Equine activity liability laws by state
47 of 51 jurisdictions have a law that limits a stable's or instructor's liability for the inherent risks of horse activities. Most come with duties of their own: 29 require a posted warning sign, and 25 require the same warning in every written contract. Here is each state's statute, whether you need a sign, the exact wording and the size rules.
Reviewed October 2026 · All 50 states and DC · Statute linked for every state
Every state compared
The statute, whether a warning sign is required, and whether the warning must appear in written contracts. Follow a state for the exact wording, the size rules and what is unusual about its law.
| State | Law | Warning sign | Warning in contracts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Ala. Code § 6-5-337 | Required | Required |
| Alaska | Alaska Stat. § 09.65.145 | Not required | Not required |
| Arizona | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-553 | Not required | Not required |
| Arkansas | Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-120-201 to -202 | Required | Not required |
| California | No general law | n/a | n/a |
| Colorado | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-119 | Required | Required |
| Connecticut | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-557p (see also § 52-557s) | Not required | Not required |
| Delaware | Del. Code Ann. tit. 10, § 8140 | Required | Required |
| District of Columbia | No general law | n/a | n/a |
| Florida | Fla. Stat. §§ 773.01-773.05 (warning: § 773.04) | Required | Required |
| Georgia | O.C.G.A. §§ 4-12-1 to 4-12-5 (warning: § 4-12-4) | Required | Required |
| Hawaii | Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 663B-1 to 663B-2 | Not required | Not required |
| Idaho | Idaho Code §§ 6-1801 to 6-1802 | Not required | Not required |
| Illinois | 745 ILCS 47/1 et seq. (warning: 745 ILCS 47/25) | Required | Required |
| Indiana | Ind. Code §§ 34-31-5-1 to 34-31-5-5 | Required | Required |
| Iowa | Iowa Code §§ 673.1-673.6 (notice: § 673.3) | Required | Required |
| Kansas | Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 60-4001 to 60-4004 (warning: § 60-4004) | Required | Required |
| Kentucky | Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 247.401 to 247.4029 (warning: § 247.4027) | Required | Required |
| Louisiana | La. Rev. Stat. § 9:2795.1 | Required | Required |
| Maine | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 7, §§ 4101, 4103-A | Not required | Not required |
| Maryland | No general law | n/a | n/a |
| Massachusetts | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128, § 2D | Required | Required |
| Michigan | Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 691.1661-691.1667 (warning: § 691.1666) | Required | Required |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. § 604A.12 | Required | Not required |
| Mississippi | Miss. Code Ann. §§ 95-11-1 to 95-11-7 (warning: § 95-11-7) | Required | Required |
| Missouri | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.325 | Required | Required |
| Montana | Mont. Code Ann. §§ 27-1-725 to 27-1-728 | Not required | Required |
| Nebraska | Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-21,249 to 25-21,253 (warning: § 25-21,253) | Required | Required |
| Nevada | Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.519 | Not required | Not required |
| New Hampshire | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:19 | Not required | Not required |
| New Jersey | N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 5:15-1 to 5:15-12 (sign: § 5:15-10) | Required | Not required |
| New Mexico | N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 42-13-1 to 42-13-5 (signs: § 42-13-5) | Required | Not required |
| New York | No general law | n/a | n/a |
| North Carolina | N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 99E-1 to 99E-3 (Part 2 farm animals: §§ 99E-6 to 99E-9) | Required | Required |
| North Dakota | N.D. Cent. Code §§ 53-10-01 to 53-10-02 | Not required | Not required |
| Ohio | Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.321 | Not required | Not required |
| Oklahoma | Okla. Stat. tit. 76, §§ 50.1-50.4 | Not required | Not required |
| Oregon | Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 30.687-30.697 | Not required | Not required |
| Pennsylvania | 4 P.S. §§ 601-606 (signing: § 603) | Required | Not required |
| Rhode Island | R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 4-21-1 to 4-21-4 | Required | Required |
| South Carolina | S.C. Code Ann. §§ 47-9-710 to 47-9-730 | Required | Required |
| South Dakota | S.D. Codified Laws §§ 42-11-1 to 42-11-5 | Required | Required |
| Tennessee | Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 44-20-101 to 44-20-105 | Required | Required |
| Texas | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 87.001-87.005 | Required | Required |
| Utah | Utah Code Ann. §§ 78B-4-201 to 78B-4-203 | Required | Not required |
| Vermont | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 1039 | Not required | Not required |
| Virginia | Va. Code Ann. §§ 3.2-6200 to 3.2-6203 | Not required | Not required |
| Washington | Wash. Rev. Code §§ 4.24.530-4.24.540 | Not required | Not required |
| West Virginia | W. Va. Code §§ 20-4-1 to 20-4-7 | Not required | Required |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Stat. § 895.481 | Required | Required |
| Wyoming | Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 1-1-121 to 1-1-123 | Not required | Not required |
State by state
Alabama
Law. Ala. Code § 6-5-337. Covers: equine.
