It's not over yet!

While Christmas may be over, for those of us who celebrate it, New Year's is yet to come. For all who make New Year's resolutions, good luck to you. Let's hope for a good end to 2007, and a wonderful start to 2008. As always, may the coming year be better than the one that preceded it.
With well wishes in mind, I turn to another subject. While finishing her Christmas shopping my co-writer ran across a wonderful artist named Sharon Lamb. Her store is run on E-Bay, and can be found here. One of her paintings is pictured above. She was also kind enough to provide us with a bit of information about herself and her artwork.

A Brush With Fine Art

Here you can view gorgeous lifelike hand painted paintings of your pets portrait. Painting is a way of life for me and I truly paint from my heart. Each painting is in very fine detail using the tiniest brushes. All pets are captured in the fine essence of their true nature and are painted with extreme detail with life like captures. Any animal is welcome even reptiles.

Pet Paintings are a great way to keep a pet close to you at the office, at work, or in your heart. This is where you can have any pet painted on canvas in a beautiful lifelike portrait. Available in many standard size gallery wrapped canvases for easy framing. Thank you for your interest in my art. I look forward to hearing form you and your pet!

Check out my web site store at: www.stores.ebay.com/abrushwithfineart

Best Regards

Sharon Lamb

Studio: 860-268-2620

Her link can also be found to the left of this post, under the heading of Equine Art & Literature.

That's all from the Equisport crew for now. Have a happy and safe New Year!

"Closeness, friendship, affection: keeping your own horse means all these things."
- Bertrand Leclair

Has everyone finished their holiday shopping? I know I haven't, but I'm getting there. There's still a few days left, after all! In searching the internet for original gift ideas I ran across the website for Horse Art Collection. If you have always admired the artwork of a particular equine artist, but haven't found a way to get a print or painting for yourself, then check out this page.

It starts with a list of featured artists, and provides a biography for each. You can view some of their artwork and purchase prints online. If you are looking for something specific then try searching by breed, subject, or medium. It was my search for Christmas horse images that brought this website to light, and I'm glad for it. Not only can you find artwork for yourself here, but the website provides a wealth of information as well. There are art tutorials available, such as this one by Toni-Marie Hudson that features carriage horses. Informative articles, such as the one giving tips on taking good photos, are also featured. Oh, and did I mention their free clip art page? There are detailed images of all breeds and disciplines to be found there. The one shown at the top of this post is one of my favorites.

If artwork won't please any of your gift recipients then check out HorseGift.com. Here you can find something for you or your horse friends at any time of the year. They'll even gift wrap your items for you before mailing them! Surely you can find something here for that horse person who has it all.

Are you one of the lucky ones who has their holiday shopping complete, but you have a wish list of your own? You can find horse-themed home decor at the Horse and Hound Gallery. From horse racing gifts to gift certificates you should be able to find something that would be suitable for your own home, or as a housewarming gift for a neighbor or friend.

Have you remembered to get something for your hooved family members? If not then why not purchase some Stud Muffins horse treats? I have yet to meet a horse that doesn't go crazy for these sticky treats, and I'm sure they'd love a few on Christmas morning.

Well, I still have a lot left on my shopping list. Time to hit the road to get this done. Good luck to all of you that are still searching for that perfect gift!

"A man on a horse is spiritually as well as physically bigger than a man on foot."
~John Steinbeck

Tis' The Season!!!

Last night when going down to my little barn to tuck in our equine kids...I was met by the sound of quiet nickers and content munching of hay. I paused for a moment..enjoying the moment. All was well in the barn...It makes me contemplate all of the people that are imperative in taking care of our horses.

Good horse management does not happen by chance...it is not luck...it is diligence and most of all having a support system you can trust. It takes a village! Who is that you trust? Who is it that you can call with your questions, who has held your hand when you were losing your best friend? Who has ridden with you on a beautiful autumn day? Who has spent all night with one of your horses when he/she was ill? Who has found you the perfect horse? Who has given you knowlege? Who has taken your child into their arms at their first championship? Saved your horses life? There are so many people that are a part of our lives that support us, help us, guide us...During this season of giving. Make a list of those people. No need for an elaborate gift...just a note of thanks will make the difference.

