You are teaching a lesson. You tell the student to “kick on” at a jump. The horse stops, the student flies off and breaks a collarbone. Two months later, you get a letter from a lawyer claiming you “failed to properly assess the rider’s ability” and put them on a dangerous horse. They want $100,000.
Key Takeaways
- Professional Liability: This covers your decisions as an instructor (instruction, horse selection, tack check).
- Bodily Injury Exclusion: Standard Commercial General Liability (CGL) covers premises (slips/trips). It often excludes “Professional Services” (the lesson itself).
- Defense is Key: 90% of these lawsuits are frivolous, but defending them costs $20,000+. Insurance pays the lawyer.
- Independent Contractor Trap: If you teach at someone else’s barn, their insurance does not cover you. You need your own policy.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Instruction Gap
Premises liability protects the land owner. Professional liability protects the teacher.
The Clause:
“This policy does not apply to bodily injury arising out of the rendering of or failure to render professional services, including instruction.”
If you don’t have the “Professional” endorsement, you are naked in court.
The Investigation: Protecting the Trainer
I called three major agencies for freelance instructor quotes.
Fry’s Equine Insurance
- Coverage: Commercial Equine Liability with Professional Liability endorsement.
- Cost: ~$450 – $600/year.
- Benefit: Covers you at any facility you teach at.
Safehold Special Risk
- Coverage: Similar structure.
- Benefit: Can include coverage for “non-owned horses” in your care if you ride the student’s horse during the lesson.
Comparison Table: Instructor Coverage
| Scenario | General Liability (Premises) | Professional Liability |
| Student slips in aisle | Covered | N/A |
| Student falls during lesson | Denied (Professional Act) | Covered |
| You ride student’s horse & crash | Denied | Check Policy (CCC needed) |
[IMAGE: Photo of a riding instructor signing a clipboard next to a student]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy Your Own Policy: Never assume the barn owner covers you.
- Keep Lesson Logs: Write down what you did in every lesson (“Practiced cross-rails, horse quiet”). If sued 2 years later, this log saves you.
- Waivers: Ensure every student signs your waiver, not just the barn’s waiver.
- Helmet Rule: Strictly enforce helmet use. If you let a student ride without one and they get a head injury, insurance might deny based on “gross negligence.”
FAQ
Does this cover me if I host a clinic?
Usually, yes, but you must notify the insurer if the clinic is large or involves guest clinicians.
What if I teach on school horses provided by the barn?
You are still liable for selecting that horse for that student. Professional Liability covers that decision.