Usual exceptions: knowingly faulty tack, failure to assess rider ability, known latent land hazards without posted signs, willful/wanton conduct, intentional injury.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Alabama law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to the Equine Activities Liability Protection Act.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals, or areas where activities are conducted. Applies to every equine professional and equine-activity sponsor.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. law.justia.com
Alaska
Law. Alaska Stat. § 09.65.145. Covers: livestock (includes horses, mules, donkeys, llamas, alpacas and many other animals).
Livestock act, not equine-only; no sign or contract-warning requirement; expressly allows a written waiver of the right to recover for inherent risks (§ 09.65.145(g)); exceptions for gross negligence/recklessness, known faulty tack, failure to assess ability (entry-form signers at shows, sales and rodeos are presumed competent). Separate § 09.65.292 lets parents waive a child's negligence claims for sports/recreation (not reckless/intentional).
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. akleg.gov
Arizona
Law. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-553. Covers: equine (owners of equines and of equine facilities).
Not the model act: the owner is protected only if the rider (or parent/guardian if under 18) signed a release before taking control, tack was properly installed, and the rider was matched to a suitable equine; the statute defines what the "release" must acknowledge but prescribes no sign or verbatim warning. No protection for gross negligence or wilful acts.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. azleg.gov
Arkansas
Law. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-120-201 to -202. Covers: equine + livestock (swine, bovine, sheep, goats).
Covers livestock owners, facilities and auction markets too; no contract-warning requirement in the text loaded; thoroughbred racing under the Arkansas Horse Racing Law is excluded.
Warning sign. Yes
“WARNING Under Arkansas law, an equine activity sponsor, livestock activity sponsor, livestock owner, livestock facility, and livestock auction market are not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities or livestock activities resulting from the inherent risk of equine activities or livestock activities.”
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch (1″) high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals, or arenas. Duty is on equine activity sponsors and livestock activity sponsors.
Warning in contracts. No
Worth confirming. Third-party (Justia) text only. The loaded § 16-120-202 text did not contain a contract-warning clause or a forfeiture clause; confirm against Lexis/official code.
Source. law.justia.com
California
Courts apply the common-law primary assumption of risk doctrine (Knight v. Jewett line) instead; Civ. Code § 846 (recreational use of land) may apply to free riding on private land.
Colorado
Law. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-119. Covers: equine + llamas.
Covers llamas with a separate llama warning; Colorado courts have held every equine release must contain the mandatory warning (annotation on the Justia page).
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Colorado Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to section 13-21-119, Colorado Revised Statutes.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals, or arenas owned, managed or controlled by the equine professional. Duty is on equine professionals (a parallel llama warning applies to llama professionals).
Warning in contracts. Yes
Sources. leg.colorado.gov · law.justia.com
Connecticut
Law. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-557p (see also § 52-557s). Covers: equine (recreational equestrian activities).
A one-sentence assumption-of-risk statute that does not protect a horse provider against its own negligence or failure to warn; the Connecticut Supreme Court has voided a stable release of the operator's negligence as against public policy (annotation, 280 C. 153). § 52-557s (2015) says horses are not a naturally vicious species and bars strict-liability claims against owners.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. cga.ct.gov
Delaware
Law. Del. Code Ann. tit. 10, § 8140. Covers: equine.
Unusual color rule: the sign must be red and white rather than black letters.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Delaware law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to 10 Delaware Code § 8140.
Sign rules. "In red and white", each letter at least 1 inch high; clearly visible locations on or near stables, corrals or arenas owned/managed/controlled by the equine professional. Duty is on equine professionals.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. delcode.delaware.gov
District of Columbia
No equine statute; common law applies.
