If you've been injured in a horse riding accident, contact our team of Personal Injury Solicitors who are here to help.
National Love Your Pet Day: How Pets can He...
A collision involving a horse and rider can result in life-changing injuries for the rider and serious or fatal harm to the horse.
Horse riding is a cherished pastime for many and, for some, an essential part of daily life. Whether it’s a quiet country hack, a training ride, or a journey to a local competition, equestrians rightly expect to be able to use the roads safely. But all too often, the needs of horse riders are overlooked by motorists, leading to entirely avoidable incidents that can have devastating consequences.
Riders are considered vulnerable road users under the Highway Code, and they deserve to be treated with respect and care by all road users.
If you have been injured while riding on the road, whether due to a collision with a vehicle, reckless or aggressive driving, or a failure to give sufficient passing space, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. At Lanyon Bowdler, we understand the complex emotional and physical impact these incidents can have, and we are here to help you secure the compensation, care, and justice you deserve.
The Personal Injury Team at Lanyon Bowdler has extensive experience supporting clients who have suffered serious injuries while riding horses on the road. From collisions with fast-moving vehicles to incidents caused by careless or intimidating driving behaviour, we have helped riders and their families navigate the legal and emotional complexities of these cases with clarity and compassion.
Our team includes Personal Injury Solicitors who are accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Law Society. We have particular strength in cases involving spinal trauma, orthopaedic injuries, and psychological harm. Many of the riders we support have faced not only physical recovery but also the emotional impact of losing confidence, independence, or even the horse they loved.
Clients choose Lanyon Bowdler not just for our legal knowledge but for our genuine, person-centred approach. We take time to understand the full effect of your injuries, including your emotional and financial wellbeing, and build a case that reflects what you need both now and in the future. From your first call to the conclusion of your case, you will have a dedicated solicitor who will guide you through the process with clear advice and practical support.
Where appropriate, we can help to secure interim payments to cover treatment or rehabilitation costs, and we will work closely with medical professionals to ensure your needs are met. We are committed to making the journey through a legal claim as straightforward and supportive as possible.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and handle most horse-riding accident claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means there is no financial risk to you in coming forward for advice.
The Personal Injury Team is recognised in Tier 2 for the West Midlands in the 2026 edition of Legal 500, which states:
‘The ‘very client-centred’ team at Lanyon Bowdler is ably led by Dawn Humphries who is based at the Shrewsbury office. Humphries excels in serious brain and spinal injuries. She is also well-regarded for her work on employers’ liability claims that arise from accidents at work, particularly at construction sites. Telford-based Debbie Humphries is recommended for her representation of clients who have sustained life-changing injuries. Phillip Roberts is at the Hereford office, and has particular experience in areas such as accident at work cases and loss of limbs claims. Karen Clarke is another notable member of the practice’.
Chambers UK 2026 ranks the department in Band 1 in the Midlands and states ‘Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors is a leading Shropshire firm advising on an extensive breadth of personal injury cases, including high-value RTA and accident-at-work claims. The firm is particularly experienced in acting for clients with Cerebral and Spinal Injury Claims. The team is skilled in handling military cases and accidents abroad. It also works alongside clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams to fully support clients’.
Strengths
“The case was very complex, and any issues that came up with the case, the firm did its utmost to work them out.”
“Lanyon Bowdler has a wide knowledge base. The team are very good at responding and provide clients with a high level of support.”
Dawn Humphries handles a wide range of orthopaedic and spinal injury claims. She is active on an array of personal injury cases, including those relating to workplace accidents and RTAs.
“Dawn is empathetic and sympathetic but very calmly assertive when it came to pushing back onto defence.”
Debbie Humphries is highlighted for her experience in handling a full range of severe injury matters, including motor incidents and accidents at work.
“Debbie supports her clients with a balance of compassion and sector knowledge.”
In January 2022, a significant update to the Highway Code was introduced. This placed greater emphasis on the protection of vulnerable road users. Horse riders, along with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, are explicitly recognised in the new hierarchy of road users. This means that drivers now carry a higher level of responsibility for reducing the risk they pose to people in this category.
