Wishing You a Very Happy New Year 2015!

Everyone here at equineinsuranceagent.com and Ziplow Horse Insurance, would like to thank our clients for another wonderful year. We also want to wish you Happy New Years! We look forward to continuing to serve all of your equine insurance needs in 2015!

Wishing All of Our Clients Happy Holidays!!

Everyone at Associations Underwriters and Ziplow Horse Insurance would like to take a minute to wish all of our clients Happy Holidays! Thank you for continuing to trust your equine insurance and farm and property insurance needs with us. We are here to serve you and your equine and are looking forward to the new year. If you have any questions, or are looking for equine insurance in Maryland among other states, please visit our website at: http://www.equineinsuranceagent.com/

Equine Winter Care

Equine winter care

Marcia Hathaway, PhD and Krishona Martinson, PhD, University of Minnesota

Horses, given the opportunity to acclimate to cold temperature, often prefer and are better off outdoors. The Minnesota Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act outlines several minimal care standards for food, water, shelter, space, cleanliness, exercise, and hoof care. Some of these standards become even more important in the winter. For example, the act states that snow or ice is not an adequate water source for horses and all horses must be provided free choice protection from adverse weather conditions, including extreme cold, wind, and precipitation. Shelters are not required in outside exercise paddocks, as long as horses are not kept in those paddocks during adverse weather conditions.

Keep in mind that a horse requiring special care (i.e. trimming, medications, or special diet) during summer months will need that care continued throughout the winter months too. To ease the transition into winter, horses should be properly dewormed (i.e. based on fecal analysis) and in good body condition. This fact sheet outlines horse winter feeding and watering, shelter, blanketing, hoof care, and facilities management recommendations.

Water requirements

When horses consume winter feeds, water requirements may increase. Hay and grain typically contain less than 15% moisture, while in contrast, pastures posses 60 to 80% moisture. There are two common complications resulting from inadequate water consumption during cold weather: decreased feed intake and impaction colic. Even if quality feed is offered, horses will consume less if not drinking enough water. If less feed is consumed, horses might not have enough energy to tolerate the cold. Fecal contents must maintain adequate moisture levels. If fecal material becomes too dry, intestinal blockage or impaction may occur. A horse will not develop an impaction in one day, but can over several days to several weeks of inadequate water consumption.

Most adult horses weighing 1,000 pounds require a minimum of 10 to 12 gallons of water each day for their basic physiological needs. During winter months, water should be kept between 45 to 65°F to maximize consumption. Previous research indicated that ponies increased their water consumption by approximately 40% each day when the water was warmed above freezing during cold weather. Increasing salt intake will also stimulate a horse to drink more; adult horses should consume one to two ounces of salt per day. Waterers should be cleaned regularly, and clean, fresh water should always be available, regardless of temperature. If using a tank heater to warm water, inspect it carefully for worn wires or other damage, and check the water for electrical sensations or shocks.

Snow or ice is not an adequate water source for horses. There have been a few scientific studies that show some horses who are acclimated to winter weather conditions can meet their water requirements from snow. However, there are serious health risks associated with snow consumption, including the length of adjustment period as horses learn to ingest snow, the actual water content of the snow, and total water intake. Therefore, some wild horses can receive their water needs from snow, but the risk of gastrointestinal tract problems, colic, and reduced feed intake is significant for domestic horses.

Winter feeding

Cold temperatures will increase a horse's energy requirement as the need to maintain core body temperature increases. The temperature below which a horse needs additional energy to maintain body warmth is called the lower critical temperature. The lower critical temperature for a horse is estimated to be 41°F with a summer coat and 18°F with a winter coat (upper critical temperature is estimated at 86°F). However, the lower critical temperature can be affected by individual horse characteristics. A horse with short hair that is exposed to cold, wet weather will have a lower critical temperature higher than that of a horse with a thick hair coat and fat stores who is acclimated to cold weather. Another factor that can influence lower critical temperature is the size of the animal. Smaller animals have a greater surface area relative to body weight and can lose heat more rapidly than a larger animal. A weanling may reach their lower critical temperature before a mature horse. More importantly, cold weather can slow growth because calories are diverted from weight gain to temperature maintenance. To minimize a growth slump during cold weather, young horses should be fed additional calories.

