Equine Law & Business Letter
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A summary of legislation and rulings from April 2026.
A woman hired a trainer to tame and train a wild, “unhandled” mustang she adopted through the Bureau of Land Management. Dissatisfied with the horse’s condition after 4 months, she moved the horse to another barn and sued the trainer for $6,000, alleging the trainer had committed “animal cruelty.”
A New York court refused to dismiss the personal injury lawsuit of a rider who claimed a dude ranch employee torqued her knee while helping her mount the horse she was given to ride.
The lawsuit was initiated by an experienced horseback rider who participated in advanced riding at defendant’s dude ranch for two days.
A federal appellate court recently dismissed a challenge to SafeSport that was brought by three trainers who had been sanctioned by SafeSport for violating its code of conduct. The trainers filed a federal lawsuit against the United States Center for Safesport (“SafeSport”), the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (“USOC”) and the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (“USEF”).
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New York Court Reverses 2006 Ruling, Changing Law On Owner Liability For Harm Caused By Domestic Animals
A recent ruling from the Court of Appeals of New York has dramatically changed the New York law of negligence liability for harm caused by domestic animals.
A 2006 case in New York held that there can be no common-law negligence liability when a domestic animal causes harm. That case
What Must Be Asked (And When) To Determine Equine Activity Participant’s “Ability”?
A Wisconsin court has ruled that a horse owner is entitled to statutory immunity for injuries sustained by her friend who fell while mounting her horse. Dismissal of the friend’s personal injury claim was affirmed on appeal.
Court Enters $1.6 Million Judgment Against Trainer Who Lied About Cancer Diagnosis
The legal troubles of jumper rider Eric Lamaze have been pending in the Florida court system for the past few years, with the rider/trainer defending multiple lawsuits arising from his horse business dealings with various individuals and limited liability companies.
Florida Jury Awards Damages To Buyer Of “Bucking” Horse
What should have been a horsey-girl’s dream turned into a nightmare when the first horse her father purchased for her turned out to be a dangerous, bucking bronc. Her father sued the seller for misrepresentation, fraud, and violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Workers’ Compensation Act Provides Exclusive Remedy To Barn Manager Bitten By Employer’s Dog
The Virginia Court of Appeals has ruled that a barn manager who was bitten by her employer’s border collie is limited to