If you own a horse for any business related purposes it is strongly recommended that you have an equine liability insurance policy. Some examples of businesses could include owning a working ranch, using horses to herd sheep, horse training services, horseback riding lessons or trips, managing an equine therapy facility, professional horse racing and more. If horses are needed to uphold any portion of your business then you could face substantial financial loss if they become incapacitated for any reason. Having appropriate coverage can protect you and your assets during stressful times.
Liability Policy Options
Depending on the nature of your business there are several different kinds of equine liability options you have to choose from.
- Loss of Use: If your horse is unable to perform its normal activities.
- Surgical: All surgeries are costly, no matter who it’s being performed on. Even some minor horse surgeries, however, can incur several thousands of dollars.
- Major Medical: Horses are prone to illness and injury, having a policy to cover major medical expenses can help immensely.
Euthenasia
Of course no one wants to think about having to euthanize their horse, but it could be inevitable at some point and it’s best to be prepared. Euthenasia is used to end a horse’s pain and suffering when there are no other options. There are a couple of things you should keep in mind if you want to add this to your coverage.
- Horses should never endure ongoing or unmanageable pain from chronic conditions.
- Horses should be euthanized if their medical condition is unmanageable and its condition is hazardous to itself or others.
- Horses should not be confined to a stall for confinement, prevention or relief from pain or suffering (for example, the inability to walk).
- Horses should not undergo surgery if there is no chance of survival.