Energy needs for a horse at maintenance increase about 1% for each degree below 18°F. For example, if the temperature is 0°F, a 1,000 pound idle, adult horse would need an approximately 2 additional pounds of forage daily. It is best to provide the extra energy as forage. Some believe that feeding more grain will help keep a horse warmer. However, not as much heat is produced as a by-product of digestion, absorption, and utilization of grain as is produced from the microbial fermentation of forage. Most data suggest that the need for other nutrients do not change during cold weather. However, consider feeding loose salt instead of block salt, as horses may not want to lick cold salt blocks during winter months.

During winter months, heavy hair coats can often hide weight loss. Regular body condition scoring is recommended to gauge weight and assess horse health. If a horse starts to lose body condition, increases in feed are recommended. Conversely, if a horse starts gaining excessive body condition, reducing the feed is necessary. Sorting horses by age, body condition, and nutrient requirements makes it easier to feed groups of horses appropriately.

Shelter


Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota
Figure 1. Horses need access to shelter and should be fed additional hay during adverse winter weather. Tip: feed hay in a container or feeder to reduce waste
Horses should have access to shelter from wind, sleet, and storms (Figure 1). Free access to a stable or an open-sided shed works well, as do trees if a building is not available. In the absence of wind and moisture, horses tolerate temperatures at or slightly below 0°F. If horses have access to a shelter, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F. However, horses are most comfortable at temperatures between 18 and 59°F, depending on their hair coat. A general rule of thumb for run-in or open-front shed size is 240 square feet for 2 horses (i.e. 12 x 20 feet) and 60 square feet (i.e. an additional 10 x 6 feet) for each additional horse. These recommendations assume horses housed together get along well.

Researchers recently examined daytime shelter-seeking behavior in domestic horses housed outdoors and studied the relationship of temperature, precipitation, and wind speed with shelter-seeking behavior. Shelter usage ranged from a low of less than 10% in mild weather conditions, to a high of 62% when snowing and wind speed were greater than 11 mph. More horses used shelters in breezy conditions during snow or rain. Shelter access is very important in certain weather conditions.

Blanketing


Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers
Figure 2. Blanketing a horse during the winter is necessary if the horse is clipped or lacking shelter.
The hair coat acts as insulation by trapping air. If the hair is wet or full of mud, air is excluded, reducing its insulating value and increasing heat loss. As little as 0.1 inch of rain can cause cold stress by matting the hair and reducing its insulating value. It is important to keep the horse dry and sheltered from moisture. As expected, a horse with a thicker hair coat can retain more heat. Research has been conducted on the benefits of blanketing a horse to reduce the effects of cold weather (Figure 2). Most horses are blanketed because of personal beliefs of the owner. However, blanketing a horse is necessary to reduce the effects of cold or inclement weather when:

There is no shelter available during turnout periods and the temperatures drop below 5°F, or the wind chill is below 5°F
There is a chance the horse will become wet (not usually a problem with snow, but much more of a problem with rain, ice, and/or freezing rain)
The horse has had its winter coat clipped
The horse is very young or very old
The horse has not been acclimated to the cold (i.e. recently relocated from a southern climate)
The horse has a body condition score of 3 or less
It is equally important that the blanket fits the horse. Horses can develop rub marks or sores where the straps secure the blanket if it fits improperly. If the horse is blanketed continuously, the blanket should be removed daily, inspected for damages, and repositioned. Make sure blankets are kept dry and do not put a blanket on a wet horse; wait until the horse is dry before blanketing. Keep in mind a horse will continue to develop a natural winter coat until December 22, while days are becoming shorter. Horses begin to lose their winter coat, and start forming their summer coat, as the days begin to get longer on December 23. Blanketing before December 22 will decrease a horse's natural winter coat.

Exercise


Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers
Figure 3. Trace clipping can reduce the time necessary to cool down a horse during winter riding.
Exercise should not stop during the winter months. During extreme winter weather, many horses are often confined. Confinement and limited exercise can lead to lower leg edema (stocking up). Efforts should be made to provide turn out or exercise as often as possible. Caution needs to be taken when riding in deep, heavy or wet snow as this could cause tendon injuries and is extremely hard work for an unfit horse. Avoid icy areas for both horse and rider safety.