Looking for gifts? Here is a place to look for a beautiful photo canvas. Randi does amazing work. Take a look for yourself! http://www.kalispellcanvas.com/ The photo at the start of this post is a canvas that Randi did for my pony crazed daughter.

Are you looking for a some horsey related gifts? I just put Gayle Kushel on my list. She is an amazing horsewoman who is taking care of my retired show horse Kyle. Kyle has the biggest heart of any horse on this planet. Gayle has the human heart to match. I am going to give Equine Tack and Nutritionals

They have the best prices, the best service and the knowlege to help me always choose the right product. Gayle is going to be getting a gift basket from the fine folks over there. Another great thing about "Equine Tack." If you are like me, you have horses in a few places. My caregiver of the retired boys can call them for any supplements, medication etc...and it is on the way. (Look for a featured weekly item coming soon..) I am going to stop by and see them today...and buy some stocking stuffers for my horses. I will be back tomorrow with their suggestions for healthy horse treats.

Miguel...the most amazing barn manager. I still don't know what I am putting under the tree for him. If you have help with your horses be sure to thank each of them. I know Miguel will get a bonus check but I also want him to have something special. He said his best gift this year was his showmanager software. I will get back to you on that! I did get an idea from Ellen Toon of JT Farm She was visiting Carrie who has a wonderful store called Personalized Products Carrie is going to embroider vests with Ellen's farm logo for her clients and her grooms.

I know what I am getting for my trainer Heather Irvine of Hillside Farm. I am going to get her a subscription to Phelps Sports Website. She loves reading all of the up to date columns, interviews and watching the video the fine folks over at Phelps Sports provide. My favorite..Hildegard Frostbite. This would be a great gift for yourself!

I have so many people on my list...I better get moving! Dan Hausman, the blacksmith, Dr. Naiomi and Dr. Patterson from Palm Beach Equine, the wonderful woman in the office at Littlewood Farms , My daughters trainers, Ali Oakly and Katie Sparks at Sweet Oak Farm, My head is spinning...so many people on my "Nice" list. Santa is going to be very busy!

Ho Ho Ho!

Winter Wonderland

As I write this I can see the snow falling outside of my window. Some moments it's drifting gently down to the ground, and other times the wind blows it back and forth, creating a chilling image. Thanksgiving has come and gone, bringing December on its heels. It is truly winter now, and as with every season, this one brings its fair share of trials and triumphs.

For those living in the southern regions this might not be so bad. True, the temperatures may drop, and there may be the occasional thirty degree day, but overall things appear to stay relatively pleasant. For everyone in the northern regions and a few in between, this means its time to batten down the hatches, pull out the shovels and plows, and hunker down for the season. Unfortunately the horses still require care. Some things, like stall cleaning, feeding, and riding won't change too much. Others, such as turnout and keeping water buckets and troughs from freezing, may require a bit more imagination.

For a few suggestions we'd recommend checking out Shadowood. This is a pretty extensive site, including information about the authors, dogs, gardening, writing, and best of all...horses. Not only will you find information about winter horse care, you will find informative articles on both horses and riding. There's a question posed by a visitor to her site regarding how her horses are weathering the beginning of winter, then an article that discusses winterizing both your horse and your farm.

Once you've moved beyond the cold weather articles you could venture over to the writer's story about her first horse, Albert. There are horse quizzes that both old and young might enjoy. Both education and entertainment can be found on the horse articles page (did we mention that Laurie has had published articles in several national equestrian magazines?). She has even gone so far as to list several schools on one of her pages that provide majors for the equine-inclined.

If you tire of perusing her horse pages you can venture on the rest of the site. If you don't want to explore her site then try surfing one of the horsey web rings. If you want to keep up with Laurie's site, then check out her 'What's New' page. She keeps this up to date with the most recent changes.

For something a little more in line with the holiday spirit you could venture over to the Simply Marvelous blog. The current article on top shows some wonderful pictures of the Belgian Draft team that delivered the official White House Christmas tree to its designated location. While this is the first article of its kind posted this season, I'm sure there will be more to come. The variety found in this blog is refreshing and enjoyable. They highlight breeds and events, show photos, and even find the odd moose logging story to tell!

