The THB Network

Through its parent company, Thompson Heath & Bond Limited, THB British Equestrian is also able to offer a wide range of relevant insurance and financial sevices.   For more information please visit www.thbgroup.com or telephone Simon Mackaness on 0870 756 9380.

GROUPS' AND MEMBERS' LIABILITY INSURANCE QUERIES

Q.                What cover do Groups receive?

A.                  The committee and officials, volunteers and instructors are insured for Public and Products Liability up to £10,000,000 for any one claim in respect of all officially organised activities, including social, fund-raising and training activities. In addition, legal costs incurred with Underwriters’ consent are insured. Each Group is also insured for Employers' Liability up to £10,000,000 any one claim, including authorised legal costs.

 

Q.                What cover do Members receive?

A.                  Members are insured for equestrian related Personal Liability 24 hours a day up to £10,000,000 for any one claim, excluding business activities. The liability of one member to another is covered, as are authorised legal costs.

 

Q.        Are there any excluded activities under the Members' Personal Liability cover?

A.         The policy does not cover racing, point to point or steeplechasing. (Competitive endurance riding is not regarded as racing).

            Also, business activities are excluded and your horse must not be used for hire or reward.

 

Q.        If a friend borrows my horse, are they covered for Personal Liability?

A.         Yes, provided you have given them permission to borrow it and your friend is not insured under another policy.

 

Q.        Am I covered by the Personal Liability policy if I borrow a friend's horse?

A.         Yes – the policy covers all your non-business equestrian activities, including riding any horse and including such things as your horse escaping from its paddock and causing an accident. However, injury to the horse would not be covered.

 

Q.        I occasionally pay a friend to help look after my horse. Is there any cover?

A.         Unless they hold their own insurance, your friend would be covered for his/her own liability if he/she was held legally liable for causing accidental bodily injury or property damage as a result of the work, despite the fact that he/she was paid.  However, you would need to take separate Employers' Liability insurance, in case of injury to your friend: this cover is a legal requirement and may possibly be included under some household contents policies.

 

Q.        What is the difference between Public or Personal Liability Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance?

A.                  Public or Personal Liability provides cover against being sued for legal liability in the event of accidental bodily injury to a third party, or damage to their property.  It is up to the injured person to prove that legal liability exists.

 

Personal Accident covers Insured Persons for specific amounts in the event of accidental death or disablement, in specified circumstances. The benefit is payable without the need to prove legal liability and consequently paid out much sooner.

 

Q.                How can we obtain Personal Accident cover?

A.                  Members can buy individual cover.  Non-riding helpers at events and the Trail Riders Fellowship Members are automatically covered for a limited amount of benefit.

 

Q.        I have been told that if I don’t wear the correct clothing I will not be covered by insurance.

A.                  This is not correct. Organisers cannot use insurance to enforce their rules. However, the Insurers require organisers and Members to take all reasonable precautions to prevent injury or damage and do expect EGB Rules to be followed, regarding hats and other clothing.

 

Q.                Are our instructors and helpers insured?

A.                  The Public Liability Policy covers all instructors (paid or unpaid), officials and helpers whilst acting on behalf of EGB, unless they hold their own insurance or are BHS Registered, when the claim would fall under the other Policy, or be shared by both Insurers.

 

Q.                Do instructors have to be qualified?

A.                  No, but the organisers must be sure that they are fully experienced and competent.

 

Q.                Are we covered if non-members are allowed to participate?

A.                  EGB are covered for all their activities so if non-members compete, the Public Liability policy still applies, including for injury to a non-member which results in a claim. However, if a non-member should cause an incident and be sued for injury or damage, the policy does not cover the non-member, who would need their own Personal Liability cover. Those persons that have bought a ''try before you buy'' ticket are covered for equestrian related Personal Liability whilst taking part in the event.

 

Q.                My horse has kicked a car at a ride. I feel very bad about it. What should I do?

A.                  You are not necessarily automatically to blame for the damage. We have to accept that horses and ponies are unpredictable and not always controllable. The car owner has to prove that you are legally liable for the damage. Although there may be circumstances where the Animals Act places a ''strict liability'' on you, each case has to be assessed on its own merits.  THB British Equestrian will handle all aspects for you so please notify them immediately and do not enter into any discussions about the damage. If the car owner phones you, please inform them that your insurers are dealing with the matter. If he writes to you, send the letter or bills to THB British Equestrian. The insurers will decide whether or not you are liable. If you are not liable, then you have no obligation to pay anything and the car owner needs to claim from his own insurance.

 

Q.                We ride over Forestry Commission land. What happens if someone is injured and sues them?

A.                  The Public Liability policy covers any Landowner whose land is used for EGB activities, if he is legally liable for injury or damage. The EGB policy will pay damages up to £10,000,000, before any policy held by the Landowner.

 

Q.                A Member has kindly agreed to lend us some equipment for a ride. What happens if it is damaged?

A.                  This would not be covered by the Public Liability Policy, as it excludes any property in your care, custody or control.

 

Q.                What would happen if a Member provided food for a competition and people suffered food poisoning?

A.                  The Policy covers legal liability for all products supplied in connection with an event, so you would be covered if proved legally liable.

 

Q.        As an official, I am very concerned in case I am sued for an injury.

A.         You do not need to worry as the EGB Public Liability Policy covers all EGB officials if they should be sued as individuals.

 

Q.        What should organisers do if a Member is injured?

A.         All accidents should be reported as soon as possible to EGB Headquarters and to THB British Equestrian. A RIDDOR form will also be required if the injury is serious.

            If you receive any correspondence or phone calls about the matter, do not enter into any discussions about this. Just say your insurers are dealing with the matter and send the correspondence to THB British Equestrian. 

 Issued by:
THB BRITISH EQUESTRIAN 
 HILDENBROOK HOUSE, THE SLADE, TONBRIDGE, KENT TN9 1HR
 Tel:  01732 771719  Fax: 01732 359982

Contacts:
Sarah Ridge on 02074 690323
and Sue Harriman on 02074 690324

N.B. All cover is subject to the terms, Exclusions and Conditions of the Policies – see the Evidence of Insurance (Groups cover) or Policy Summary (Members' cover) for full details.

A Division of Thompson Heath & Bond Limited.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.