One of the greatest challenges with winter riding involves cooling down a horse with a thick winter coat. Leaving a hot, wet horse standing in a cold barn can lead to illness. If horses are exercised regularly to the extent of generating sweat through the winter months, a 'trace clip' can be used (Figure 3). With a trace clip, the hair is shaved to about 1/8 inch in length from the underside of the neck and abdomen to the sides of the horse and from the elbows to about a quarter of the way up the body. Other types of clipping patters are often used as well. Clipped horses have higher energy needs and should be fed accordingly. Clipped hair will not grow back rapidly in the winter. Once horses are clipped, appropriate shelter and blankets must be used throughout the winter and into the early spring months.

Hoof care


Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota
Figure 4. Regular hoof picking is necessary to remove snow that becomes packed into the hoof.
Horse hooves generally grow more slowly in the winter. However, horses should still be trimmed every six to twelve weeks. The trimming or shoeing interval depends on each horse and the amount of hoof they grow. Horse hooves are very susceptible to developing "ice or snow balls" in their hooves during the winter (Figure 4). These balls are compacted ice or snow that make it difficult for the horse to walk, increase the chance of slipping and falls, and may put increased pressure on tendons and joints. Hooves should be picked clean daily, especially after a heavy snow.

Horses have better traction on snow and ice when left bare foot compared to being shod. If the horse must be shod, care should be taken to avoid slipping and compaction of snow and ice in the hoof. Snow pads and studs that are attached to shoes can be used to help offset the effects of slipping and snow compaction in the hoof. Sole bruising can also be a problem in the winter, especially when working on uneven or frozen ground.

Winter paddock and facilities management

Ice is a problem in horse paddocks as falls and slips can lead to serious injury. The best solution is to remove the horse from the paddock until the ice melts, but few horse owners have that option.

Sand can be used to increase traction. However, horses should not be fed in the area where the sand is spread to minimize the risk of ingestion. Straight salt can speed the melting of the ice if temperatures are not too cold. There is no research documenting the effect of salt on horse hooves, but as a precaution, pure salt should be used in moderation. If using pure salt to melt ice, make sure the horses have an alternative source of salt to reduce ingestion off the ground. A mixture of sand and salt should not be used in horse paddocks due to the chance that horses may accidentally ingest sand via their interest in the salt. Spreading a thin layer of wood ash or fresh manure are additional options. Other options like shavings, hay, and straw tend to slide over ice and do not provide additional traction. Small rocks can provide traction, but can be accidentally ingested or become lodged in hooves. To reduce water/ice in the future, improve the grade, install gutters on the barn, and reduce the amount of manure in the paddock.

During heavy snowfalls, horse owners are encourage to remove snow from paddocks to ensure horses have easy access to feed, water, and shelter. When piling the removed snow, avoid low areas, drainage ways, septic tank areas, wellheads, and other drinking sources. Snow removed from paddocks contains manure, bedding, and soil, and could contaminate streams and wetlands. Moving snow is fairly expensive, so keep distances and travel time to a minimum. Removing snow also helps drainage during the spring snow melt and exposes the paddock surface, especially in non-shaded areas, which increases the warming and drying of the paddock in the spring.

To maintain support under snow loads, barns and shelters should have truss certificates of at least 30 pounds per square foot of snow load. Most buildings fail at the joints; if concerns arise about a barn structure under a snow load, examine the trusses and joints to see if there is movement, cracking, or dry rot. Wood will generally give warning sounds before complete failure. In enclosed barns, snow blowing into attics and wall spaces can melt and cause wet conditions suitable for mold development and rotting. Ventilation is important to help control temperature and humidity levels and remove or decrease contaminants. Poor ventilation can affect a horse's respiratory health. Ceiling fans and can help facilitate adequate air exchange and wet bedding and manure should be removed daily.

Conclusions

During winter months, horses should be given warmed water (45 to 65°F), fed additional hay during extreme cold, given access to shelter, receive regular hoof care, and have their body condition assessed regularly. Facility stability and ventilation should also be evaluated frequently. Horses, given the opportunity to acclimate to cold temperature, often prefer and are better off outdoors.

Contributing authors: Chuck Clanton, PhD, University of Minnesota and Carey Williams, PhD, Rutgers University.

Winter Precautions for your Equine!

Good Morning!

Today we are sharing an article from horsesense.com with you on winter precautions to take in order to minimize your chances of colic this winter.   Happy reading and remember, if you aren't sure about your insurance coverage or want coverage for your equine, please contact us at: equineinsuranceagent.com

Winter Precautions

Colic prevention, proper winter diet, and so on . . .

