Liability		Property		Environmental
Motor		Subsidence		Complex & Major Loss
Private Clients		Equestrian		Valuations
Industrial Disease		Engineering & Technology		Professional Indemnity
Building Claims Validation		Property Investors		Third Party Property Damage
Household Major Loss		Counter Fraud
Equestrian			Meet the Team

QuestGates has a long-standing reputation in equestrian liability claims and our team of adjusters is strategically located throughout the UK.

As a result of our expertise and reputation for providing high quality claims handling investigations in this specialist area, QuestGates presently handles:

Riding School and Livery Yard scheme

Training Yards

Stud Yards

British Horse Society Members cover

British Eventing Members cover

Personal Liability attaching to horse owners

Endurance GB

Master of Foxhounds Association scheme

We are also engaged in work involving Countryside Alliance Members, horse transport companies and liability arising out of Bloodstock cover as well as many others. We also handle claims arising out of care, custody and control.

Riding School and Trekking Centre claims in particular present their own challenges and QuestGates is at the forefront of developing and discussing Risk Management initiatives with School and Yard owners. It is essential that the necessary documentation is in place to show that adequate assessments are made of the capabilities of the riders and the suitability of the horses, and that staff are adequately trained.

Rider Registration Cards should always be completed and there should be adequate Risk Assessments in place, to include horse "logs" and Staff Assessment Files. It is essential that all documentation is collated for disclosure purposes, not least:

Certainly in our view, the majority of cases are capable of being successfully defended, although a good deal of documentation and accurate statement taking is required.

We have a good understanding of the developing area of law surrounding the potential strict liability that may attach to the owner or keeper under the Animals Act 1971. Life for the defendant is not any easier following the House of Lords decision of "Mirvahedy-v-Henley" but we have identified a number of defences not least that riding is a risk sport and participants voluntarily accept the risk of occasionally falling off!

It is essential that early enquiries are made as witnesses and instructors have a habit of moving on. Prompt inspection and assessment of the horse/pony involved in the accident is obviously recommended.

QuestGates has, over the years, established a good rapport with specialist equine experts and lawyers and we are well recognised for our expertise in this area. Our equestrian claims services not only complement but also significantly contribute to our liability division, a large part of which operates within the sports & leisure industry.