Between those two sites you'll be able to find more than enough to keep you occupied for a few hours. Of course, those few hours of freedom are bound to come after several hours of cleaning stalls, shoveling snow, feeding and watering the horses, rounding up the cats and/or dogs, teaching a few lessons, cleaning the tack, feeding and watering again after turnout is complete, and oh...we can't forget feeding yourself! At least if you know your farm and your horse are insured that's one less worry.

Finally, something that applies to both human and equine:

"The wagon rests in winter, the sleigh in summer, the horse never." ~Yiddish Proverb

What a Wonderful World

Horse people know how to appreciate beauty, especially when they can find it in their four-legged companions every day. While there are many who can see the beauty of horses and revel in their friendship, there are few who can transpose that appearance and personality onto paper. One such person is Kimberly Kaminski.

A resident of Michigan, Kimberly has been working with watercolor portraits for several years. Though most of her work is centered around horses, she also does portraits of dogs and cats, and is not adverse to trying other animals along the way. She does do commissions, and they are well worth the money. After all, what better way to keep a beloved friend with you through the years? They make excellent Christmas or birthday gifts as well. All she needs from you is a photo of your animal and a description of his or her personality, and off she goes.

For those of you who may not be interested in watercolor portraits, check out Kimberly's metal work. She can work with brass, copper, or sterling silver. The metal work portraits make great additions to wall boxes, tack boxes, stall signs...even mailboxes or doors! Oddly enough it was a solitary pumpkin carving that led her to start her work with metal designs. A friend that spotted the pumpkin portrait enjoyed it so much she commented that it could last forever. Thanks to that simple comment Kimberly was able to find a new way to express herself artistically.

If you've looked at her page and decided that a personalized portrait isn't for you, then check out her shop on CafePress.com. Here you can find all of the portraits shown on her website and more. These portraits can be placed on shirts, mugs, calendars, hats, clocks and other items for a unique twist. With any questions or requests please contact Kimberly by clicking here. A quick note for anyone who might live in her area...she is available to take photos of your horse or pet for an additional charge. Anything to make sure the portrait is exactly what you want.

Once you're done perusing her website and making your decision about purchasing a portrait, head over to Kimberly's "Links of Interest" page. Here you'll find fun and informative sites relating to friends, family, personal interests, and animals. If you're a Mastiff lover you'll find plenty of sites about mastiffs of all shapes and sizes. All in all, this is definitely something you should check out!

While you might not find her there yet, there have been people who have often told Kimberly she should set up a booth at horse shows to promote her artwork. Speaking of horse shows...on to the more serious topic of discussion.

There are several horse shows held in the United States every year, ranging from your in-house barn and schooling variety all the way up to the likes of the Winter Equestrian Festival, Horse Shows In The Sun, and the National Western Stock Show. Horses and riders prepare for these shows by riding in lessons, attending clinics, and spending plenty of quality time together. What often gets forgotten as these people prepare for their competition is that someone has to take the time to get everything set up. They need to find someone to man the ingates, someone to judge, someone to take entries, someone to hand out ribbons, and someone to provide the liability insurance. That's where we come in.

Should I have liability insurance for my horse show/event/clinic?

Absolutely. No one should be without it. Most arenas or facilities that will allow you to lease their place for such an event will require proof of that liability insurance. That proof can be given with a certificate of insurance or an insurance binder.

What limits of liability should I choose?

That really is up to you. Check with the facility you are using, if you are leasing a place, to be sure that they do not require certain limits of liability. If you have a larger show then you will have more exposure, and it might be smart to choose a higher limit of liability, such as one million per occurrence and two or three million for the aggregate. If it is a smaller you and you don't feel there is as much risk then you might be safer with $500,000 for both occurrence and aggregate. Talk to your agent and see what they would recommend as well.

How far in advance of the event can I purchase the insurance?

Again, talk to your agent. Some companies require the signature on the application to be within 30 days of the event. Others can bind the coverage more than a month in advance. Of course it is best to look into these things sooner rather than later. If you wait until the week before your show or clinic it might be too late to get everything put in place.

Will this be an annual policy?