With the ongoing and never-ending winter we are experiencing, there are special precautions for our horses.  At the risk of being repetitious, many of these are so important they need to be discussed. Treating patients with bellyache (colic) Christmas eve night brings to light precautions to prevent this discomfort to the horse and to the owner.

Most of the cases we have treated during this wintry weather can be divided between wounds and colics.  The wounds reflect horses’ remarkable ability to injure themselves.  This natural ability to self-destruct, accompanied with the boredom of having nothing to do but stand together at the feeder, results in some remarkable injuries.  Other than the normal precautions of providing the horses with a safe environment, there is not much we can do to change this behavior.

There are several precautions that should help in preventing colics. These primarily have to do with the water and feed sources.  Water, as we know, maintains hydration of the body.  It also provides lubrication for the bowel.  When the horse starts dehydrating, the amount of lubrication is also reduced.  This slows movement of the contents, causing a backup within the bowel.  As this backup continues, it becomes more compacted and more difficult to move.  Gas and additional foodstuffs accumulate behind this area, increasing the discomfort to Dobbin.  Soon he will be looking at his side trying to decide the source of the problem.  He will then start laying down, stretching out, and possibly rolling to find a comfortable position.  This is when we start walking to keep him standing until treatment can arrive.

The initial dehydration starts when water is unavailable or is so cold the horses do not want to drink.  This reduced water intake leads to the reduced lubrication we mentioned above.  Obviously, the way to prevent this is to provide plenty of ice-free water.  This sounds easy until we are faced with several days of temperatures well below freezing.  Adding a tablespoon of salt each day will help stimulate additional water intake.

Now that we are providing every bite of food the horses are eating, it is tempting to give them a little extra grain.  If their condition is good, with an obvious fat cover over the rib cage, many of our horses may not need additional grain.  What they will appreciate is more hay.  Have you noticed how much more hay the horses eat when the temperatures and wind chills are at zero and below, compared to temperatures of 20+ degrees?

The "heat of digestion" helps warm them from the inside.
The heat generated from grain is intense but short-lived (remember this when you have another piece of fudge this afternoon ).

Due to its fiber and coarseness, hay takes longer to digest, and the resulting heat produced during its digestion lasts longer.
In addition, the fiber in hay helps to maintain bowel activity.
Increasing the hay intake will give Dobbin more to do and keep him warm at the same time.

If your horses need more condition, the preferred approach is to feed higher quality hay for its additional calories and nutrients.  If better quality hay is not available, then grain may be necessary to meet their calorie needs.  Usually, the price of grain will exceed the cost of better hay, so the hay is a better choice in many ways.  And by all means, collect the hay strings when feeding those bales!

These small precautions will help you sleep better at night.  They will also prevent the discomfort of colic for the horse, and for you they will prevent the discomfort of long walks leading a resistant horse.

Farm Liability Insurance: Do you Have Enough Coverage?

Farm Liability Insurance: Do you Have Enough Coverage?

By Milly Carter, University of Missouri

"Over the past few years, market values for land and other farm assets have increased substantially, which has contributed to the growth of farm balance sheets," says Whitney Wiegel. "While many farmers’ asset values have increased, fewer farmers have taken the time to review their liability coverage to ensure that they are adequately protected."

Farm liability insurance protects farm owners from claims arising from unintentional injuries or damage to other people or property. An increase in total farm assets suggests a need for increased liability coverage to maintain consistent risk protection, Wiegel says.

"Many commercial farms have an umbrella insurance policy that provides liability coverage up to a certain threshold," he says.

For example, a farmer who has $1 million in liability coverage is protected from liability claims of not more than $1 million for the number of occurrences and coverage period specified in the insurance policy.

"While a $500,000 or $1 million policy may have been adequate for many farms 10 years ago, changes in farm profitability and asset values have altered many farmers’ insurance needs," Wiegel says.

To reduce exposure to loss, Wiegel advises farmers to regularly examine their balance sheets and coverage limits and ask themselves, "Is my liability coverage limit anywhere near the total value of my farm? If an accident were to occur, would my current insurance policy protect me from exorbitant losses?"

"If the answer to either of these questions is ‘no’ or ‘I don’t know,’ it is probably time to talk with your insurance agent," he says.

In addition, supplemental coverage may be necessary if your farm business has evolved to include nontraditional activities such as agritourism or direct sales to consumers.

Equine Warning Law, State-by-State. Do you Know?

