Damages for teenager injured by bolting polo pony

We acted on behalf of a teenage client who sustained injuries in a horse-riding accident. Although she was a novice rider with limited experience, she was given a fit and spirited polo pony to ride by a family member. The pony, which was not suited to a beginner, became uncontrollable and bolted shortly after she mounted.

Due to her inexperience, our client was unable to regain control or bring the pony to a stop. The situation escalated quickly, and she was ultimately thrown from the pony, suffering multiple injuries, including trauma to her face and a fractured arm.

The case presented several legal challenges, particularly around the issue of liability. The defence argued that the risks were inherent in horse riding and that our client had voluntarily accepted those risks. However, we maintained that the decision to place an inexperienced rider on a high-spirited pony without proper supervision or instruction amounted to negligence.

Despite prolonged disputes over liability and causation, we were able to build a strong case supported by expert evidence. Ultimately, we secured a successful settlement that reflected the seriousness of our client’s injuries and the impact on her daily life.