Riding share: contract, liability and termination

A riding share, the shared riding and caring for someone else's horse in return for a cost contribution, is popular but legally tricky. Without a clear agreement, disputes quickly arise over costs, usage times and, above all, liability in accidents. A written contract and suitable insurance protect both sides.

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As an animal keeper, the owner is in principle liable for damage caused by the horse (animal-keeper liability, § 833 BGB). Riding sharers can, however, depending on the agreement, come into responsibility too; in accidents, high damages threaten.

A written riding-share contract regulates costs, times, duties and, especially important, liability and a liability exclusion in the internal relationship. Suitable insurance (animal-keeper liability including riding sharers, accident insurance) is indispensable.

What you should do now

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1. Conclude a contract
Set out the cost contribution, usage times, duties and liability in writing.
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2. Check the insurance
Make sure the animal-keeper liability includes riding sharers; a private accident insurance is sensible.
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3. Regulate liability
Agree in the internal relationship who is liable for which damage, and exclude liability for slight negligence.
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4. Clarify termination
Regulate notice periods so both sides can end the share in an orderly way.

How to spot the scam

There is only a verbal arrangement without a liability provision.
The animal-keeper liability does not include riding sharers.
In a fall it is unclear who bears the damage.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a contract for a riding share?

Strongly recommended. A written riding-share contract regulates cost contribution, usage times, duties, termination and, especially important, liability. Without a clear agreement, disputes quickly arise, particularly after an accident.

Who is liable in an accident with the horse?

In principle, the owner is liable as the animal keeper for damage the horse causes (§ 833 BGB). Riding sharers can, depending on the agreement, come into responsibility too. A clear liability provision and suitable insurance are therefore decisive.

Which insurance is important?

An animal-keeper liability insurance that expressly includes riding sharers, and additionally a private accident insurance. Clarify before the riding share begins whether the insurance cover really covers the sharers.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.