Worth confirming. Could not run a full-text search of code.dccouncil.gov; absence based on compilations and web search.
Florida
Law. Fla. Stat. §§ 773.01-773.05 (warning: § 773.04). Covers: equine.
Same chapter has § 773.06: riders under 16 must wear an ASTM helmet on public roads, trails and other public property, and no one may knowingly rent an equine to an under-16 rider without a compliant helmet.
Warning sign. Yes: or a signed document given to the participant instead
WARNING Under Florida law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least 1 inch high, with sufficient color contrast; clearly visible location near where the equine activity begins. A signed written document bearing the warning may be used in lieu of posting, and must be used for events away from the sponsor's facility.
Warning in contracts. Yes: a participant-signed document with the warning; may substitute for the sign
Source. leg.state.fl.us
Georgia
Law. O.C.G.A. §§ 4-12-1 to 4-12-5 (warning: § 4-12-4). Covers: equine + livestock + llamas.
2017 amendment (HB 50) changed the notice to "inherent risks of animal activities" and allowed substantially similar language; the chapter also covers livestock and llama activities.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Georgia law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of animal activities, pursuant to Chapter 12 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals, or arenas. Language "substantially similar to" the statutory notice suffices (2017 amendment).
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. law.justia.com
Hawaii
Law. Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 663B-1 to 663B-2. Covers: equine.
Weakest model: no immunity, only a rebuttable presumption that injury from the inherent risk of the equine was not caused by the sponsor's negligence; exceptions include failure to supervise reasonably and gross negligence.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. capitol.hawaii.gov
Idaho
Law. Idaho Code §§ 6-1801 to 6-1802. Covers: equine.
No sign or contract warning; immunity also covers injury to the equine; tack exception is strict (sponsor liable if it provided the tack and the tack caused the injury, no fault needed); racing excluded.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. legislature.idaho.gov
Illinois
Law. 745 ILCS 47/1 et seq. (warning: 745 ILCS 47/25). Covers: equine.
The Act expressly lets a participant, or a parent or guardian of a minor, sign a release, which must give notice of specified risks and stays valid until revoked; horse racing excluded.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under the Equine Activity Liability Act, each participant who engages in an equine activity expressly assumes the risks of engaging in and legal responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to person or property resulting from the risk of equine activities.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals, or arenas owned, managed or controlled by the equine professional. Duty is on equine professionals.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. ilga.gov
Indiana
Law. Ind. Code §§ 34-31-5-1 to 34-31-5-5. Covers: equine.
Posting is a condition of the whole chapter applying, not just a duty.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Indiana law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.
Sign rules. At least one sign on the grounds or in the building, in a clearly visible location near the activity; black letters, each at least one (1) inch high.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Sources. law.justia.com · law.justia.com · law.justia.com
Iowa
Law. Iowa Code §§ 673.1-673.6 (notice: § 673.3). Covers: domesticated animals (bovine, swine, sheep, goats, deer, llamas, poultry, rabbits, horses, etc.).
Covers spectators as well as participants; no ability-assessment exception (exceptions are intentional/reckless/intoxicated acts, known faulty tack, unwarned latent conditions, and spectator-area injuries).
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Iowa law, a domesticated animal professional is not liable for damages suffered by, an injury to, or the death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of domesticated animal activities, pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 673. You are assuming inherent risks of participating in this domesticated animal activity.
Note: the official 2026 PDF may print the last sentence in capitals (a search snippet showed "YOU ARE ASSUMING INHERENT RISKS..."), so check capitalization against the PDF before printing
Sign rules. Black letters at least one inch high; sign clearly visible to participants, near or on a stable, corral or arena owned/controlled by the domesticated animal professional. Separate § 673.5 sign (white background, 1-inch black letters) for fair authorities.
Warning in contracts. Yes: same notice plus a statutory inherent-risk disclaimer paragraph
Worth confirming. Quote from Justia rather than the official PDF; possible capitalization difference.
Sources. legis.iowa.gov · law.justia.com
Kansas
Law. Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 60-4001 to 60-4004 (warning: § 60-4004). Covers: domestic animals.
Frames protection as an affirmative defense of assumption of risk (§ 60-4002) rather than immunity; contracts must also list the five statutory inherent risks.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Kansas law, there is no liability for an injury to or the death of a participant in domestic animal activities resulting from the inherent risks of domestic animal activities, pursuant to K.S.A. 60-4001 through 60-4004. You are assuming the risk of participating in this domestic animal activity.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals, boarding areas, or arenas. Duty is on domestic animal professionals.
