Casual Riding Agreement
Clearly define responsibilities, permissions and expectations for casual horse riding arrangements.
Casual riding arrangements are common throughout the equestrian community, whether a horse is being ridden by a friend, family member, coach, student or another rider. While these arrangements are often informal, they can easily lead to misunderstandings if expectations, responsibilities and permissions have not been clearly documented.
Whether you're a horse owner allowing another person to ride your horse, or a rider seeking regular or occasional permission to do so, a written agreement helps establish clear expectations from the outset and provides a practical framework for the arrangement.
The StableDocs Casual Riding Agreement has been specifically developed for Australia and New Zealand to help document casual riding arrangements in a clear, practical and professional way.
What Does the Agreement Cover?
The agreement has been designed around the situations that commonly arise in casual horse riding arrangements, including:
- Riding permissions and approved riding activities
- Responsibilities of both the horse owner and rider
- Permitted use of the horse and equipment
- Lessons, clinics, competitions and trail riding permissions
- Horse care responsibilities before and after riding
- Veterinary treatment and emergency procedures
- Liability, risk acknowledgement and assumption of risk
- Insurance considerations
- Duration of the riding arrangement and termination provisions
- General expectations to help support the welfare of the horse and reduce misunderstandings
Why Use a Casual Riding Agreement?
Many casual riding arrangements begin with good intentions, but without documenting the details, misunderstandings can develop over time.
A written agreement helps:
- Clearly define the responsibilities of both the horse owner and rider
- Document riding permissions and approved activities
- Set expectations for the use of the horse and equipment
- Clarify horse care responsibilities before and after riding
- Outline emergency procedures and veterinary authority
- Acknowledge liability, risks and safety expectations
- Support the welfare of the horse through clearly documented responsibilities
- Provide a practical reference point throughout the riding arrangement
While no agreement can prevent every disagreement, documenting expectations from the outset helps create greater clarity, confidence and peace of mind for everyone involved.
What is a Casual Riding Agreement?
A Casual Riding Agreement is used when a horse owner gives another person permission to ride their horse on an occasional or ongoing basis, without entering into a lease arrangement or transferring ownership responsibilities.
These arrangements can include family members, friends, students, exercise riders or other approved riders, and may involve anything from occasional recreational riding to regular lessons or supervised riding sessions.
Every arrangement is different. Some riders may have permission to ride on specific days, while others may be authorised to attend lessons, clinics or competitions, or use particular equipment and facilities. A written agreement helps clearly document the expectations, permissions and responsibilities of both the horse owner and rider before the arrangement begins.