Horses and men have been companions for thousands of years.
The joy of horse riding is enjoyed by many although there are risks.
In today's society if someone suffers a personal injury from a horse or from horse riding there are often grey areas in deciding who is responsible.
Riding on the Road Riding horses on the road is an enjoyable pastime, but is also responsible for a large number of accidents.
Very often drivers are unaware of how to drive appropriately around horses and can frighten the animals and then not know how to react.
Usually the horse and rider come off worst in these situations.
Riders need to be experienced or be supervised by someone who is experienced at road riding.
Wearing the correct riding gear is also a help in both preventing injury and not being held responsible should anything go wrong.
Be sure that the horse you ride is used to traffic and that you know the road rules for horse riding yourself.
Inexperienced riders Lots of people love the thought of horse riding but most can't afford a horse or grazing.
There are many examples of personal injury where a person is given the opportunity to ride a friend's horse and an accident occurs.
Depending on the age of the rider they are often left unable to claim.
Choosing to ride a horse is generally considered at your own risk.
However, if the horse is known to be dangerous or skittish and if correct safety gear is not provided the owner of the horse may be found liable to pay out.
Horse riding businesses Setting up a horse riding business can be very lucrative in some areas.
School camps, tourists, adventurers and people who are looking for a day or a few days away will often pay to go horse riding.
Most places will also provide a variety of horses that cater for different ages and people of differing levels of riding experience.
Sensible businesses will have a standard contract to sign that clearly sets out areas of responsibility should any personal injury occur.
The same holds true for those who are running show-jumping schools.
If you are joining a club or out for a day's riding ask to see a contract and if necessary draw one up your self.
It is always best to know in advance than to be faced with a costly legal battle later.
Professional riders Professional riders such jockeys should always have a clear contract to sign.
If personal injury occurs it should then be clear as to what the result will be.
Riders usually have strict safety rules to abide by and event hosts are expected to uphold certain requirements too.
Horse riding is a wonderful experience and should be able to be enjoyed by all.
Before leaping on a horse though, be aware of the risk of personal injury.
Take steps to prevent it and know what to do if personal injury should occur.