Warning in contracts. Yes: warning plus a statutory list of inherent risks
Source. kslegislature.gov
Kentucky
Law. Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 247.401 to 247.4029 (warning: § 247.4027). Covers: farm animals.
A contract with the warning, signed by a participant or parent/guardian of a minor, is deemed a waiver (except for negligence) valid until revoked in writing; no warning duty to participants with their own animal or with professed experience.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Kentucky law, a farm animal activity sponsor, farm animal professional, or other person does not have the duty to eliminate all risks of injury of participation in farm animal activities. There are inherent risks of injury that you voluntarily accept if you participate in farm animal activities.
Check this wording against the statute before printing it: PDF text extraction inserted stray spaces inside words ("volu ntarily"); the quote removes those spaces and was otherwise compared word by word
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one (1) inch high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals, or areas where activities are conducted.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Worth confirming. Source PDF is hosted by Justia; confirm on the official LRC site.
Source. statecodesfiles.justia.com
Louisiana
Law. La. Rev. Stat. § 9:2795.1. Covers: farm animals (horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, ratites, poultry).
Expressly covers Courir de Mardi Gras and bull riding; product liability claims are preserved.
Warning sign. Yes: or a written warning given before the activity
WARNING Under Louisiana law, a farm animal activity sponsor or farm animal professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in a farm animal activity resulting from the inherent risks of the farm animal activity, pursuant to R.S. 9:2795.1.
Sign rules. Sign: black letters, each at least one inch high, near any stable, corral, registration area, staging area, or arena. Written warning alternative: boldfaced capital letters no smaller than 12-point type.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. legis.la.gov
Maine
Law. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 7, §§ 4101, 4103-A. Covers: equine.
Protects against spectators' claims too, except in spectator areas; reckless (not just willful) conduct is excepted. §§ 4103 and 4104 were repealed and replaced by § 4103-A.
Warning sign. No: a sign is one of two ways to give the required notice
WARNING Under Maine law, an equine professional has limited liability for an injury or death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.
Sign rules. If a sign is used: black letters at least one inch high, clearly visible on or near stables, corrals or arenas.
Warning in contracts. No: a signed statement with the warning is the alternative way to give notice
Source. legislature.maine.gov
Maryland
Maryland still uses contributory negligence, which horse groups cite as the reason no act was needed; 2024 SB 452 (limits on recreational-facility waivers) drew equine-industry opposition.
Worth confirming. Did not load a 2025/2026 Maryland bill search (mgaleg search timed out); no 2025-26 enactment found in web search. The status of SB 452 (2024) and its effect on equine waivers should be checked by a lawyer.
Massachusetts
Law. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128, § 2D. Covers: equine.
The latent-hazard exception ties to the sign duty in subsection (d); "equine professional" includes daily-care boarding and training; racing meetings excluded.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Massachusetts law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to section 2D of chapter 128 of the General Laws.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible location in proximity to the equine activity. Duty is on equine professionals.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. malegislature.gov
Michigan
Law. Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 691.1661-691.1667 (warning: § 691.1666). Covers: equine.
2015 amendment: a provider may not rely on a rider's representations of ability unless they are supported by reasonably sufficient detail; non-sponsors remain liable for ordinary negligence.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under the Michigan equine activity liability act, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of the equine activity.
Sign rules. Conspicuous letters no less than 1 inch high; clearly visible location in close proximity to the equine activity. "Substantially the following" wording. Duty is on equine professionals.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Sources. legislature.mi.gov · legislature.mi.gov
Minnesota
Law. Minn. Stat. § 604A.12. Covers: livestock (cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, goats, buffalo, llamas, poultry).
Narrow: immunity covers only nonprofit corporations/associations and people donating services, livestock, facilities or equipment to them, and only for activities not performed for profit; any negligent act defeats it. A 2026 bill (SF 4761) to expand it was introduced; the 2026 statute shows no change.
Warning sign. Yes: no prescribed wording
Sign rules. "Plainly visible signs at one or more prominent locations" with a warning of the inherent risks and the limitation of liability; no size or wording prescribed.
