Articles by J. Tim Potter

Many of our equine expert witness investigations involve incidents where a rider has been thrown from a horse and sustained injuries. We are tasked with determining the cause of the horse’s behavior, which is likely related to weather and environmental conditions, training, rider behavior, the use of tack and equipment, or other factors that are known to trigger the ‘fight or flight’ response in the horse.

In this article, Dr. Tim Potter explains the standard of care for equestrian facilities and horseback riding lessons, using examples from his forensic casework.

Animal Science and behavior factor prominently in a broad range of civil disputes. In this webinar video, Dr. Tim Potter discusses 3 issues common to his own forensic casework: animal containment (fencing), horseback riding injuries, and issues involving nutritional abuse and feed contaminations. His presentation begins with a primer on animal behavior, as it relates to each of the topics covered.

A myriad of exposures to hazards exist when riders engage in equine activities at horse show grounds, training/riding lesson barns, breeding operations, sales facilities/auctions, racing operations, trail riding facilities, and private farms. In this article, Equine Scientist and Horse Expert, J. Tim Potter, Ph.D., PAS outlines equine industry accepted best practices for assessing risks in equine activities and shares case examples.

In this article, Equine Scientist and Animal Expert, Dr. Tim Potter describes industry-accepted best practices for conducting trail rides and pony rides. Riders involved in these activities often have limited knowledge or prior experience with horses and are more vulnerable to falls and injury. The safety and enjoyment of the novice or first-time rider is dependent both on the adequacy of the instruction and assistance they receive, and whether they follow these instructions.

The fencing and enclosures used to contain horses and livestock are essential not just for the well-being of the animals, but for the safety of the general public. The type of enclosures used at a farm, stable, or facility depends upon the number and type of animals that will be occupying the space, the size of the enclosure, and the surrounding terrain. In our forensic casework, we frequently see instances where horses and livestock have escaped from fenced enclosures, resulting in injuries and accidents when passing vehicles collide with the loose animal.

In this article, Equine Scientist and Animal Expert Dr. Tim Potter discusses how facility owners should assess their fencing requirements, the inspection and maintenance procedures that should be followed, and the elements of animal behavior that can drive a horse or cattle to flee.

This article explores equine abuse and neglect through the lens of an actual incident. Through examination of this dispute, equine expert, Dr. J. Tim Potter provides an introductory lesson on relevant issues, such as body condition scores, equine nutrition, exposure-related health issues, group dynamics, and dental health. Names and other identifying factors have been excluded.

In this case, a vehicle driver was fatally injured when her vehicle struck an unattended horse in the roadway. The horse had escaped from an arena where it was confined for the first time the previous evening.


Equine expert, Dr. J. Tim Potter was retained by plaintiff’s counsel to determine if the actions/inactions of the property owner created dangerous conditions that caused or contributed to the fatal injury of the plaintiff.

Traditionally, equine appraisals are used in the process of private sales, bankruptcies, and loans and charitable contributions. However, within the legal industry, it is also common to see appraisals performed in the process of divorce proceedings, insurance claims, or other legal disputes. While the process and deliverable is not fundamentally different, clients within the legal industry are typically less familiar with equine appraisals and the equine industry in general.


In this article, Qualified Equine Appraiser, Dr. J. Tim Potter, provides an overview of equine appraisals, including some of the key terms of art.

In this article, equine scientist Dr. Tim Potter addresses common safety issues related to horses and equestrian activities like horse shows, riding lessons, trail rides, and pony rides. He discusses a number of horse safety issues that frequently result in injuries to riders, spectators, and the general public. For each scenario he provides an explanation of the hazard with guidance on how exposure to these hazards should be prevented by following the applicable standard of care for equestrian activities and equine facilities.

In this article, animal scientist and equine expert, Dr. Tim Potter discusses the optimal body condition to promote successful breeding in horses. In the course of his forensic work, Dr. Potter investigates a broad range of nutritional and behavioral issues involving horses and other animals.

A corresponding slide presentation is available for review in the “details” section of this page.

In this article, Animal Scientist Dr. Tim Potter discusses the common misbelief that the behavior and cues of horses varies drastically across breeds and disciplines.

In this article, Horse Expert Dr. Tim Potter discusses crucial safety techniques that should be employed to promote safety when riding and working with horses. Techniques discussed involve saddling, bridling, mounting, and situational awareness.

In this article, animal scientist, Dr. Tim Potter, discusses issues related to the contamination of animal feeds. Topics of discussion include the causes and consequences of contaminations, and how feed manufacturers should respond in these situations.

Robson Forensic Animal Scientist, J. Tim Potter, Ph.D. was a contributing author on the book, Start with Safety: Horse Safety Guideline. Dr. Potter provides expert witness services toward the resolution of commercial and personal injury litigation involving all areas of equine science.