Equine Accident & Liability Attorney – California & Tennessee

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Horse-related injuries can have serious consequences—for both the person injured and the owner or business accused of liability. Whether you’re a rider hurt in an accident or a stable facing a claim, understanding Tennessee’s equine liability laws is key. We represent clients across California, as well as Tennessee, including Maury County, Williamson County, and rural farm communities where horses are a way of life—not just a weekend hobby.


Tennessee’s Equine Activity Liability Law: What It Does & Doesn’t Cover


Like many states, Tennessee has passed an Equine Activity Liability Act, which protects horse owners, instructors, and event organizers from lawsuits related to the “inherent risks” of equine activities. This includes unpredictable horse behavior and known dangers that come with riding or handling horses.

But there are important exceptions. Liability may still apply if:

  • The provider knew a horse had dangerous tendencies but didn’t warn the rider

  • There was faulty tack or equipment provided

  • There was gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety

  • The injured person was not properly warned or supervised

These are the gray areas where we step in—either to pursue a claim for an injured party or defend against one filed unfairly.


When Injury Is Serious, the Law May Offer Relief


If you’ve been seriously injured in a horseback riding accident, kicked or bitten by a horse, or suffered harm during a trail ride or lesson, it’s natural to ask, “Do I have a case?” We’ll evaluate the facts and the law to give you an honest answer.

Some injury cases we review involve:

  • Rider falls due to poorly trained horses or improper instruction

  • Children injured in riding lessons or camps

  • Spectators or bystanders kicked or bitten by loose or unsupervised horses

  • Equipment failure—like defective saddles, bridles, or mounting gear

  • Trail riding tour accidents with out-of-control horses

We take only serious injury cases where clear negligence appears to be involved. If the law protects the provider, we’ll tell you upfront. If it doesn’t, we’re ready to fight for you.


Defending Horse Owners, Instructors & Equine Businesses

For horse professionals, even one injury claim can threaten your operation. We defend:

  • Stable owners and riding schools

  • Horse trainers and instructors

  • Event organizers and farm owners

  • Property owners hosting equine activities

We know how to assert Tennessee’s equine activity protections and get weak claims dismissed quickly. Our experience in litigation defense, including in complex tort and product liability matters, gives us an edge when facing personal injury attorneys who may not understand equine law or the realities of horse behavior.

Horse-Related Incidents We Commonly Handle

Horse incidents don’t always happen in the saddle. Some common liability cases involve:

  • Horse escapes causing road accidents or injuries

  • Kicks or bites to barn workers, farriers, or guests

  • Horse shows or public events where a horse injures someone

  • Trail ride injuries involving leased or guided horses

  • Boarding facility disputes after injury or death of a boarded horse

We know the horse world. We understand what’s reasonable—and what’s not—in both rider conduct and horse behavior.

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Serving horse owners and businesses throughout and Middle Tennessee, including Columbia, Nashville, Franklin, as well as surrounding areas and California.

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Real Experience. Honest Advice. Tough Advocacy.

Attorney William Koska has spent decades litigating personal injury and liability cases, including those involving horses. His deep trial experience and personal connection to equine matters make him a trusted partner in evaluating and resolving these unique claims.

Whether you're injured or being sued, we won’t waste your time. If the case has merit, we’ll say so. If not, we’ll explain why. And if it needs to be fought, we’re equipped to handle it in or out of court.


Facing a Horse Accident Claim or Injury? Let's Talk.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a horse-related accident—or if you operate an equine business and have been accused of liability—contact us for a consultation. We understand the nuances of equine law in Tennessee and offer strategic representation tailored to your situation.


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FAQ

  • Can I sue a stable if I was hurt during a riding lesson?

    Possibly, but it depends. If you signed a waiver and the injury was due to an inherent risk, it may be barred. If faulty equipment or negligence caused the injury, you may have a claim.

  • Are horse owners liable if their horse bites or kicks someone?

    They can be—especially if they knew the horse had a tendency to be aggressive and failed to warn others. We’ll evaluate the details and defenses available.

  • Does signing a liability waiver mean I can’t sue at all?

    Not always. Waivers reduce liability but don’t protect against gross negligence, defective equipment, or hidden dangers. We review waivers as part of every case.

  • What does Tennessee’s equine law say about responsibility?

    It limits liability for risks “inherent to equine activities,” but includes several exceptions. Each case must be analyzed individually.

  • Do you handle horse-related accident defense for businesses?

    Yes. We represent stables, trainers, and event organizers facing injury claims, and work to get unjust claims dismissed under Tennessee law.

Get Help Today

We’ve spent decades helping clients resolve complex disputes involving contracts, property, and liability. If your horse-related issue is serious, reach out.