Warning in contracts. No
Source. revisor.mn.gov
Mississippi
Law. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 95-11-1 to 95-11-7 (warning: § 95-11-7). Covers: equine + livestock shows + horse racing.
2024 amendment (Laws 2024, ch. 318) added horse racing to the chapter; the latent-hazard exception in § 95-11-5(2)(b) reads oddly ("for which warning signs have been conspicuously posted") in the Justia text.
Warning sign. Yes
Warning: Under Mississippi law, an equine or livestock activity sponsor or an equine or livestock professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities, horse racing or livestock shows resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, horse racing or livestock shows, pursuant to this chapter.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one (1) inch high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals or arenas.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Worth confirming. Justia text; the § 95-11-5(2)(b) wording looks garbled and should be checked against the official code.
Source. law.justia.com
Missouri
Law. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.325. Covers: equine + livestock.
Immunity does not cover ordinary negligence (exception: failing to use the care of an ordinarily careful and prudent person); ability assessment considers age and obvious physical condition. 2026 HB 2544 to rewrite the section did not pass as far as the revisor page shows.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Missouri law, an equine activity sponsor, an equine professional, a livestock activity sponsor, a livestock owner, a livestock facility, a livestock auction market, or any employee thereof is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine or livestock activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine or livestock activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
Sign rules. Black letters on a white background, each at least one inch high; clearly visible location on or near stables, corrals or arenas owned/managed/controlled by the sponsor.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. revisor.mo.gov
Montana
Law. Mont. Code Ann. §§ 27-1-725 to 27-1-728. Covers: equine.
2025 amendment (Ch. 720, L. 2025, HB 768) added waiver rules: the mandatory statement tells signers they may be waiving claims for the provider's ordinary negligence; a compliant waiver is "not prohibited by or subject to" § 28-2-702 but may still be challenged on any legal grounds.
Warning sign. No
Sign rules. No sign rule. Waiver/release must state known inherent risks and contain the quoted statement in bold typeface.
Warning in contracts. Yes: statutory statement required in any waiver/release
By signing this document, you may be waiving your legal right to a jury trial to hold the provider legally responsible for any injuries or damages resulting from risks inherent in equine activities or for any injuries or damages you may suffer due to the provider's ordinary negligence that are the result of the provider's failure to exercise reasonable care.
Source. mca.legmt.gov
Nebraska
Law. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-21,249 to 25-21,253 (warning: § 25-21,253). Covers: equine (includes llamas).
"Equine" includes llamas; exceptions include any act a reasonable, prudent person would not have done (ordinary negligence) and failing to inspect or maintain tack.
Warning sign. Yes
Under Nebraska Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to sections 25-21,249 to 25-21,253.
Note: the statute puts no "WARNING" heading inside the quoted notice but its size rule refers to the word "WARNING", so signs should be headed WARNING
Sign rules. Black letters; the word "WARNING" at least three inches high and all other letters at least one inch; clearly visible on or near stables, corrals or arenas owned/leased/rented/managed by the equine professional, placed so participants can readily see them.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. nebraskalegislature.gov
Nevada
Law. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.519. Covers: equine.
Enacted 2015; covers veterinarians too; no sign or contract warning; broad exception for anyone who "failed to act responsibly while conducting an equine activity or maintaining an equine".
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. leg.state.nv.us
New Hampshire
Law. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:19. Covers: equine.
No sign rule; "inherent risks" are narrowed (e.g. surface hazards only if not obvious and not known, rider negligence excluded where foreseeable and uncorrected); covers field trials.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. gencourt.state.nh.us
New Jersey
Law. N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 5:15-1 to 5:15-12 (sign: § 5:15-10). Covers: equine.
Frames protection as assumption of risk by participants against "operators"; exceptions include "negligent disregard" for safety; racing excluded; § 5:15-6 requires a written report as a precondition to suit.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING: UNDER NEW JERSEY LAW, AN EQUESTRIAN AREA OPERATOR IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUINE ANIMAL ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ANIMAL ACTIVITIES, PURSUANT TO P.L.1997, c.287 (C.5:15-1 et seq.).
Sign rules. "Large capitalized print"; on all lands owned or leased by the operator and used for equine activities, visible to all participants.
Warning in contracts. No
Worth confirming. Justia text; § 5:15-6 written-report rule not read in full.
Source. law.justia.com
New Mexico
Law. N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 42-13-1 to 42-13-5 (signs: § 42-13-5). Covers: equine.
