Equine Law Blog

Your Stable’s Holiday Party: Avoid Legal Pitfalls

The holiday season is here, and many stables around the country are hosting their annual year-end parties for customers and friends.  But celebrations can quickly turn to tragedies.  Here are some suggestions to avoid liability:

Alcohol-Related Risks

If you plan to serve alcohol at your event, you risk facing liability if, for example, a guest drinks too much and suffers an accident on the road.  Instead, consider a few options:

• Change the location from your home or barn to an establishment that employs trained bartenders, such as a local restaurant.  Letting an independent service or business establishment provide and serve the alcohol is a good way to insulate yourself from liability.  Make sure, of course, that the business has appropriate liability insurance.
• Keep the party at home, but hire a trained catering/bartending service to supply the drinks and supply a trained staff to serve alcohol to the guests.  Always make sure the service has proper liability insurance for the services it provides.

Social Horseback Riding

If you plan to allow guests to ride, handle, or be near your horses, make sure the guest has signed your liability waiver/release (depending on state law).

Careful advance planning can avoid costly legal battles later on.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Categories: Liability