From Certification to Safety Systems
Randi Thompson has spent years working at the intersection of horses and legal liability. As an equine expert witness and litigation consultant, she has seen firsthand how accidents unfold in horse operations. But recently, she shifted her focus from certifying riding instructors to building something broader: the Equine Safety and Success Network (ESSN) and its companion, the Equine Safety and Success Guide (ESSG).
In this interview, Thompson shares what she sees as the most common risk management gaps, how horse professionals can improve their documentation practices, and what trends are shaping equine safety standards today.
The Hidden Gaps in Horse Operations
When asked about the most common safety and risk management gaps she observes, Thompson points to a pattern that often goes unnoticed. "Many people assume that accidents happen because someone made one significant mistake," she says. "In my experience, they are often the result of several smaller gaps that develop over time."
She explains that expectations may never have been clearly communicated, responsibilities may have been assumed rather than confirmed, and small concerns may never have been recognized as part of a developing pattern. The solution, she believes, lies in building management systems rather than simply reacting to individual situations.
"One of the biggest opportunities I see is helping horse professionals move from reacting to individual situations toward building management systems that encourage consistent communication, documentation, follow-through, and thoughtful decision-making," Thompson says. "Those systems not only improve safety, they also improve the overall experience for horses, clients, staff, and visitors."
Documentation as a Management Tool
Documentation is often viewed as a defensive measure, but Thompson sees it differently. "Good documentation is not about expecting a lawsuit," she says. "It is about preserving important information while it is still fresh and accurate."
She recommends simple improvements that can make a significant difference: clearly communicating expectations, documenting important conversations, recording follow-up actions, and maintaining continuity over time. "Documentation should support management, not replace it," she emphasizes.
When documentation becomes part of everyday operations rather than something that only happens after a problem, horse professionals are better prepared to recognize patterns and demonstrate consistent management practices. For more on her approach, visit Randi Thompson Live.
Choosing an Equine Expert Witness
For those involved in equine litigation, Thompson offers guidance on what to look for in an expert witness. "An equine expert witness should bring more than years of experience with horses," she says. "They should also understand industry standards, management practices, risk management, and how horse operations actually function on a daily basis."
Equally important is the ability to communicate clearly. "Courts, attorneys, juries, and insurance professionals often do not have an equine background," she notes. "An effective expert helps translate industry practices into language that is understandable, while remaining independent, objective, and grounded in the facts of the case."
The Equine Safety and Success Guide
Thompson's latest project, the Equine Safety and Success Guide, is a step-by-step decision-support system designed to help horse professionals build safer, more consistent operations. Rather than prescribing one way to manage a facility, it provides practical frameworks, communication tools, documentation systems, and implementation processes that can be adapted to each operation's unique needs.
The Guide is being developed through the Equine Safety and Success Network, a free Pilot Program where horse professionals share ideas, discuss real-world situations, and help refine each toolkit. "That collaborative process ensures the Guide is grounded in real-world experience while remaining flexible enough to support a wide variety of horse operations," Thompson explains.
Trends in Equine Safety and Liability
Looking ahead, Thompson sees the industry placing greater emphasis on proactive management. "I believe the industry is placing greater emphasis on proactive management rather than simply reacting after an incident occurs," she says. "Horse professionals are recognizing that communication, documentation, consistency, and thoughtful management are all important parts of reducing risk."
She also notes a growing recognition that safety is not created by a single rule, waiver, or form. "It develops through hundreds of everyday management decisions that shape how people communicate, supervise activities, respond to concerns, and maintain continuity over time," she says.
As horse operations continue to evolve, Thompson believes the greatest opportunities will come from building practical systems that support awareness, consistency, and continuous improvement. For those interested in learning more about equine safety standards, resources like the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Equine Law and Business Institute offer additional guidance.
"The greatest opportunities will come from building practical systems that support awareness, consistency, and continuous improvement rather than relying solely on experience or tradition," Thompson concludes.