Operators stay liable for their own negligence, and the New Mexico Supreme Court (Berlangieri v. Running Elk Corp., 2003) held releases of an operator's negligence unenforceable as against public policy.
Warning sign. Yes: no prescribed wording
Sign rules. "Clearly visible signs at one or more prominent locations" with a warning about inherent risks and liability limits; no wording or size prescribed.
Warning in contracts. No
Sources. law.justia.com · law.justia.com
New York
Law. N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 18-301 to 18-303 (agritourism, not a general equine act). Covers: agritourism only (on-farm equine activities by farmers; equine therapy excluded).
No general equine liability act; equine activities are covered only as part of on-farm agritourism run by a farmer. Equine Activity Safety Code bills (S1607/A2320, 2025-26) were still in committee as of January 2026.
Worth confirming. Classed as "no" because the act applies only to farm agritourism; some compilations count New York as having an act. Bill status not checked after January 2026.
Source. nysenate.gov
North Carolina
Law. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 99E-1 to 99E-3 (Part 2 farm animals: §§ 99E-6 to 99E-9). Covers: equine (Part 1) + farm animals (Part 2).
Only the 3/4-inch state; immunity covers injuries "resulting exclusively" from inherent risks and must be pleaded as assumption of risk; the act preserves releases. Part 2 (2013) adds a farm animal act with its own warnings.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under North Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting exclusively from the inherent risks of equine activities. Chapter 99E of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least three quarters of one inch high; sign designed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; clearly visible on or near stables, corrals, or arenas.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. ncleg.gov
North Dakota
Law. N.D. Cent. Code §§ 53-10-01 to 53-10-02. Covers: equine.
No sign rule; strict tack exception (liable if it provided the tack and the tack caused the injury); also asks whether the equine can behave safely with the participant; racing excluded.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. ndlegis.gov
Ohio
Law. Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.321. Covers: equine (includes zebras and zebra hybrids).
No sign rule; separately offers a statutory written waiver, signed by the participant or a parent/guardian, which must list each inherent risk in (A)(7)(a)-(e), stays valid until revoked, and lasts 12 months for school events.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No: optional statutory waiver instead
Source. codes.ohio.gov
Oklahoma
Law. Okla. Stat. tit. 76, §§ 50.1-50.4. Covers: livestock (includes equines, cattle, bison, hogs, sheep, goats, cervids, ratites).
Protection requires acting "in good faith and pursuant to the standards of the livestock industry"; it does not apply to deaths; parties may extend the waiver in writing (§ 50.4).
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Worth confirming. Justia text; the no-protection-for-death clause (§ 50.3(B)(3)(b)) is unusual and worth a lawyer's look.
Source. law.justia.com
Oregon
Law. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 30.687-30.697. Covers: equine.
No sign rule; an adult who signs a release beforehand loses the failure-to-assess-ability exception (ORS 30.693(2)); vets and farriers protected by helper releases; races excluded.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. oregonlegislature.gov
Pennsylvania
Law. 4 P.S. §§ 601-606 (signing: § 603). Covers: equine.
Narrow: bars negligence claims only where knowing voluntary assumption of risk is proven, and only for adult participants; horse "viciousness" need not be shown (§ 604).
Warning sign. Yes
You assume the risk of equine activities pursuant to Pennsylvania law.
Sign rules. Sign at least three feet by two feet, conspicuously posted on the premises in two or more locations.
Warning in contracts. No
Worth confirming. Read from the 2005 session-law text; did not confirm whether the act has been amended since (no later history found).
Source. legis.state.pa.us
Rhode Island
Law. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 4-21-1 to 4-21-4. Covers: equine.
Weak: no protection where the provider failed to exercise due care (so ordinary negligence is not covered), and the warning itself says so.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Rhode Island Law, an equine professional, unless he or she can be shown to have failed to be in the exercise of due care, is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to this chapter.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible location in proximity to the equine activity. Duty is on equine professionals.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. webserver.rilegislature.gov
South Carolina
Law. S.C. Code Ann. §§ 47-9-710 to 47-9-730. Covers: equine.
For riding trails, one sign at the primary trail entrance suffices; motor-vehicle liability excluded; § 47-9-730 was amended in 2012 (2012 Act No. 142).