The updated guidance makes it clear:
If a driver fails to follow these rules and causes an accident, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damage. The courts take these failures seriously, particularly in light of the explicit protections now afforded to riders under the law.
Yes. If you were injured because of another road user’s negligence, such as driving too close, overtaking dangerously, or failing to slow down, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims can also arise where a vehicle did not make contact with the horse or rider but caused the horse to spook and throw the rider as a result of careless behaviour.
In many cases, you can include the financial impact of the horse’s injury or loss as part of your compensation claim. This may cover veterinary treatment, the value of the horse, or the cost of alternative transport, care, or livery if your horse cannot be ridden. We know how deeply people care about their animals, and we will always handle this aspect of the case with sensitivity.
Yes, a successful claim relies on showing that the other party breached their duty of care. This might involve failing to follow the Highway Code, driving without due attention, or ignoring warnings to slow down. Our team will help you gather the necessary evidence, including police reports, medical assessments, and witness accounts.
No. A personal injury claim made against another driver does not usually affect your own insurance premiums or equestrian cover. We can explain the process clearly and advise you on any implications that may be relevant to your specific policy.
Yes, you may still be able to claim compensation even if you weren’t wearing high-visibility gear or a riding helmet. While safety equipment can help reduce the risk of injury, the primary responsibility lies with motorists to drive with care around vulnerable road users. The courts will assess whether the driver’s actions were negligent, and any issues around rider safety will be considered as part of the wider circumstances. Our solicitors will discuss these details with you and advise on how they may affect your claim.
Horse riding accidents are particularly common on rural roads where visibility is limited and drivers may not expect to encounter horses. Whether the incident occurred on a main road or a quiet lane, drivers are still bound by the Highway Code and must slow down and pass horses with care. If a driver failed to do this and caused an accident, you may have a valid claim for compensation.
Yes, if your injuries forced you to take time off work or caused a reduction in your income, we can include this loss in your claim. This applies whether you are employed, self-employed, or work in a freelance or seasonal capacity. Loss of earnings is often a significant part of a personal injury claim, and we will ensure that all financial losses are fully documented and accounted for.
Yes, psychological distress following a horse riding accident is taken seriously. It is not uncommon for riders to experience anxiety, panic attacks, or a loss of confidence when returning to the road or even around horses in general. These experiences can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. With the support of medical evidence, we can include psychological harm as part of your compensation claim.
It is not unusual for drivers to dispute fault. In these cases, we will conduct a thorough investigation and gather all available evidence, such as witness statements, dashcam footage, police reports, and photographs from the scene. Our experienced solicitors will handle negotiations with the other party or their insurer, and if necessary, we can take the matter to court to ensure your case is properly heard.
Yes, it is always advisable to report the accident to the police, especially if you or your horse were injured, or if the driver left the scene. A police report can be a vital piece of evidence in your claim. If you didn’t report it at the time, you should still consider doing so as soon as possible and keep a record of all correspondence.
Yes, if a child under the age of 18 is injured in a horse riding accident, a parent or guardian can bring a claim on their behalf as a “litigation friend.” Children are considered especially vulnerable, and the law offers specific protections in cases involving minors. Any compensation awarded is usually held in trust until the child turns 18, unless funds are needed earlier for care or support.
If you or a family member has been injured in a horse riding accident on the road, and another road user was at fault, you are entitled to make a personal injury claim.
Our expert Road Traffic Accident Solicitors are among the leading specialists in handling and winning claims involving vulnerable road users, including horse riders. We are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you, ensuring you receive the compensation, care, and support needed to move forward with your life. At Lanyon Bowdler, we are proud to be a friendly and approachable law firm and we will be happy to speak with you and provide clear, practical advice tailored to your situation.
By choosing Lanyon Bowdler, you can be confident that you have some of the most experienced personal injury solicitors in the country on your side. We are known for delivering exceptional levels of client care and will work closely with you throughout the process to support your recovery and protect your rights.
We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford, and regularly act for clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, as well as throughout the West Midlands. No matter where you live in England or Wales, our team is here to help.
"*" indicates required fields