Negligent dog walker is liable for rider's injuries

In an important legal case, a professional dog walker has been held responsible for her charges

- ELEANOR JONES

A RIDER who suffered life-changing injuries when her horse was spooked by dogs out with a professional walker hopes her legal case may help prevent other such situations.

International grand prix dressage rider Melissa Smith suffered a smashed pelvis, broken back and head injury when Lorentina reared and fell on her, on a bridleway in Surrey in December 2018. The case concluded this month; Judge Simpkiss had found that the walker, who had four dogs, had been negligent and was liable.

"IT'S DEVASTATING"

MELISSA, a trainer and coach, had operations, spent months in a wheelchair and was told she might not ride again. She is back on board but classified as a grade V para rider.

“It was devastating,” she told H&H. “It changed everything. I still take pain relief, and if I want to ride and function, I have to do my rehab.

“It's been horrendous; for everyone involved. But if this stops one person; if somebody thinks, 'I need to keep my dog under control around horses, it might change things.”

Melissa's case was that the dog walker admitted liability but “events were contested” by the walker's insurance.