Safety First, Always.
Sharing horses brings joy, companionship, and shared care. We design our technology to safeguard privacy, set clear legal standards, and support equine welfare at every step.
Progressive Privacy
We do not display your exact barn address on public listings. Share location details carefully in private messages. Members are not screened for identity, background, riding ability or insurance; an admin-reviewed label only records administrative review.
Safety and Local Law
Use these practical checks to prepare for riding or horse care. Liability rules and required notices depend on the activity and location; seek advice for your specific arrangement.
Discuss Before Meeting
Owners and riders can discuss expectations, trial rides, and any written agreement directly before meeting in person.
How Progressive Privacy Protects Your Barn
Unlike general classifieds that broadcast your farm address to anyone on the internet, ShareMyHorse uses a 3-tier privacy boundary modeled after leading hospitality platforms:
Public Browsing (Wide Radius)
The general public sees only the county or region you enter (e.g., "Chester County, PA"). Your barn name, street address and directions are stored separately, are never returned by our server to the public site, and we do not collect coordinates at all.
Active Conversation (Neighborhood Radius)
Starting a conversation reveals nothing further. Your address stays hidden until you decide otherwise, so a rider can message you without learning where your horse is kept.
Accepted Introduction (Owner-Controlled Sharing)
When an owner accepts a rider's inquiry, the owner chooses whether to share a street address, barn name, or directions with that rider. Any details the owner does not select remain hidden.
Recommended Pre-Sharing Checklist
Essential steps every owner and rider should take before starting an arrangement:
For Horse Owners
- Be candid about your horse's quirks, training level, and known behavioral triggers.
- Supervise the first trial ground-handling and riding session in person.
- Check references from the rider's current or previous trainers.
- Verify the rider wears an ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet and proper footwear.
- Document emergency contacts, your vet, and farrier contact info at the barn.
For Riders & Carers
- Be honest about your riding ability, experience level, and comfort zone.
- Never ride alone without someone knowing your location and schedule.
- Always wear an ASTM/SEI or CE certified helmet and heeled riding boots.
- Inspect tack and equipment for safety and proper fit before mounting.
- Consider personal equine liability or accident insurance coverage.
Understanding Equine Activity Liability & Inherent Risks
Local liability rules can affect an equine injury claim. Their scope, exceptions, and notice requirements vary, so owners and riders should understand the risks and check the rules where they ride.
How Some State Liability Statutes Work
- Recognize Defined Equine Risks: Some states have statutes addressing injuries from specified risks such as a horse spooking or reacting unexpectedly. The definitions and protections differ.
- Consider the Circumstances: Participation involves risk, but it does not automatically remove another person's legal duties. The facts, local law, and any applicable agreement matter.
- State-Specific Notices: Some states require particular warning signs or agreement language. Check current local requirements with qualified counsel.
What State Statutes Do NOT Do
- NOT an Insurance Policy: Equine statutes are NOT insurance. ShareMyHorse does not provide medical, liability, or mortality insurance. Statutes do not pay claims or cover veterinary or medical bills.
- Does NOT Prevent Lawsuits: Where a statute applies, it may limit some claims but retain exceptions for conduct or conditions such as faulty equipment, inadequate suitability checks, or misconduct. Defending a claim can still incur legal expenses.
- Does NOT Replace Private Agreements: Any horse-sharing arrangement made after initial contact is a private agreement between the owner and rider. Document the terms and confirm your own insurance coverage before meeting.
Other U.S. and Canadian Rules
Other U.S. rules:
Some locations apply different negligence, premises, and contract rules. A general website notice is not a substitute for a locally required sign, warning, or agreement. Ask qualified local counsel about the activity and location.
Canadian Provincial Framework:
Canadian liability rules and available insurance vary by province and activity. Some provincial federation memberships include personal liability coverage, with conditions and exclusions. Confirm with the federation or insurer whether your specific sharing arrangement is covered.
Equine Liability Insurance by State & Province
Insurance coverage depends on your policy and location. Review the general questions and unpaid resource links, then discuss your own arrangement with a licensed provider.