David Miles has a long-standing reputation in equestrian liability claims and our team of adjusters have built up considerable experience in the investigation of equestrian claims.

As a result of our expertise and reputation for providing high quality claims handling investigations in this specialist area, Core Insurance Services presently handle:

    ·        Riding School and Livery Yard scheme

    ·        Training Yards

    ·        Stud Yards

    ·        Membership Liability Cover, to include:
                            British Horse Society
                            British Dressage
                            Arab Horse Society
                            British Eventing

    ·        Master of Foxhounds Association scheme

We are also engaged in work involving Countryside Alliance Members, horse transport companies and liability arising out of Bloodstock cover. We also handle claims arising out of care, custody and control.

Riding School and Trekking Centre claims in particular present their own challenges and Core Insurance Services is at the forefront of developing and discussing Risk Management initiatives with School and Yard owners. It is essential and necessary that documentation is in place to show that adequate assessments are made of the capabilities of the riders and the suitability of the horses, and that staff are adequately trained.

 Rider Registration Cards should be completed and there should be adequate Risk Assessments in place to include horse “logs” and Staff Assessment Files. It is essential that all documentation ID collated for disclosure purposes, not least:

      ·          Accident Book Entry

      ·          RIDDOR

      ·          Risk Assessments

      ·          Staff Profiles/Training Records

      ·          Health & Safety Policy Statement

      ·          Client Registration Cards

      ·          Booking-in Diary

      ·          Specific Risk Assessments for clients/horses

      ·          Briefing instructions for new clients

      ·          Character references for horse

      ·          Post-incident Risk Assessments for clients/horses

      ·          Licence issued by local Authority

Certainly in our view, the majority of cases are capable of being successfully defended, although a good deal of documentation and accurate statement taking is required.




We have a good understanding of the developing area of law surrounding the potential strict liability that may attach to the owner or keeper under the Animals Act 1971. Life for the defendant is not any easier following the House of Lords decision of “Mirvahedy-v-Henley” but we have identified a number of defences not least that riding is a risk sport and participants voluntarily accept the risk of occasionally falling off!

It is essential that early enquiries are made as witnesses and instructors have a habit of moving on. Prompt inspection and assessment of the horse/pony involved in the accident is obviously recommended.

David Miles has over the years, established a good rapport with specialist equine experts and lawyers and we are well recognised for our expertise in this area. Our equestrian claims services not only complement but also significantly contribute to our liability work in the sports and leisure industries.

The photo above is David Miles in his words "Jumping a decent hedge!"

For further information on Core Insurance Services please contact David Miles by email on davidmiles@coreclaims.com or telephone 01883 722882.