Do you know what each state's policy is regarding the equine warning law? If not, you can find your state and check it out here:

The following states do not have an Equine Activity Statute:
 California, Maryland, Nevada, and New York..

Alabama - Warning - Under Alabama Law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury or death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to the Equine Activities Liability Protection Act.

Alaska - No sign or contract language required.

Arizona - "A signed release acknowledges that the person is aware of the inherent risks associated with equine activities, is willing and able to accept full responsibilities for his own safety and welfare and releases the equine owner or agent from liability unless the equine owner or agent is grossly negligent or commits willful, wanton or intentional acts or omissions."

Arkansas - Warning - Under Arkansas law, an equine activity sponsor is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risk of equine activities.

Colorado - WARNING - Under Colorado Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to section 13-21-119, Colorado Revised Statutes.

Connecticut -  Assumption of risk by person engaged in recreational equestrian activities when, each person engaged in recreational equestrian activities shall assume the risk and legal responsibility of any injury to his person or property arising out of the hazards inherent in equestrian sports, unless the injury was proximately caused by negligence of the person providing the horse or horses to the individual engaged in recreational equestrian activities or the failure to warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity by the person providing the horses or his agents or employees.

Delaware - Warning - Under Delaware Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to 10 Delaware Code Section 8140.

Florida - Warning - Under Florida law, an equine sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.

Georgia - Warning - Under Georgia law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Chapter 12 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

Hawaii - No Signs or Contractual Language in Release Forms required.

Idaho - No Signs or Contractual Language in Release Forms required.

Illinois - Warning - Under the Equine Activity Liability Act, each participant who engages in an equine activity expressly assumes the risks of engaging in and legal responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to person or property resulting from the risk of equine activities.

Indiana - Warning - Under Indiana law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.

Iowa - Warning - Under Iowa Law, a domesticated animal professional is not liable for damages suffered by, an injury to, or the death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of domesticated animal activities, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 673.  You are assuming the inherent risks of participating in this domesticated animal activity.

Kansas - Warning - Under Kansas law, there is no liability for an injury to or the death of a participant in domestic animal activities resulting from the inherent risks of domestic animal activities, pursuant to sections 1 through 4.  You are assuming the risk of participating in this domestic animal activity.

Kentucky - Warning - Under Kentucky law, a farm animal activity sponsor, farm animal professional, or other person does not have the duty to eliminate all risks of injury to the participation in farm animal activities.  There are inherent risks of injury that you voluntarily accept if you participate in farm animal activities.

Louisiana - Warning - Under Louisiana law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to R.S. 9:2795.1.1.

Maine - Warning - Under Maine law, an equine professional has limited liability for an injury or death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.

Massachusetts - Warning - Under Massachusetts law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to section 2D of chapter 128 of the General Laws.

Michigan - Warning - Under the Michigan equine activity liability act, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from the inherent risk of the equine activity.

Missouri - Warning - Under Missouri law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

Mississippi - Warning - Under Mississippi law, an equine activity or equine sponsor is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to this chapter.

Minnesota - Signs are required to be posted, but there is no Contractual Language required in Release Forms.

Montana - No Signs or Contractual Language in Release Forms required.

Nebraska - Warning - Under Nebraska Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities pursuant to sections 25-21,249 to 25-21,253.

New Hampshire - ATTENTION! Under New Hampshire law, a participant in equine activities assumes the risk of any injury, harm, damage, or death and any legal responsibility that may occur to participant resulting from the inherent risks associated with equine activities. Pursuant to R.S.A. 508:19, equine professionals are not liable for damages resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.

New Jersey - Signs are required to be posted, but there is no Contractual Language required in Release Forms.

New Mexico - Signs are required to be posted, but there is no Contractual Language required in Release Forms.

North Carolina - Warning - Under North Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting exclusively from the inherent risks of equine activities.  Chapter 99E of the North Carolina General Statutes.

North Dakota - No Signs or Contractual Language in Release Forms required.

Ohio - "A valid waiver for purposes of...this Section shall be in writing and subscribed by the equine activity participant or the parent, guardian, custodian, or other legal representative of the equine activity participant, and shall specify at least each inherent risk of an equine activity that is listed and that will be a subject of the waiver of tort or other civil liability."

