Horse riding is a rewarding but high-risk activity and, as with any sport involving animals, incidents can occur despite the precautions and safety measures in place.
Whether it’s a fall during a lesson, a loose horse in a car park or a near miss involving a spectator, reporting these incidents is an important way Pony Clubs can help protect members and support a safer riding environment.
Not every reportable event results in injury. Near misses, where no one is harmed but an incident could have resulted in injury or property damage, are just as valuable to record. Capturing both incidents and near misses can help clubs identify trends, address hazards and take steps to prevent future occurrences.
Timely reporting is also critical. Information is often most accurate immediately following an incident, and early notification helps ensure important details are not lost or forgotten. It also allows Pony Club Australia (PCA) and its insurers to assess the circumstances and provide guidance where required.
From a public liability insurance perspective, submitting an incident report does not mean a claim has been made. Instead, it creates an important record should allegations arise in the future. Claims may arise months or even years after an incident, when witnesses’ recollections may have faded, key personnel may no longer be involved, and valuable information may be difficult to obtain.
Detailed incident reports can help insurers establish the facts, retain relevant information and preserve critical evidence. This can be invaluable when responding to claims and helping protect clubs, officials, coaches and volunteers.
Every incident and near-miss report provides valuable information that can help Pony Clubs improve safety practices, manage risks and support safer activities across Australia. For more information on how Gow-Gates can assist you and your club, visit the Pony Club Australia Incident Reporting resource.
