Access Groups

BHS Equestrian Access Groups (EAG’s) play a vital role in improving and expanding safe off-road access for equestrians across the UK. BHS ensures that volunteer led groups have cover for their crucial work in maintaining and extending safe routes for horses and riders.

Public liability

All Premium EAGs automatically receive public liability insurance up to £30,000,000 and employers' liability up to £10,000,000.  Please note that if you belong to a Basic Equestrian Access Group, no insurance is included. If you are an EAG wishing to upgrade to Premium membership, please contact the BHS Access team on 02476 840515 or email [email protected]. 

The public liability insurance cover will provide cover for damage to third party property or an injury to a third party as a result of equestrian activities organised by the EAG. This will include bridleway clearance parties, fundraising events, pleasure rides, equestrian training and demos arranged by your group. Activities must comply with BHS standards and policies including the requirement to ensure that all activities are risk assessed. 

The public liability cover will also provide protection for EAG members but only whilst at an EAG event and providing they do not have any other insurance in place.

The employer's liability cover provides protection to the EAG if an employee or volunteer of the group, is injured due to your negligence. It is important to ensure that you provide training to your volunteers to ensure they are supported and understand their duties. Training for general volunteers does not need to be onerous and can often be done on the day of an event in a briefing session which should be documented.  

Non-compliance with the important terms of the policy may invalidate the group’s insurance cover so it's important to ensure that EAG organisers have fully read and understand the terms of the policy. If you have any insurance queries please contact the Howden Equine team on 0207 4265294.

Personal accident

EAG's do not receive personal accident benefits for members or volunteers.  If you require personal accident cover, please contact the Howden Equine team who will be able to advise on the most appropriate cover.