Most companies only provide coverage for shows or events for the days that it will be needed. For example, a horse show held on November 20 would have a policy that will start on November 19 and will expire on November 22. That allows coverage to provide for one set-up day before the show and one take-down day after the show. If you were to hold a show on November 23 and did not tell your agent then there would be no coverage provided.

What types of events will be covered?

This depends on the insurance company. Some companies will not provide coverage for events like trail rides. Most companies will cover most types of horse shows, but may not cover rough stock events, such as bull riding. Clinics are usually covered without a problem, and occasionally benefit shows or events will be covered, depending on the activities taking place.

As always, there is more to be said, but never enough time to say it all. If you have a question please post a comment, or give us a call at our office. We will be more than happy to help you.

"A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment."
~Duke of Edinburgh

Thinking of those in need...

Just as there is good in life, so can there be bad. Unfortunately we in the United States have seen some tough times in the past couple of years. The most recent incident occurred out in California in the form of raging wildfires. While there are areas in the state that are prone to such events, this is the worst set of wildfires since the 2003 occurrence which killed 22 people. But enough of the negative. Even in the face of such destruction there is hope.

President Bush was due to survey the damage with Governor Schwarzennegger today to check on the government's response. Thousands of people have volunteered their services, offering shelter, food, and more to those that have been forced to evacuate. Along with those wonderful people are the ones who have come out of the woodwork to help evacuate the other creatures caught in destruction, including the horses. Some agencies, such as the Tijuana Valley Equestrian Association sprang into action immediately after the fires broke out. They risked their own lives to save horses for people who might not have had the method or means to do so. The Humane Society of the United States has also responded in force. With such devoted people hard at work it is possible that the number of lives lost, both human and equine, has been minimized.

With relief on the way, and the dedicated firefighters starting to turn the corner in the battle with the flames, we can turn our attention to other issues. The most important, and one that should be on everyone's mind is fire safety for your barn. While your barn might not be in an area that sees frequent wildfires you should still practice fire safety. Smoke alarms should be installed, along with fire extinguishers in at least two places in the barn. A fire emergency plan should be drawn up and practiced, and all emergency numbers should be posted in a place that is easy to find.

If you have never considered this before then I know a good place to start. Laurie Loveman has created a wonderful website that holds plenty of information about fire safety for your barn. A firefighter herself, she knows the importance of having a plan and knowing that it works. There is an entire page on her website dedicated to fire safety in horse barns. There are articles she has written and posted, and other articles provided by people who wished to contribute. All are worth a good look. Of course she has also been following the tragedy in California, and has kept a breaking news page listed on top of her home page to help keep people informed.

On a lighter note, Laurie is also the author of a series of books called The Firehouse Family novels. This fiction series is set in Woodhill, Ohio and covers the adventures of families and friends as they do battle with arsonists and other sources of fires. If you are interested please check the reviews, or just take a trip to virtual Woodhill and have a look around. The Firehouse Family Book Series is available at Amazon.com, Booksurge.com, and by order through most retail bookstores. If you're an avid reader we would recommend checking these out. If not...well, maybe you should try them anyway. You really don't know what you're missing.

"No ride is ever the last one. No horse is ever the last one you will have. Somehow there will always be other horses, other places to ride them."
~Monica Dickens

Holiday Gifts...so soon???

Take a look at the photo canvas I ordered...

There is no time like the present to get ahead of the game...and start that Holiday shopping early! Especially when it comes to personalized gifts it is best if the order goes in well in advance. Being a last minute shopper, I am proud to report that gift number one has been purchased. It is a beautiful photo canvas collage of my daughter with her ponies. I stumbled across a wonderful woman who is so talented. I am sure you will agree. If you would like to contact Randi, here is her website: http://homepage.mac.com/kalispell

What's the Buzz?

All horse owners out there love to hear horse news from around the world. It doesn't matter if it's your neighbor's pony or the greatest of racehorses, if it has four hooves it's worth discussing. For those that have been a part of the equine community for awhile, you might also have realized that everyone associated with horses is bound to have their own opinion. They might be right and they might be wrong, but they'll express their views anyway.

