Horse Insurance for Equine-Assisted Services

Equine Assisted Services, also known as Equine Assisted Growth and Development, present a unique opportunity for therapeutic engagement through horse interaction. These services elevate the need for specialized horse insurance, given the distinct liability exposure not covered under standard Homeowners or Farm Owners policies.

Engaging in such a venture, especially when compensated, mandates a thoughtfully crafted insurance strategy to safeguard against the inherent risks of working with horses and the public.

Disabled Therapeutic Riding

Hippotherapy, also known as disabled therapeutic riding, leverages the use of horses for therapy by professional physical therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists to aid individuals who may be physically or mentally challenged. Originating in the 1970s, this form of therapy not only fosters a greater determination in patients to achieve therapy goals due to their interaction with horses, but it also provides physical benefits through contact with the horse’s body warmth and motion.

Since 1997, horses have increasingly been utilized to facilitate improvements in emotional, behavioral, and communication issues. Success in these areas often comes from patients observing and learning from the horses’ problem-solving abilities, which may involve direct or indirect interaction. In some scenarios, the focus is on the horse’s behavior without any physical contact, which can pose risks similar to those encountered in riding if individuals get too close.

Liability Exposure in Focus

Equine assisted services revolve around providing both horse and horse handling expertise for therapeutic sessions, which can vary significantly in scope. The liability exposure is twofold: the tangible risk of bodily injury or property damage and the professional liability stemming from the delivery of therapeutic services. Therefore, comprehensive protection is essential to securing insurance that encompasses General Liability and Professional Liability.

The attending professional therapist should hold a degree in their area of expertise and carry a professional liability insurance (malpractice) policy in their name, a coverage not written under this program.

Your Shield Against the Unforeseen

Horse insurance is a critical defense mechanism, guarding providers against financial ruin in the wake of accidents. These unforeseen events can generate substantial medical expenses, legal defense costs, and settlement or claim costs—pressures that can destabilize an otherwise flourishing service.

A robust commercial general liability policy tailored for equine businesses shores up your defenses, ensuring that you can focus on delivering impactful services without the looming fear of liability claims.

Key Components of Effective Coverage

• General Liability Coverage: This foundational component addresses medical expenses, legal defense, and claim costs tied to bodily injury and property damage, offering a safety net that every provider needs.
  
• Professional Liability Addition: Recognizing the specialized nature of equine assisted services, adding professional liability to your policy protects against claims arising from the therapeutic aspect of your services.

Evaluating Risk: A Pragmatic Overview

The nature of equine assisted services, inherently moderate to moderately high in risk, demands a proactive insurance strategy. Despite the controlled environments and the typically safe interaction with horses, accidents bearing significant implications can jeopardize your operation. It’s the unpredictable dynamics of horse-human interactions that underscore the indispensability of horse insurance.

Risk Assessment and Insurance Strategy

Equine assisted services are considered to have moderate to moderately high risk due to the controlled but unpredictable nature of working with horses and the various capabilities of participants. Despite the risks, horse activities are generally safe with proper management. However, it’s important to be prepared for potential accidents with the right insurance coverage.

Five-Pronged Insurance Strategy

1. General Liability Coverage and Limits: Ensures that medical expenses are covered without needing to establish your liability, provides for legal defense costs, which can escalate quickly, and covers settlement or claim costs for bodily injury and property damage for which you are found responsible.
   
2. Professional Liability: Added to the general liability policy to cover the professional liability exposure of equine assisted services providers.
   
3. Risk Management: Incorporates practices to minimize the likelihood of accidents and injuries, enhancing safety for all involved.
   
4. Preparedness: Having equine liability insurance in place ensures readiness to handle unexpected incidents, protecting your business financially.
   
5. Choosing the Right Policy: Evaluate different policies to find coverage that meets the specific needs of your equine assisted services, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Getting Started

Due to the unpredictable nature of accidents, safeguarding your business with liability and horse insurance is paramount when offering equine-assisted therapy. By understanding your liability and assessing risks, you can then implement a well-rounded insurance strategy that includes general and professional liability coverage.

Our experts can guide you through our various policy options to find the right horse insurance for your business. Contact us to get a quote and ensure you are fully protected.

Note: This information serves as a general guide. Reliance on these coverage recommendations does not guarantee coverage in the event of a loss or claim.