If you own, lease, or work with horses in Tennessee or California, understanding your legal exposure is critical. While both states have thriving equine communities, their laws around horse owner liability are dramatically different—and those differences could decide whether you face a lawsuit or walk away from one.

 

This guide breaks down key legal contrasts between Tennessee and California so horse owners, trainers, boarding facilities, and equine professionals know where they stand.

 

Tennessee Offers Legal Protection for Horse Owners

Tennessee has adopted an Equine Activity Liability Act, designed to limit liability for horse-related injuries. This law recognizes that equine activities carry inherent risks—such as falling, bucking, or unexpected animal behavior—and gives horse owners and professionals a degree of legal protection when accidents happen.

 

In Tennessee:

- Equine businesses are required to post warning signs and include statutory language in contracts.

- Liability may still arise if the owner provided faulty equipment, acted with gross negligence, or failed to warn about a known danger.

- The law applies across the state, from Nashville to Franklin, Shelbyville to Murfreesboro—popular areas for horse farms and training centers.

 

California Provides No Equine Liability Statute

Unlike Tennessee, California does not have a state-level equine activity statute. This means horse owners in California are exposed to greater legal risk.

 

Key differences:

- California relies on general negligence law to determine liability.

- Waivers may help but are not ironclad—plaintiffs can still argue they weren't fully informed of the risks.

- Courts in places like Los Angeles, Sonoma County, and San Diego may take a broader view of duty of care in horse-related injury cases.

 

Why This Matters for Equine Professionals & Owners

Whether you're leasing a horse, selling one, or running a riding lesson program, knowing how your state treats liability could save you time, stress, and money. Ignorance of state law won’t protect you if someone gets hurt—and lawsuits involving horses can become costly very quickly.

 

Common Scenarios Where Liability Can Arise:

- A boarder falls while riding and sues the stable.

- A leased horse bucks and injures a rider, who blames the trainer.

- A buyer claims a horse was misrepresented during a sale.

- A spectator at a show is injured and sues the facility.

 

Key Takeaways:

- Tennessee’s equine law gives you more legal protection—but only if you comply with its requirements.

- California requires more proactive legal planning—such as strong contracts and insurance coverage.

- Horse-related legal disputes often hinge on the details of your agreements and whether risks were disclosed.

 

Thinking Ahead Prevents Disputes Later

If you’re operating in both Tennessee and California or dealing with buyers, riders, or trainers across state lines, you need contracts that hold up under either legal system.

 

Our firm has helped clients draft, review, and enforce equine agreements for decades, including resolving disputes over horse sales, syndication deals, breeding contracts, and more. We offer straight answers, not lofty promises—just clear guidance grounded in years of experience.

 

Need help reviewing your liability exposure or an equine contract?

Whether you're near Nashville or Northern California, we offer strategic counsel to protect your rights and business interests.

 

Reach out today for a consultation—before a dispute arises.