Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is pleased to announce an important new web resource for horsemen and landowners. The Equine Activity Statutes and Recreational Use Statutes Directory is now available at www.elcr.org/ss2.htm
A crucial factor in equine access to land is often landowner liability protection. Liability is determined on a state-by-state basis, and in most states is governed by two sets of laws: Equine Activity Statutes and Recreational Use Statutes.
In the past, this information has been hard to gather and difficult to interpret. ELCR recognized an opportunity to assist and support horsemen on this issue. Working pro bono, law student Holly Rudolph assembled an in-depth spreadsheet showing both sets of laws listed by state, with a brief analysis. Julie Fershtman, JD, an ELCR Advisory Council member, served as an advisor for the project.
The spreadsheet, found at www.elcr.org/ss2.htm , provides a single source to view and compare statutes by state. ELCR and other organizations had gathered this information before, but as the laws changed, the documents quickly became outdated. Because this site provides live links to the statutes themselves, the information will remain current.
In addition to the live links, the Directory provides analysis of the statutes. Details provided include things such as whether charging a nominal fee for access will reduce or destroy a landowner’s liability protection and whether specific language is required on signage as outlined by statute.
“It is our hope,” said Chief Executive Officer Deb Balliet, “that providing a clear, concise knowledge base will help horsemen when speaking to landowners about maintaining or providing access to trails, riding and training spaces. Landowners can rest assured that their interests are being considered by the horsemen who access their land.”
ELCR has provided this information for educational purposes only; it is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Please consult an attorney in your state for specific interpretation and guidance on matters relevant to equine activity and recreational use statutes.
About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR)
The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. If you want to know more about ELCR, visit our website at www.ELCR.org or call (859) 455-8383.