Safety
Safety and Responsible Riding
The safety of our riders, providers and horses is our highest priority.
Important Safety Notice
Equestrian activities carry inherent risks that may result in injury, illness, disability or death. Participation is entirely voluntary. Users are responsible for ensuring they are suitably experienced and physically capable of participating in any booked activity.
Our Commitment to Safety
BookHorseRiding is committed to promoting safe, responsible equestrian activity across our platform. We take safety seriously at every stage — from provider verification and experience approval through to ongoing monitoring, welfare standards and incident response.
We recognise that equestrian activities involve working with large, unpredictable animals in outdoor environments. No platform can eliminate risk entirely. Our role is to ensure that every provider on our platform has been verified, that experiences are accurately described, and that riders have the information they need to make informed decisions before booking.
Understanding the Risks of Equestrian Activities
Equestrian activities are physically demanding and involve inherent risks including, but not limited to:
Falls from horses, resulting in injury including fractures, concussion or serious harm.
Being kicked, bitten or crushed by horses.
Injuries sustained from falling equipment, saddles or riding apparatus.
Environmental hazards including uneven terrain, extreme weather and water crossings.
Allergic reactions to animals, straw, dust or medications used on horses.
Physical strain, overexertion or fatigue during longer riding activities.
Unexpected horse behaviour, spooking or bolting.
By booking an experience through BookHorseRiding, users acknowledge these risks and accept responsibility for their own safety and the suitability of the activity for their experience level.
Provider Verification Process
Before any provider is approved to list experiences on BookHorseRiding, they must complete a multi-stage verification process including:
Submission of business registration documentation or individual operator identity verification.
Proof of current public liability insurance appropriate for equestrian activities.
Confirmation of relevant safety certifications and professional qualifications.
Review of proposed experiences, descriptions and suitability assessments.
Agreement to BookHorseRiding's Provider Terms and Conditions, safety obligations and horse welfare standards.
Providers who fail to maintain compliance with our requirements, including insurance renewal, may have their listings suspended or removed.
Insurance Requirements
All providers are required to hold appropriate insurance cover for their activities. BookHorseRiding verifies insurance documentation as part of the provider approval process. Riders are strongly encouraged to hold their own personal accident and travel insurance.
Please review our Insurance Information page for detailed guidance on insurance requirements for both riders and providers.
Rider Responsibilities
By booking an experience through BookHorseRiding, riders accept the following responsibilities:
Providing accurate information about their riding experience level and physical capabilities.
Completing the Rider Passport with honest and up-to-date information.
Disclosing any medical conditions, disabilities or physical limitations that may affect their ability to participate safely.
Arriving at the experience prepared, appropriately dressed and on time.
Following all safety instructions provided by the experience provider.
Wearing appropriate safety equipment including approved riding helmets.
Not participating in any activity they consider beyond their capability.
Ensuring they have appropriate insurance cover for the activity.
Horse Welfare Principles
BookHorseRiding is committed to the welfare of horses across our platform. All providers must agree to our Horse Welfare Standards, which require:
Humane treatment of all horses at all times.
Compliance with applicable animal welfare legislation in their country of operation.
Use of horses that are suitably trained, fit and appropriate for the activities advertised.
Provision of appropriate nutrition, veterinary care and rest periods.
Maintenance of safe, clean and suitable facilities.
Immediate removal of any horse from activity where welfare concerns arise.
Welfare complaints from riders or third parties will be investigated. BookHorseRiding reserves the right to suspend or remove providers where welfare standards are not maintained.
Experience Suitability
Each experience listed on BookHorseRiding includes suitability information covering:
Minimum and recommended rider experience levels.
Minimum age requirements.
Maximum weight limits where applicable.
Physical fitness requirements.
Terrain and environmental conditions.
Riders must ensure they meet the stated requirements before booking. Providers reserve the right to decline participation where a rider does not meet the stated suitability criteria.
Rider Passport Verification
The Rider Passport allows riders to share verified information with providers, reducing the need to complete repetitive forms while giving providers confidence in the accuracy of rider profiles. Identity verification is available for Rider Passport holders and providers may request this as a condition of certain bookings.
Emergency Contact Information
All riders are strongly encouraged to complete the emergency contact section of their Rider Passport. In the event of an incident, providers may need to contact next-of-kin or emergency services on behalf of a rider.
Riders should always carry personal identification and ensure their emergency contact information is current and accurate.
Incident Reporting
If you experience a safety incident, injury or welfare concern during or following a BookHorseRiding experience, please:
Seek immediate medical attention if required.
Report the incident to the provider at the earliest opportunity.
Contact BookHorseRiding via our Contact Us page to report the incident.
Provide as much detail as possible including the booking reference, date and nature of the incident.
All incident reports are taken seriously. BookHorseRiding will investigate reported incidents and take appropriate action where provider standards have not been maintained.