The "riding other people's horses" insurance module explained: what it covers

In Switzerland the gap between animal-keeper liability and basic personal liability is a typical insurance risk: damage to another person's horse caused by the rider is usually not covered in the standard personal liability. The "riding other people's horses" module closes exactly this gap. This article explains the concept and what to look out for in the policy.

Why a separate module is needed

Swiss personal liability insurances are usually built to cover damage to third parties in everyday life: damage to a neighbour's car, an injury while walking, a broken item in a shop. But this does not automatically apply to damage to another person's horse under the rider.

The reason lies in the concept of "items in one's custody". When the rider rides the horse, they have it in their custody. Damage to items in one's custody is often excluded in a standard personal liability or only covered with a separate clause.

On Mobiliar this concept is explained in detail. Other Swiss insurers have comparable modules in their range.

What the module typically covers

The typical damage cases the module covers can be divided into four categories.

• Damage to the horse while riding. Tendon or ligament injuries through overexertion, injuries through a fall, damage through incorrect riding technique.
• Damage to the horse during care or handling. Injuries during loading, a kick through careless handling, damage through faulty saddling or bridling.
• Damage to the owner's equipment. Saddle, bridle, blanket, grooming gear that is damaged through the rider's fault.
• Damage during trail rides or transport. When the rider leads or transports the horse outside the stable.

Each of these damage cases can be excluded in a standard personal liability without the module. The exact conditions are in the policy.

What the module does not cover

Several damages remain even with the module with other insurances or with the affected person.

• The rider's own injuries. For these the accident insurance (UVG for working people) applies, the health insurance and where applicable a private accident insurance.
• Damage to third parties (people, objects). Here the standard personal liability is responsible, where applicable the animal-keeper liability of the owner (see animal-keeper liability guide).
• Illness of the horse without fault. A colic at night or lameness without an identifiable cause are risks of horse keeping and lie with the owner.
• Intent and gross negligence. For intentional damage every insurance refuses. Gross negligence too can lead to a reduction in benefits.

What to look out for in the policy

Several points are important when choosing and reviewing the policy.

• Coverage. Damage to the horse can cost several thousand to ten thousand francs, in serious cases more. A coverage in the six-figure range is advisable.
• Deductible. Common deductibles are between 200 and 1,000 CHF. A higher deductible lowers the premium.
• Geographic scope. Some modules apply only in Switzerland, others worldwide. Check for riding holidays abroad.
• Included activities. Riding, driving with the horse, stable work, horse transport are not always all automatically included. Check the policy explicitly.
• Exclusion clauses. Some insurers exclude certain riding activities (jumping over certain heights, endurance riding, gallop races).
• Exclusion for lack of training. Anyone who handles the horse in a riding discipline for which they are obviously not trained risks insurance cover.

How the module is documented in the horse share

Before the first riding day the insurance status should be clarified in writing.

• Evidence from the rider. A short confirmation from the insurer that the module is included, with date and policy number.
• Note in the horse share contract. Clause 7 of the agreement (see contract guide) records which insurance each side has.
• Update on change. Anyone who changes insurer or cancels the module informs the owner immediately. Otherwise an insurance gap arises.

What to do in a damage case?

In a damage case three steps are immediately important.

• First aid. Give first aid to the horse, call the vet. Only then think about insurance.
• Documentation. Photos, witness names, description of the events recorded in writing. The earlier the better.
• Insurance notification within the deadline. Most insurers require notification within a few days. The exact deadline is in the policy.

For very large damages it pays off to consult a lawyer with insurance experience, to review the position of the insurance benefits.

Frequently asked questions

What does the "riding other people's horses" module cover? Damage to another person's horse that arises from riding or handling. Without this module, a standard personal liability usually does not cover damage to the horse.

What does it not cover? The rider's own injuries, damage to third parties, illness of the horse without fault, intentional damage.

Is the module a separate product or a supplement? In Switzerland usually a supplement to the existing personal liability. Ask explicitly when concluding the contract.

How much does the module cost additionally? Premiums vary by insurer and coverage. A comparison via Comparis or an independent broker is sensible.

How does the rider provide evidence of the module to the owner? With a confirmation from the insurer, an insurance overview or the policy extract. This confirmation belongs to the horse share agreement.

Sources and further reading

• Mobiliar: Reiten fremder Pferde
• Baloise Tierhalterhaftpflicht
• Obligationenrecht OR (Fedlex)
• Comparis Versicherungs-Vergleich

Maintain the insurance status per horse share

In HorseCompanion the insurance status can be documented per horse share, with insurer, policy number and confirmation of the module. In a damage case all data are immediately at hand. Get started for free

Updated: June 2026