Injured in a Horse Riding Accident? You Could Be Owed Thousands.
Horse riding is an inherently risky activity, but not all riding injuries are simply “an accepted risk of the sport.” If you were injured because a riding school gave you a horse beyond your ability, equipment was defective, instruction was inadequate, or a vehicle frightened your horse on a public road, someone else was at fault — and you have every right to claim compensation.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles horse riding injury claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis. There is no financial risk to you — you pay nothing unless your claim succeeds.
How Much Could You Receive?
Horse riding injury compensation depends on the type and severity of your injuries:
| Injury Type | Typical Award |
|---|
| Minor soft tissue injuries and bruising | £1,000 - £5,000 |
| Simple fractures (wrist, collarbone, ribs) | £5,000 - £15,000 |
| Complex fractures or knee injuries | £15,000 - £40,000 |
| Serious head or spinal injuries | £40,000 - £150,000+ |
Based on Judicial College Guidelines for pain and suffering only.
That’s not all. Most horse riding injury claimants also receive a separate payment for lost earnings, private medical treatment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and travel costs. Falls from horses often result in fractures that require extended recovery time off work, adding significantly to the total settlement.
Who Can Claim?
You can claim against a riding school or trekking centre that provided an unsuitable horse or inadequate instruction; against a horse owner who knew their animal had dangerous tendencies (under the Animals (Scotland) Act 1987); against the supplier of defective tack or equipment; or against a negligent driver whose vehicle frightened your horse on a public road. Even if you were partly at fault, Scottish courts apply contributory negligence — you can still recover a significant award.
Horse Riding Injury Claims — Frequently Asked Questions
Horse riding injury compensation in Scotland depends on severity. Minor soft tissue injuries: £1,000-£5,000. Simple fractures (wrist, collarbone): £5,000-£15,000. Complex fractures or knee injuries: £15,000-£40,000. Serious injuries (spinal, head): £40,000-£150,000+.
Important: These figures cover pain and suffering only. Most claimants also receive a separate payment for lost earnings, medical costs and rehabilitation expenses.
Yes. Riding schools and trekking centres have a duty of care to provide horses suitable for the rider’s experience level, adequate instruction and supervision, and properly maintained equipment. If they failed in any of these duties and you were injured as a result, you can claim compensation against their public liability insurer.
3 years from the date of the accident under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. For children, the 3-year period does not begin until their 16th birthday, giving them until age 19 to claim.
Yes. Under the Animals (Scotland) Act 1987, a horse keeper can be held liable if they knew the horse had a characteristic that made it likely to cause injury — such as a tendency to bolt, kick or throw riders. This provides an additional legal basis for claiming beyond standard negligence.
Accepting the inherent risks of horse riding does not prevent you from claiming where the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. A riding school providing an unsuitable horse, defective equipment or inadequate instruction goes beyond the inherent risks of the sport. Signing a waiver does not automatically bar a claim in Scotland.
Yes. Drivers have a duty of care around horses on public roads. If a vehicle approached too fast, sounded a horn, or drove dangerously close causing your horse to bolt or throw you, you can claim against the driver’s motor insurer. These claims are handled on a no win no fee basis.
How Do I Start My Claim?
It takes 2 minutes. Fill in our short form and one of our specialist Scottish solicitors will call you back at a time that suits. They will listen to what happened, tell you straight away if you have a claim, and explain exactly how much you could receive — all completely free and with no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, everything is handled for you on a no win no fee basis from start to finish. You pay nothing unless you win.
About this page: Written by
David Gildea, Scottish Claims Helpline. Last reviewed: March 2026. Scottish Claims Helpline is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (
FRN 830381).