This doesn't always have to be a bad thing. Sometimes it can spout wonderful sources of information such as the Equestrian Network Magazine. While this online magazine has its own editors, they also welcome articles submitted by their readers. They feature an artist of the month, highlighting those people who have made their living portraying horses and the people that surround them. You'll find cowboy poetry and ideas for horsey halloween costumes right alongside more serious articles that discuss riding smooth transitions and challenging state agencies to preserve trail riding land. There are several back issues to peruse at your leisure and often the magazine will highlight a horse in the spotlight.

You might ask what this has to do with equine insurance. Honestly, not much. We just ran across the nice site and thought it might be something our clients would enjoy. Now that we've covered the fun stuff, on to the serious part of this post!

We've already discussed the basics of insuring your horse. We discussed full mortality, major medical with surgical, and surgical only coverage. We discussed how to find an agent, and what value you should place on your horse. Believe it or not, there is more.

My horse is too old to be covered by full mortality. What do I do now?
There is another option for the horses that might not be eligible for full mortality. While not as comprehensive as the full mortality coverage, you could speak with your agent about Specified Perils coverage. The rate for specified perils coverage is generally lower than the rate for full mortality coverage. It will only cover your horse for theft or "Acts of God" (lightning, flood, etc.). While not as comprehensive as the full mortality, it is still an option for people with older horses that still want some coverage on them.

I have a younger horse that has full mortality and major medical coverage. Will these cover my horse if I can no longer use it for its intended purpose?
There is something called Loss of Use coverage available. While this may be helpful in some cases, it is not always commonly used. There are two types of loss of use coverage. The first is Full Loss of Use. This will provide between 50-75% of the horse's insured value should the horse become unable to perform in the area for which it was purchased. Most companies will only insure the horse for full loss of use coverage between the ages of 2 and 12. The company may take control of the horse if they pay up to 75% of the horse's value. If you wish to maintain custody of the horse then the company will pay up to 50% of the horse's value. The horse will not be able to be insured for its original listed use or be used for its original listed use again. Please note that this coverage may cost just as much if not more than full mortality coverage.

The other option is External Injury Only Loss of Use. This will cover horses between the ages of 2 and 17. It will pay up to 50% of the horse's value in the case of a visible external injury that has caused the loss of the horse for its particular use. It will be slightly cheaper than the full loss of use coverage. Please note that the insurance company may only provide loss of use for certain breeds of horses or for certain activities. Most often there is a specific vet exam that must be completed, along with x-rays and a drug test. Some companies may require a horse to carry a value of $25,000 or more before they will provide loss of use coverage.


That's the weekly buzz from Equisport. We will leave you with these words of wisdom from Pat Parelli. "A horse doesn't care how much you know until he knows how much you care."

An Ounce of Prevention...

This is for all the barn managers that might be reading. Have you ever wished you could find a more efficient way to organize those farrier visits, vaccination schedules, dentist visits (for the horses, of course), feed supplements, etc. and get it all set up around the year's show schedule? Well, have hope. There are actually computer programs on the market for people just like you. CLW Enterprises, Inc. has developed a type of software called Show Barn Manager that is ideal for your situation.

The Show Barn Manager software was developed by the president and owner of the company, Cathy Warner. She is currently the barn manager for Montoga, Inc. and Geoff Teall. She has been involved with the horse industry for 25 years, and has shown her own horses during that time. There have been several people interested in her software, and those that have put it into use have found it extremely helpful.

"Show Barn Manager software is an absolute necessity for the health and organization of your farm. My horses have never looked better. Paperwork and billing has never been easier then with Show Barn Manager Software.

Instant access to all your records from medication and supplies to horses arrival and departure dates. Show Barn Manager Software organizes the barn from the bottom up and doesn't miss a step.

With a organization and record system in place for the last five years I was reluctant to totally change my system. But, ultimately, I was surprised to realize how reliant I became of the Show Barn Manager Software just two months after starting with it. Tracking injection records, FEI passport needs, horses arrival and departure dates and supplies all proved easier with Show Barn Manager."

Kristin - manager of Deeridge Farm

"Show Barn Manager makes keeping track of preventative care simple!

I manage a very busy show stable with over sixty horses, and keeping everything running smoothly often depends on quick access to information. With just a few clicks, I am able to quickly access horses’ health records, customer contact info, and veterinarian and insurance company emergency numbers.