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under South Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of equine activity, pursuant to Article 7, Chapter 9 of Title 47, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible on or near stables, corrals, or arenas, or once at the primary entrance to any riding trail the sponsor maintains (2012 amendment).
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. scstatehouse.gov
South Dakota
Law. S.D. Codified Laws §§ 42-11-1 to 42-11-5. Covers: equine.
Unlike most states, racing is not excluded (signs must be posted at race tracks too); veterinarians are named; warranty and trespass claims are preserved.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under South Dakota law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to § 42-11-2.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch high; clearly visible on or near stables, corrals, race tracks, or arenas. Duty is on equine professionals.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Source. sdlegislature.gov
Tennessee
Law. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 44-20-101 to 44-20-105. Covers: equine.
The act says Tenn. Code title 70, chapter 7 does not apply to equine sponsors/professionals and that they are held to a "higher standard of care"; racing excluded.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING Under Tennessee Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, title 44, chapter 20.
Sign rules. Black letters, each at least one inch (1″) high; clearly visible on or near stables, corrals, or arenas owned/managed/controlled by the equine professional.
Warning in contracts. Yes
Worth confirming. Justia text.
Source. law.justia.com
Texas
Law. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 87.001-87.005. Covers: farm animals + livestock shows (equines, bovines, sheep, goats, pigs, etc.).
The warning is printed in capitals in the statute; 2021 amendment extends coverage to employees and independent contractors.
Warning sign. Yes
WARNING UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), A FARM ANIMAL PROFESSIONAL OR FARM OWNER OR LESSEE IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING AN EMPLOYEE OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES.
Sign rules. Clearly visible location on or near the stable, corral, or arena; no letter size specified. A separate livestock-show warning (§ 87.005(f)) applies to livestock show sponsors.
Warning in contracts. Yes: clearly readable
Source. statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Utah
Law. Utah Code Ann. §§ 78B-4-201 to 78B-4-203. Covers: equine + livestock.
Under the current text (amended 2017) the sponsor remains liable for its own negligence, and for tack failures caused by its negligence.
Warning sign. Yes: a sign OR a signed document/release; no prescribed wording
Sign rules. Sign in a prominent location within the activity area, or a document/release signed by the participant (or guardian of a minor). Sufficient if it includes the § 78B-4-201 definition of inherent risk and states the sponsor is not liable for those risks. Not required for parades and certain listed activities.
Warning in contracts. No: a signed document is one way to give the notice
Sources. le.utah.gov · le.utah.gov
Vermont
Law. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 1039. Covers: equine.
Protection only for inherent risks that are "necessary to the equine activity and obvious to the person injured".
Warning sign. No: optional: sponsors "may" post
WARNING Under Vermont Law, an equine activity sponsor is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities that are obvious and necessary, pursuant to 12 V.S.A. § 1039.
Sign rules. If posted: black letters, each at least one inch high, clearly visible near the activity.
Warning in contracts. No: optional: contracts "may" contain the warning
Source. legislature.vermont.gov
Virginia
Law. Va. Code Ann. §§ 3.2-6200 to 3.2-6203. Covers: equine.
Calls them "intrinsic dangers"; a parent or guardian (or their written designee) can sign a waiver for a minor that gives notice of the intrinsic dangers, and it covers the provider's negligence once signed; the waiver stays valid until revoked in writing.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No: optional statutory waiver
Source. law.lis.virginia.gov
Washington
Law. Wash. Rev. Code §§ 4.24.530-4.24.540. Covers: equine.
No sign rule; strict tack exception (liable if it provided tack that caused the injury); also considers whether the equine can behave safely with the participant; racing excluded.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Source. app.leg.wa.gov
West Virginia
Law. W. Va. Code §§ 20-4-1 to 20-4-7. Covers: equine (horses).
Duty-based model: horsemen must assess riders, disclose dangerous horse traits, inspect tack, and present each participant a statement of the act's liability limits to inspect and sign; they must also carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence (§ 20-4-5(d)).
Warning sign. No: signs are one way to disclose dangerous land conditions
Warning in contracts. Yes: a signed statement explaining the act's limits; no prescribed wording
Sources. code.wvlegislature.gov · code.wvlegislature.gov
Wisconsin
Law. Wis. Stat. § 895.481. Covers: equine.
The notice begins "Notice:" rather than "WARNING"; immunity extends to any person, not only professionals (Kangas v. Perry).
