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  Discussion on Liability release forms when providing trailering favors
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New Member:
5691

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 7:50 pm:

Since buying a trailer a couple of years ago, I am often asked if I would be available to trailer someone's horse along with mine (or alone) to shows, trail rides, veterinary services, ect. This I have been happy to do in exchange for the price of gas and a lunch (or in the case of trail rides, somebody just loads their horse with mine and off we go!!)

A non- horsey friend of mine was absolutely stunned to learn that I have not up till now had anyone sign a liability release form absolving me of responsibility in the event of an accident or injury to the horse.

Do others of you who trailer have folks sign a liability form as a requirement when providing a ride as a courtesy? And if you do, would you be so kind to share the wording that you use so that I can make my own statement for future use?

Would I need to go thru a lawyer or can I just make up my own release statement?

Do these statements really hold water in the event of an accident or injury or is there an implied understanding that if someone asks me to trailer their horse that the risks are understood?

Thanks so much for your input..

Smiles,
Debra
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 9:15 pm:

isn't it sad we have to think of things like this nowadays...

Lots of things come to mind with your question. Is the horses wellbeing you are worried about? or what it might do to others? to you? your vehicle? many parts to this liability waiver. It could become a book..

regarding holding water it depends on your state. i think it has to do with either being in a no fault state or not. and where the liability lies in that.
And its something you should contact your state horse representative. in florida we have the sunshine state horse council. I have received from them liability forms and signs to put up on my property, etc. They are generic. But a good starting point. Try looking up your states agriculture council or consumer services.

but you know what none of those things really matter anymore. People still sue even after signing release waivers. i guess having one does put it out in the open.

also curious, about when money changes hands versus doing a favor. I'm sure there are different liabilities regarding that too.

Have you called your car insurance provider, and trailer and asked them the theoretical questions of what if, and who pays, and does your policy even contain horses? I know it should for people. But animals are just considered property. i have a clause for my horses in my home owners policy. Does that apply while traveling? or does car insurance take over? Or is it a whole separate policy underwritten by people who insure horses... It's all so complicated... just to go for a trail ride...


But keep in mind those that live and work around horses KNOW the inherent dangers of just being with them. And we don't think about it like a Non-horsey person might.
Member:
Choney

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 5:56 am:

Yes, be sure that your policy even covers your trailer. Ours does not(I had assumed it was covered!) Never mind the possible need to tow, or emergency rescue...etc. Reading your posts makes me realize it would be best to have a release form handy in the event I do trailer someone. Thanks for the heads up!
Member:
Tpmiller

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 9:17 am:

www.usrider.org

Never heard anything bad about this insurer. As part of their coverage, it does include up to $1000 towards veterinary care, due to collision, through 1st 72 hours.
New Member:
5691

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 1:22 pm:

I do carry USRider insurance and coincidentally renewed it this morning. Timothy is correct with his statement, however the coverage only applies to my own horse or the second horse that we sponsor. It does not apply to a horse not owned by me.

I will contact my home/car insurance carrier to find out what they suggest and share it in a later post.

Cher- I would recommend you check out USRider. I learned that my car insurance carrier would not provide a replacement tow vehicle in the event my truck broke down pulling a trailer. USRider will send a vehicle capable of pulling your trailer.

I also have my daughter as an associate member so that if she is with someone with a trailer and there is a breakdown, she can call USRider and they will honor her membership coverage even tho the folks she may be with are not members of US Rider.

Always Something!
Debra
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