Choosing The Right Horse Insurance Policy - How?

I would like to know more about Liability Insurance and what should be in the horse insurance policy. I am considering starting a business giving riding lessons and would like to know what type of clauses a policy should have to keep me from being sued and losing everything. Does this type of insurance cover the loss of my horses, due to stealing, mistreatment, accident, etc. Thanks for the time to consider my question and I look forward to what you folks have to say. Kim

What Is Public Liability Insurance?

This offers financial protection if you are sued because your horse has caused injury to another person or damaged their property. Most insurers offer at least £1 million. If you are involved in an accident DO NOT admit liability. Contact your insurer and they will advise you how to proceed.

Other elements you may want to include are Death or Loss of Use (including disposal costs) and inclusion of Theft or Straying Cover if you give tuition on your own horses. If you employ other instructurs in your business, your policy must include Employer's Liability Insurance in order to protect the safety of your staff.

In many cases, insurance will be the biggest cost faced by instructors and riding school owners. You don't say in your question whether you are running a riding school or giving freelance lessons at various locations such as private yards or other riding establishments.

However, you are quite right to protect your own interests in this matter and should take whatever steps necessary to prevent the loss of your business. We would recommend discussing your business requirements with an insurer in person rather than buying an off the shelf insurance policy over the internet.

All too often, ticking a set of standard boxes on a proposal form results in claims not being paid out because of an underwriting technicality.

Shop around until you find an insurer that is prepared to discuss your case on an individual basis and fit the level of cover and indemnity to your personal situation.

Being open and honest with insurers about the details of your business and client base will increase the likelihood of success in the event of a claim. For example tutoring novice or beginner riders will likely attract a higher insurance premium than intermediate or advanced pupils who have a greater level of skill and horsemanship.

Of course, riding is never without risk and people do fall off from time to time. However managing that risk correctly will do much to improve your case in the eyes of your insurers.

Practical Ways To Protect Your Business

• The first is the most obvious - ensure that all riders under instruction wear hard hats and body protectors during lessons.
• If you take on a new pupil, fill out a registration form documenting their previous riding history and experience.
• If you teach the pupils using your own horses, make sure you have matched the ability of the rider with the temperament and riding experience of the horse.
• Before each lesson, check the tack and equipment for faults or signs of wear and tear whether it belongs to you or the owner of the horse. Uncomfortable or ill-fitting saddles or bridles may cause even a placid horse to take fright or react unpredictably in response to pain.
• Provide copies of your instructor examination certificates to your insurer and also your pupils so that they are aware you are a bona fide qualified teacher and have the necessary experience and knowledge to conduct lessons safely.
• If you are tutoring pupils on your own yard or land, ensure that lessons take place in an enclosed purpose-built arena to limit the chances of injury to horse and rider from chance accidents through riding on uneven or obstacle-ridden terrain.

Take your time to find the right horse insurance policy and this will give you much greater peace of mind in the future.

Good luck with your business!

Thanks from the team at Total-Horse-Expert.com


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