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!