer programs specifically designed for therapeutic riding operations. We can help you find the right fit for your program.