Oklahoma - Except as provided in subsection B of this section, a livestock activity sponsor, a participant or a livestock professional acting in good faith and pursuant to the standards of the livestock industry shall not be liable for injuries to any person engaged in livestock activities when such injuries result from the inherent risks of livestock activities.  Oklahoma Statutes as Section 50.3 of Title 76

Oregon - "The limitations on liability provided in ORS 30.691 shall apply to an adult participant in the circumstances listed in subsection (1)(b) of this section if the participant, prior to riding, training, driving, grooming or riding as a passenger upon an equine, knowingly executes a release stating that as a condition of participation, the participant waives the right to bring an action against the equine professional or equine activity sponsor for an injury or death arising out of riding, training, driving, grooming or riding as a passenger upon the equine.  A release so executed shall be binding upon the adult participant........."

Pennsylvania - Signs are required to be posted, but there is no Contractual Language required in Release Forms.

Rhode Island - Warning - Under Rhode Island Law, an equine professional, unless he or she can be shown to have failed to be in the exercise of due care, is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to this chapter.

South Carolina - Warning - Under South Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of equine activity, pursuant to Article 7, Chapter 9 of Title 47, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976.

South Dakota - Warning - Under South Dakota law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Section 42-11-2.

Tennessee - Warning - Under Tennessee Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, title 44, chapter 20.

Texas - Warning - Under Texas Law (Chapter 87, Civil Practice and Remedies Code), a farm animal professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in farm animal activities resulting from the inherent risks of farm animal activities.

Utah - The notice provided by the sign or document shall be sufficient if it includes the definition of inherent risk in Section 78-27b-101 and states that the sponsor is not liable for those inherent risks.

Vermont - Warning - Under Vermont Law, an equine activity sponsor is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities that are obvious and necessary, pursuant to 12 V.S.A. 1039.

Virginia - "The waiver shall give notice to the participant of the risks inherent in equine activities, including (i) the propensity of an equine to behave in dangerous ways which may result in injury to the participant; (ii) the inability to predict an equine's reaction to sound, movement, persons, or animals; and (iii) hazards of surface or subsurface conditions.

Washington - No Signs or Contractual Language in Release Forms required.

West Virginia - "Every horseman shall.. prepare and present to each participant or prospective participant, for his or her inspection and signature, a statement which clearly and concisely explains the liability limitations, restrictions and responsibilities set forth in this article."

Wisconsin - Notice: A person who is engaged for compensation in the rental of equines or equine equipment or tack or in the instruction of a person in the riding or driving of an equine or in being a passenger upon an equine is not liable for the injury or death of a person involved in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, as defined in section 895.481(l)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Wyoming - No Signs or Contractual Language in Release Forms required.






*Thanks to our friends at HorseInsurance Specialists for this information.

Why Individual Horse Owners Need Liability Insurance

Why Individual Horse Owners Need Liability Insurance

By Rachel Kosmal McCart Horses and the Law 2 Dec 2013   

As an equine attorney, I'm often asked to give presentations on equine liability. It's a very broad topic, of course, so I try to tailor it to the audience. Many of the audience members are individual horse owners. Here are some common areas of concern about liability, and some recommendations for how to address those concerns.

What if My Horse Injures Another Person or Another Horse?

Just because a horse injures someone doesn't automatically mean the horse owner will have liability for the injury. The horse owner must be at fault. Common scenarios in which the horse owner might be at fault:

The horse has a dangerous habit, such as kicking or biting. The horse owner fails to warn of the danger. The horse's dangerous behavior then causes injury to someone unaware of the horse's tendencies.

The horse owner rides or handles the horse in a way that is negligent. As a result of the negligent riding or handling, the horse then injures someone. For example, a show rider might run over another horse and rider in a crowded warm-up arena because the show rider is on their cell phone and not looking where they are going.

The horse owner fails to provide adequate fencing or stall door latches, and the horse gets loose. The horse runs out onto the road in an area that is not legally designated as "open range." A passing motorist doesn't see the horse in time to avoid an accident, and the motorist is injured.
The Role of Liability Releases

Liability releases serve two very valuable functions. First and foremost, they discourage people from suing in the first place. They can also provide a viable legal defense and prevent the person suing from winning their case. What they don't do is pay for the cost of your legal defense, and if you lose, the cost of the legal judgment. That's where insurance comes in.

What About Homeowners' Insurance?