Our entire business depends on the horses being healthy, sound, and able to perform. We run fifteen shows on our property each year, we constantly have horses showing all over the East Coast, and we frequently have horses arriving from Europe for our clients; with this much equine traffic, it is imperative that all our horses have proper vaccinations. When a horse arrives at our farm, I spend just a few minutes entering its’ basic information and health care history into the Show Barn Manager program, which automatically transfers the information to due dates lists. Our veterinarian visits our farm weekly; before each visit, I simply click on my due dates lists, and am able to quickly print out a form showing which horses are due for preventative care and vaccinations.

Regularly scheduled farrier care is also essential to our horses’ performance. Show Barn Manager allows me to set up a custom schedule for farrier care, and automatically updates the list. Again, with just a few keystrokes, every week I am able to present my farrier with an up to date worklist.

( Did I mention how impressed my vet and farrier have been with my efficiency since I started using Show Barn Manaager?)

A controlled diet is another key to healthy horses. Our horses travel a lot, and keeping track of feeds, supplements, and medications on the road can be difficult. Show Barn Manager allows me to quickly print out complete and accurate feed and medication lists, which can easily be sent along to shows with their grooms, to assure that our horses diets are consistent, even when their schedules are not.

Previously, the paperwork involved in keeping track of worming, shoeing, feeding, vaccinations, dental care, and all the other regular maintenance requirements of this many horses was staggering. I now spend only a few minutes updating records after each vet, dentist, and farrier visit , and I never have to worry about catching up on filing.

Show Barn Manager allows me to spend less time in the office, and more time in the barn!"

Mel Fretschl, Manager

Grazing Fields Farm

201 Bournedale Road

Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

508-759-3763

mel@grazingfields.com

For anyone interested in this software, they do offer a free trial. Simply click here to contact Cathy and receive a 30-day trial software cd. You can find more details about the software and how it works on their website. If you're already organized, then good for you! If not then this is an excellent place to start. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Insurance and Equine Law

Though it might sound horrible, equine insurance and equine law go hand in hand with each other. Fortunately for you, there are people out there who specialize in both. Should you ever need legal advice for yourself and/or your horses you might try contacting Equine Legal Solutions. With attorneys who are also horse people, they will know how to answer any questions you might unearth during your career as a horse owner. They offer free consultations if you are unable to find what you need on their extensive website. While searching their site you will run across information about liability, information and forms for leasing horses, several types of forms and contracts, and even a fun page!

Now how does this apply to equine insurance? Well, most farms, riding schools, and trainers carry some form of liability insurance. Along with that the majority also have what is called a hold harmless, or a liability release form. Who draws those up? Just look above for that answer. Why do you need a hold harmless? Well, let’s start with the definition.

What is a hold harmless agreement/form/contract/waiver?
As stated here, to hold harmless is to relieve from responsibility or liability for any damage or loss. In other words, the person signing a hold harmless release or waiver is accepting responsibility for their own actions when participating in the named activity. While they might not be 100% foolproof, it is certainly recommended that horse trainers and riding farms have both boarders and riders sign a hold harmless. Worst case scenario it still may not be enough, but at least you can prove you were doing your best to be responsible, and that you had made your boarder/lesson rider/etc. aware of the risk they were about to take. There are many insurance companies that will require trainers and farms to have a hold harmless agreement and to put it into use.

Can I carry some kind of insurance to help protect me?

The answer to this one is easy...yes!

What type of insurance would I need?
This will depend on your particular activities. There is liability insurance provided for trainers, lesson farms, horse shows or events, riding clubs, and therapeutic programs. For farms there are companies that will write farm property and farm liability coverage. For a horse owner or race horse owner who simply wants some protection for themselves there is an equine personal liability available. The coverage for each type of policy might vary slightly, so be sure to speak with an agent about what will best fit your situation.

I am a trainer/instructor. What type of liability coverage should I have?
The commercial equine liability coverage would best suit this business. Though you may not own the property where you instruct, this will still provide liability coverage for an individual for the declared activities. Commercial equine liability coverage is very important if you perform any commercial equestrian activities such as boarding horses, riding instruction, horse training, breeding, horse sales, etc. Liability coverage is provided if you are sued by a third party who is injured or whose property is damaged (excluding horses: see Care, Custody, and Control liability). The equine liability policy covers defense fees and pays claims for which you are legally liable up to the policy limits.

