Many states, including Oregon, require that horse facilities have posted signs outlining the state’s equine activity statute.

Photo: Michelle Anderson

In the equine context, warning signs can serve several important functions, including preventing injury or death, fulfilling a legal duty to warn potential victims about danger, keeping unauthorized personnel out of restricted areas, and fulfilling the requirements of a state equine activity statute. Here are some guidelines.

When to Post Warning Signs

  1. Your State’s Equine Activity Statute Requires It. As of April 2014, all U.S. states except California, Maryland, New York, and Nevada have

    “equine activity statutes” designed to limit liability for horse-related activities. Some equine activity statutes require horse facilities to post warning signs on the property that meet very specific requirements and include exact wording. Unless horse facilities in those states post the signage exactly as the statute requires, the statute won’t protect them.

  2. You Have a Dangerous Horse.

    If you have a horse that bites, kicks or has another dangerous habit, you should post a prominent warning sign at each entrance to his/her stall or enclosure. A sign that says “Danger”