Equestrian Accident Solicitors
Horse riding and working with horses is a passion shared by millions across the UK, but equestrian activities carry serious risks. If you have been injured in a riding accident, at a livery yard, or through a horse-related incident such as a kick or bite, you may be entitled to compensation, and we are here to help you pursue it.
We understand that being hurt in an equestrian accident can be frightening and life-altering. Injuries range from fractures and soft-tissue damage to life-changing spinal injuries and head and brain injuries. Our specialist personal injury solicitors combine deep legal expertise with genuine compassion, guiding you through every step of the claims process with clarity and care.
We act exclusively for injured people and their families, and handle equestrian accident claims on a no win, no fee basis in eligible cases. We are based in East Anglia, with offices across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, and we also take cases nationally.
Ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and accredited by APIL, the Brain Injury Group and AvMA, we are also signatories to the Serious Injury Guide and the Rehabilitation Code.
Speak to Our Equestrian Accident Solicitors in East Anglia
If you or a loved one has been injured in a horse riding or equestrian accident, please contact our expert personal injury solicitors.
Our team offers clear, compassionate advice across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and nationally, including home or hospital visits where needed.
Call us on 0330 191 7829, email enquiries@ashtonslegal.co.uk, or complete our online enquiry form.
Types of Equestrian Accident Claims We Handle
We handle claims arising from all of the following.
- Falls from horses – where a fall results from an instructor’s negligence, a poorly fitted saddle or an unsuitable horse being provided to a rider
- Kicks and bites – where an owner knew or ought to have known their horse had a tendency to cause harm (Animals Act 1971); see our animal injury claims page
- Accidents at riding schools – inadequate supervision, inappropriate horse-rider matching or poorly maintained equipment
- Livery yard incidents – defective structures, inadequate lighting or other hazards; may give rise to an accident in a public place claim
- Road traffic accidents involving horses – where a driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the incident; handled by our road traffic accident claims team
- Competition and event injuries – poor organisation, unsafe course design or inadequate welfare measures at equestrian events
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Equestrian Accident?
Liability in equestrian accident cases can attach to a range of parties depending on the circumstances. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Horse owners, under the Animals Act 1971
- Riding school operators and instructors
- Livery yard owners and managers
- Employers, where an equestrian worker is injured in the course of their employment (see our accidents at work claims page)
- Event or competition organisers
- Drivers involved in road traffic accidents with horses
- Equipment manufacturers, where faulty tack or riding gear contributed to the injury
We will investigate the full facts, identify all responsible parties, and pursue the claim against the right defendants on your behalf.
The Equestrian Accident Claims Process
Our solicitors will guide you through every stage, ensuring you are fully informed and supported throughout.
Free Initial Consultation
We listen to what happened, assess the merits of your case, and explain your options clearly and without obligation. Home and hospital visits are available across East Anglia.
Funding Agreement
Where appropriate, we set up a no win, no fee agreement so you can proceed without financial risk.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We gather evidence, obtain expert reports, and identify all liable parties, including instructors, yard owners, insurers, and equipment manufacturers where relevant.
Letter of Claim
We formally notify the defendant of your claim, the basis for it, and the losses you have suffered.
Negotiation or Litigation
We negotiate robustly on your behalf. If the defendant does not respond reasonably, we will issue court proceedings and represent you throughout. Most cases settle before trial.
Settlement or Judgment
We ensure your compensation reflects the full extent of your losses, including future losses, care needs and any adaptation costs.
Time Limits for Equestrian Accident Claims
In most equestrian accident cases, you have three years from the date of your injury to start a claim. There are important exceptions:
- Children: the three-year period does not begin until the child turns 18, meaning a claim can be brought up to their 21st birthday.
- Lack of mental capacity: the time limit may be suspended for claimants who lack the mental capacity to conduct litigation.
- Fatal accidents: claims must generally be brought within three years of the date of death.
Other (shorter) time limits may apply, depending on other circumstances.
We strongly recommend seeking legal advice as early as possible to help avoid any issues with time limits and also because evidence can deteriorate or be lost and witnesses’ memories fade over time.
Why Choose Ashtons Legal for Your Equestrian Accident Claim?
Our personal injury team is recognised in both Chambers UK and The Legal 500, with Band 1 and Tier 1 rankings that reflect the quality and consistency of our work. We are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), and our senior solicitors hold APIL Senior Litigator and Fellow accreditations.
We are signatories to the Serious Injury Guide and the Rehabilitation Code, which means we prioritise your recovery and welfare alongside your legal claim. We are also proud members of the Spinal Injuries Association and the Brain Injury Group.
Our approach is holistic. Alongside your personal injury claim, you have access to our in-house Court of Protection team, rehabilitation and welfare advisors, and wider expertise across wills and trusts, employment, family and planning law.
Our offices in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich mean we are particularly well placed to support clients across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, with home and office visits readily available. We also take cases nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equestrian Accident Claims
What compensation can I claim for an equestrian accident?
If your claim succeeds, compensation can cover pain and suffering, loss of earnings (past and future), medical treatment and rehabilitation, care costs, home or vehicle adaptations, psychological treatment, and out-of-pocket expenses. For serious injuries, our in-house Court of Protection team and rehabilitation advisors provide coordinated support alongside your legal claim from the outset.
What is an equestrian accident claim?
An equestrian accident claim is a legal action brought by someone injured in a horse-related incident where another party’s negligence or breach of duty caused that injury. Claims can arise from private hacks, riding lessons, livery yards, competitions and road incidents. They are governed by the Animals Act 1971, the Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984, and the general law of negligence.
Can I claim if I signed a waiver at a riding school?
Signing a waiver does not automatically prevent you from making a claim. Under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015, businesses cannot exclude liability for personal injury caused by their own negligence. We can review any waiver you signed and advise you on whether it holds up.
What evidence do I need for a horse riding accident claim?
The most useful evidence includes photographs of the scene and your injuries, an entry in the yard or school’s accident book, witness contact details, your medical records, and any correspondence with the operator or their insurer. Do not worry if you do not have all of this; we will help gather and preserve what is needed.
How long does an equestrian accident claim take?
Straightforward claims may settle within 12 to 18 months. Serious injury cases involving ongoing treatment or contested liability can take longer. We give you a realistic assessment at the outset and keep you updated throughout.
Can I claim if the horse was my own?
You may still be able to claim if another party’s negligence contributed to your injury, for example if an instructor gave negligent advice, equipment was defective, or a third party caused your horse to bolt. We can assess the circumstances and advise you on the options available.
What if I was partially at fault for my riding accident?
Partial fault does not prevent you from claiming. Under the law of contributory negligence, your compensation is reduced by the proportion of responsibility attributed to you. If you are found 20% responsible, you would recover 80% of the total value of your claim.
Do I need a specialist equestrian solicitor?
This area combines personal injury law, the Animals Act 1971, occupiers’ liability, and equestrian industry knowledge. Using a solicitor with specialist experience genuinely matters. Our team understands both the legal framework and the equestrian world, giving your case the strongest possible foundation from the outset.
Speak to Our Equestrian Accident Solicitors in East Anglia
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a horse riding or equestrian accident, speak to one of our specialist solicitors today.
Our team offers clear, compassionate advice across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and nationally, including home or hospital visits where needed.
Call us on 0330 191 7829, email enquiries@ashtonslegal.co.uk, or complete our online enquiry form.