You might also be interested in adding care, custody, and control coverage. The care, custody, and control policy will provide for the medical care or replacement cost of a horse up to the policy limits. Coverage for trailering is automatically included for up to a 100-mile radius from your facility, with additional transit coverage for the Continental U.S. and Canada available. Defense costs are also covered. This equine liability coverage does not apply to horses that you own or lease. Policy limits are available up to $2,500,000 per horse and $5,000,000 maximum loss per year. Please note that this policy will not apply to commercial haulers.

I'm holding a horse show. Can I get liability insurance for this event?
This equine liability coverage is for people or organizations putting on a one-, two-, or three-day event such as a schooling horse show or rated horse show, team roping, parade, exhibition horse show, barrel race or rodeo (excluding rough-stock events) for profit. It will cover you if someone is injured (participants and organization members are specifically excluded) or someone else's property is damaged and you are held responsible. Policies include both a set-up day and a break-down day. Some insurance companies may require all participants to sign a liability waiver (hold harmless) and will need a copy of the original form for their files. Only declared events will be covered on this type of policy, since it is not an annual policy.

Can I insure my riding club?
Riding and/or Hunt Clubs and their varied functions pose an unusual equine liability exposure, which requires specially designed coverage. Some insurance companies cover such risks as premises liability for meetings, fund-raisers, trail rides, horse boarding, equine event practices, equine clinics and public events (i.e. jackpot roping, shows and parades). Policies are written on an annual basis and include a specific number of public event days that vary depending on the carrier. Coverage is designed to insure the riding club and its members for sums they are legally obligated to pay for bodily injury and property damage resulting from riding club activities. Only events that are declared on the policy will be covered.


These are just a few of the coverages available for those of you who might need liability insurance. There are other options available, but we will discuss those at a later date. As always, check with your insurance agent your equine lawyer with any questions. Remember, these people are here to help you with this type of thing.

Insurance Information for New 'Show Parents'

It's every parent's dream...or nightmare. Your son or daughter has become too advanced for the school horses, and now your trainer is starting to talk about purchasing a new horse or pony of your very own. Don't panic. You'll soon be joining the ranks of horse show parents. Our advice to you is to find someone who has been through this before and will be able to give you advice on the basics of horse showing. A good place to start would be with ShowMom.com. Here you will find articles, tips, and advice ranging from Horse Showing and Parenting to Packing Tips. While some of the topics might be specific to Hunter/Jumpers there are others, such as Learning to Set Goals, that will fit just about any situation. You might also enjoy looking at some of the pictures that have been posted. The site is constantly being updated, so be sure to check back often!

Now that you've figured out exactly why you've purchased this horse, and you have a better feel for how to deal with your newfound occupation as a horse show parent, we can discuss another topic. One of the first things you will want to do after you and your horse have become acquainted is to discuss with your trainer the idea of insurance. What? You can insure horses? Why would you want to do something like that?

Excellent questions. Here are the answers, and some other very common questions about equine insurance.

Why do I want to insure my horse?
Murphy's Law applies to horses just as well as it applies to humans. Anything often can and will happen. Equine insurance will help provide financial assistance should something happen to your four-legged friend, whether it be in the case of injury, illness, theft, or death.

How do I go about insuring my horse?
The first step is to find a qualified insurance agent. Ask your trainer, or speak with other boarders who carry insurance for their horses. Most trainers tend to prefer one agent, having developed a good relationship and a level of trust with that person or agency. The majority of equine insurance agencies have a website, so be sure to check that out for more information. Once you've found a good agent the next step is to obtain a quote. This may include completing the required applications. Be sure to ask the agent any questions you've come up with along the way. It is their job to answer them and assist you in this process. After you've found a satisfactory quote then you can tell the agent to bind coverage, and you've got horse insurance!

When will the coverage take effect?
This may depend on the agency. Equisport Agency, Inc. is able to bind coverage upon receipt of signed and completed applications. Other agencies may require payment before they can get coverage in place for you. Be sure to ask your agent when your coverage will be effective so there is no miscommunication!

