Article By: Britney L. Hebert – Attorney at Law
Growing up in Louisiana’s rich equestrian culture, I’ve spent my life around horses—whether in hunter-jumper rings, breeding barns, or local race tracks. As both an equestrian and a trial lawyer, I know how important it is to balance the joy and risks of working with horses. Louisiana law provides legal protections for those involved in equine activities.
Louisiana’s Equine Activity Liability Law (La. R.S. 9:2795.3) recognizes that horses are unpredictable and that owners, trainers, and facilities shouldn’t be unfairly held liable for the inherent risks of equine activities. This statute gives significant immunity to horse professionals and enthusiasts as long as proper safety measures are in place.
✔ Posting Warning Signs – To claim immunity under the statute, horse owners and professionals must post warning signs in visible locations citing statutory text: WARNING: Under Louisiana law, an equine activity sponsor or 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 R.S. 9:2795.3.
✔ Prioritizing Safety – The best way to reduce liability is to make safety a priority at all times. Establish clear rules, maintain safe facilities, and insist that anyone on your property follows safety protocols and report issues they find concerning. A culture of safety not only protects you legally but also prevents accidents before they happen.
✔ Exceptions to Immunity – Liability still applies if an equine professional or sponsor provides faulty equipment, fails to assess a rider’s ability, allows hidden dangers on their property without warning, acts with willful disregard for safety, or intentionally causes harm.
✔ Liability Waivers – Well-drafted liability waivers can provide some additional protection. While a waiver cannot protect someone from their own intentional or grossly negligent actions, waivers can help clarify and explain inherent risks, offering equine participants clarity involving the inherent risks in horseback riding or working with horses.
As South Louisiana’s equestrian industry expands, proactive legal planning is essential for protecting people, horses, and assets.