Warning sign. Yes
“Notice: A person who is engaged for compensation in the rental of equines or equine equipment or tack or in the instruction of a person in the riding or driving of an equine or in being a passenger upon an equine is not liable for the injury or death of a person involved in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, as defined in section 895.481 (1) (e) of the Wisconsin Statutes.”
Sign rules. White sign with black lettering, each letter at least one inch high; clearly visible on or near stables, corrals or arenas owned/operated/controlled by the equine professional.
Warning in contracts. Yes: in bold print no smaller than the rest of the contract
Source. docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Wyoming
Law. Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 1-1-121 to 1-1-123. Covers: all sports and recreation, expressly including horseback riding and any equine activity.
Not an equine-specific act: a general recreation assumption-of-risk law with a detailed equine definition (dude ranching, outfitted pack trips); applies "irrespective of the age" of the participant; negligence claims for non-inherent risks preserved. 2025 HB 73 added rock climbing.
Warning sign. No
Warning in contracts. No
Worth confirming. Justia text. § 1-1-118 (amateur rodeo) is a separate, narrower provision.
Sources. law.justia.com · law.justia.com
What this means for your paperwork
- Post the sign exactly as written. Where the statute sets the wording, copy it word for word, follow the size and colour rules, and put it where the law says (usually on or near the stable, corral or arena).
- Put the warning in your contracts where required. In 25 states it has to appear in every written contract for equine services, which includes your release form.
- Don't rely on the statute alone. It covers inherent risks, with exceptions, and in several states not your own negligence. A signed release is a separate layer of protection where your state enforces one; see whether waivers are enforceable in your state.
- Treat minors separately. A few equine statutes set rules for parent signatures; elsewhere, check your state's general rule in our guide to waivers for minors.
- Keep the signed copies. A release you can't produce after an accident doesn't help.
WaiverPad's horseback riding waiver is not yet printed with your state's statutory warning, so add the wording above to your posted sign and, where your state requires it, to your contracts.
Questions stables ask
Which states have an equine activity liability law?
47 of the 51 jurisdictions on this page have a statute that limits liability for the inherent risks of horse activities. California, District of Columbia, Maryland and New York do not have a general one (New York's agritourism law covers horses only on working farms). Several states' laws reach beyond horses to llamas, livestock or farm animals.
Do I have to post an equine liability warning sign?
In 29 states, yes: the statute requires a posted warning, usually at the stable, corral or arena, and most of them prescribe its exact wording. 23 set a minimum letter height of one inch. Some states set other rules, such as Delaware's red-and-white sign and Pennsylvania's minimum size of 3 by 2 feet. In 18 states with a law, there is no sign requirement. Check your state's entry for the wording and the size rule.
Does the warning have to be in my waiver or contract?
In 25 states the statute requires its warning in every written contract for equine services or activities, so it belongs in your release form, word for word. A few states, such as Montana, instead set out what a waiver itself must say.
Does an equine liability law replace a waiver?
No. These laws limit claims for the inherent risks of equine activities, and each lists exceptions, such as faulty tack or failing to match a rider to a suitable horse. Several do not protect a provider against claims for its own negligence. A signed release, where your state enforces one, is a separate layer of protection, and it is also the record that the rider was told the risks.
Can a parent sign for a child?
The equine statutes of Virginia, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky expressly provide for a parent or guardian signing for a minor, each with its own conditions. Elsewhere your state's general rule on parent-signed waivers applies, and many states won't enforce a parent's waiver of a child's own claims.
How we built this
Each entry was researched in October 2026 from the statute text, on the state legislature's or official code publisher's site where it could be loaded and otherwise from Justia's copy of the code. Warning wording was compared word for word against that text; the two exceptions are marked on their entries. Entries we are less sure of carry a "Worth confirming" note. Where a state's law covers farm animals or livestock generally, the entry says so.
Important
This page is general information, not legal advice, and WaiverPad is not a law firm. Statutes change and courts interpret them. Confirm the current text of your state's law, and have your sign, contracts and release reviewed by a lawyer licensed where you operate.
A release form for riding lessons and trail rides
Participant liability waiver and rules acknowledgement for horseback riding and trail rides. Read the full text free, download it as a PDF customized with your business and state for $7, or have riders sign it on their phones free for up to 10 a month.