How much will insurance cost?
This will depend on the types of coverage you choose. Most companies will require the age, breed, use, and value of the horse. A rate will be applied based on those four items, and then multiplied times the value. That will give you a base idea of how much you will be paying for your insurance. Please note that the more expensive your horse, the more you will pay. Should you have more than one type of coverage you will need to speak with your agent to obtain additional prices.

What types of coverage are available?
Believe it or not, there are several types of coverage that can be applied to your horse. The first, and most common, is Full Mortality. Full Equine Mortality coverage is provided for death of the horse as a result of injury, illness, humane destruction, and transportation anywhere in the continental U.S.A. or Canada (optional worldwide territories are available) and includes loss or death of the insured horse as a result of theft. For many companies this is the base policy available, and everything else will be in addition to the full mortality.

The second most common type of coverage is Major Medical with Surgical. Major Medical with Surgical coverage is provided for the cost of equine medical and surgical procedures performed by a veterinarian, including diagnosis as a result of accident, illness or disease. Major medical and surgical coverage is available for horses 30 days through 15 years of age. There will be an annual limit of $7,500 - $10,000, depending on the company. Most companies will also require a deductible, and that may range between $250 and $300 per occurrence. Please note that most major medical/surgical policies will not provide reimbursement for farm call fees and emergency call fees. Most insurance companies will not provide major medical/surgical coverage for horses that are currently racing or in training for racing.

For horses that might fall outside of the suitable age range of Major Medical with Surgical coverage, inquire about Surgical Only. Surgical Only coverage will cover specified costs. Companies will pay reasonable and customary charges for surgical treatment (including anesthesia) necessitated by accident, injury or illness. In addition to the surgical fees, they will pay up to 35% of the veterinary fees for hospitalization, X-rays, medication and lab tests that are necessitated as a result of the surgery. Costs may range from $85 to $150 annually with up to a $50 deductible for each claim, and a $5,000 limit per horse per year

What value should I place on my horse?
If you have recently purchased the horse, then the purchase price is a good place to start. Whether that be $2,500 or $100,000, most companies will accept the value. Check with your agent, because the insurance company may accept commissions and shipping expenses as part of the horse's value. If you have owned the horse for a few years and are just getting around to insuring it (tsk, tsk), then this might get a little trickier. A horse's value can be increased due to training and show records. If you wish to insure the horse for a value higher than the purchase price then ask your agent for a value substantiation form.

What is a value substantiation form?
This form is where you should list your horse's training, show records, breeding records, etc. Anything that will help support the value you would like to insure your horse for should go on this form. If you have insured your horse for a few years and now wish to increase the value, this is the way to go. It's not as complicated as it seems, I promise!


These are just a few of the basics. The equine insurance industry can do much more for you, should you decide to delve deeper into it. But for those who are trying to learn as they go, this is a good place to start. As always, if you are not certain of something, be sure to check with your insurance agent or your trainer for answers. There is no such thing as a silly question, and it is much better to know what you are dealing with than to make assumptions and have everything fall apart.

Now that you're done with the hard part (buying the horse, the insurance, and all necessary equipment for both horse and child!), go out and have fun! In the immortal words of Winston Churchill, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." Now...did he mean the child, or the parent? I guess only time will tell!

Welcome

Welcome, one and all, to the Equisport Agency, Inc. horse blog.

In looking around the internet over the past few years we have discovered that there are still very few informative equine blogs to be found. There are some people, such as Lynda Polk, who have rallied the horse community and formed their own blogging groups. It is groups such as these that we wish to reach, join, and aid with knowledge about equine insurance, horse and farm safety, horse health, and even the latest in equine products.

We would like to make this interactive, so please feel free to make suggestions and ask questions. We will be more than happy to cover different topics relating to equine insurance, whether it be for your horse, your farm, your training business, or even your therapeutic program. If there is a particular product you would like to see highlighted, or an equine medical condition you'd like to examine, please ask, and we will do our best to provide an informative evaluation.

We hope this will be a success, and that everyone will enjoy the efforts we have put into this. Thank you for dropping in and checking us out!