A good insurance policy is like an extra pair of britches…
The upside of being an equestrian professional is that you get to hang out with horses all day. The downside is that working with horses is a way riskier gig than, say, sitting in a cubicle. No matter how good you are, when you’re riding and handling multiple (including green and “problem”) horses a day, it’s less a question of “if” than it is “when” you’re going do the human pile-drive.
That’s why it’s especially important for professional riders and grooms to have good insurance. Unfortunately, since you’re self-employed, it’s going to cost you out the bum. Every little bit helps, though, so trainers will be jumping up and down over this bit of news: PRO announced today that it will be providing its Professional Membership with Accident & Disability Insurance.
The policy was designed by PRO with the assistance of Wells Fargo Insurance Services, AmWINS Group Benefits and underwriter Zurich Insurance. It covers professional riders and grooms for all eventing and equine-related activities in the U.S. and internationally including competitions, training, travel and horse care.
All Professional Members of PRO will be covered under the base plan, which includes $100,000 in excess medical coverage and $200 per week disability payments with a 30-day waiting period for a very reasonable annual premium. An additional buy-up plan to provide $1,000,000 excess medical and a $600 per week disability payment is also available.
The enrollment period will take place in February and is open to all PRO Professional Members. (PRO)
-The USEA announced that it will be launching a “dramatically redesigned” website on Feb. 9. New features will include a monthly calendar that integrates both recognized USEA horse trials and educational activities, a directory page of contacts and services for eventers, a combined blog/news section and some new interactive and social media capabilities. You can preview the new site here–it looks SWEET.
–The EHV-1 count in Orange County, Ca., is now at 16 horses. Trainers and four California State veterinarians met on Wednesday to outline precautionary measures for HITS Thermal, including disallowing ship-ins, limiting horse-to-horse contact, laying out procedures for horse owners to take their horses’ temperatures twice a day, full disclosure of horses’ recent travel history upon arrival to show grounds, and isolation protocols. (COTH)
Additionally, the USEF Dressage Department has recommended that ring stewards conduct a visual saddlery check of the horses at dressage shows in California, with no touching of the horses or any equipment. Riders should bring a halter with them to warm-up and remove their horse’s bridle in the presence of the steward to allow for a visual bit check. The USEF has not issued this same procedure for eventing, however, if the organizing committees or individual riders in EHV-1 outbreak areas wish to follow this bit check procedure they may. (US Eventing)
-Zebra poop may hold the key to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. A Tulane University microbiologists found that a microbe special to Zebra droppings is capable of breaking down plant material, cellulose, and converting it into biofuel. (Horse Talk)
–Somebody paid $2.5 million for a 400-year-old painting of a fat, rearing stallion at a New York auction this week. It’s by a Dutch master named Sir Anthony van Dyck. No comment. (Horse Talk)
–Bad people doing bad things: A horse owner in Sweden was reported to the police after a vet discovered a horse in his stable whose feet were more than a foot-and-a-half long. The 27-year-old horse, who had not received attention from a farrier in many years, was no longer able to move or lie down and was euthanized along with four other neglected horses on the property. The owner may face charges of animal cruelty. (H&H)
… You just never know when you’re going to need ’em. (Photo credit: My mom.)