Many horse owners are under the impression that if their horse injures someone, their homeowners' insurance will provide coverage. Only when the accident actually happens and they really need coverage do they find out that their insurance may not help them. Most policies have a very small cap on medical expense payouts. Some homeowners' policies will not provide coverage if the horse is not kept at home. Others have specific exclusions for livestock. In many cases, if you lease your horse, that will be considered a commercial use and therefore excluded from your homeowners' insurance. Best to check with your homeowners' insurance agent and read your policy before you actually need the coverage.

Liability Insurance for Individual Horse Owners

There are  liability policies specifically for horse owners. These policies are very inexpensive, and can provide coverage and peace of mind. Member benefits for United States Equestrian Federation include a basic horse owner's liability policy, and the cost of a membership is typically less than the cost of buying the policy separately.

- See more at: http://cs.thehorse.com/blogs/horses-and-the-law/archive/2013/12/02/why-individual-horse-owners-need-liability-insurance.aspx#sthash.WZQ326ac.dpuf

Guidelines to Follow During Equine Emergencies

Although we don't like to think about it, it's important to have a game plan when an equine emergency occurs. Thanks to our friends at AAEP and Bayer Healthcare Animal Health we have for you, 'Guidelines to follow during equine emergencies.'

A Bayer Animal Health Brochure

Revised February 2011  

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to confront a medical emergency. There are several behavioral traits that make horses especially accident-prone: one is their instinctive flight-or-fight response; another is their dominance hierarchy -- the need to establish the pecking order within a herd; and a third is their natural curiosity. Such behaviors account for many of the cuts, bruises, and abrasions that horses suffer. In fact, lacerations are probably the most common emergency that horse owners must contend with. There are other types of emergencies as well, such as colic, foaling difficulties, acute lameness, seizures, and illness. As a horse owner, you must know how to recognize serious problems and respond promptly, taking appropriate action while awaiting the arrival of your veterinarian.

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS

When a horse is cut or bleeding, it's obvious that there is a problem. But in cases of colic, illness, or a more subtle injury, it may not be as apparent. That's why it's important to know your horse's normal vital signs, including temperature, pulse and respiration (TPR), as well as its normal behavior patterns. You must be a good observer so that you readily recognize signs of ill health.

WHAT'S NORMAL?

There will be variations in individual temperature, pulse and respiration values. Take several baseline measurements when the horse is healthy, rested, and relaxed. Write them down and keep them within easy reach, perhaps with your first aid kit, so you have them to compare to in case of an emergency. Normal ranges for adult horses are:

Pulse rate: 30 to 42 beats per minute.
Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Rectal temperature: 99.5' to 101.5' F. If the horse's temperature exceeds 102.5' F., contact your veterinarian immediately. Temperatures of over 103' F indicate a serious disorder.
Capillary refill time (time it takes for color to return to gum tissue adjacent to teeth after pressing and releasing with your thumb): 2 seconds.
Other observations you should note:

Skin pliability is tested by pinching or folding a flap of neck skin and releasing. It should immediately snap back into place. Failure to do so is evidence of dehydration.
Color of the mucous membranes of gums, nostrils, conjunctiva (inner eye tissue), and inner lips of vulva should be pink. Bright red, pale pink to white, or bluish-purple coloring may indicate problems.
Color, consistency, and volume of feces and urine should be typical of that individual's usual excretions. Straining or failure to excrete should be noted.
Signs of distress, anxiety or discomfort.
Lethargy, depression or a horse that's "off-feed."
Presence or absence of gut sounds.
Evidence of lameness such as head-bobbing, reluctance to move, odd stance, pain, unwillingness to rise.
Bleeding, swelling, evidence of pain.
Seizures, paralysis, or "tying up" (form of muscle cramps that ranges in severity from mild stiffness to life-threatening illness).
ACTION PLAN

No matter what emergency you may face in the future, mentally rehearse what steps you will take to avoid letting panic take control. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare:

1. Keep your veterinarian's number by each phone, including how the practitioner can be reached after-hours. If you have a speed dial system, key it in, but also keep the number posted.

2. Consult with your regular veterinarian regarding back-up or referring veterinarian's number in case you cannot reach your regular veterinarian quickly enough.

3. Know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center in case you need to transport the horse.

4. Post the names and phone numbers of nearby friends and neighbors who can assist you in an emergency while you wait for the veterinarian.

5. Prepare a first aid kit and store it in a clean, dry, readily accessible place. Make sure that family members and other barn users know where the kit is.

6. Also keep a first aid kit in your horse trailer or towing vehicle, and a pared-down version to carry on the trail.

FIRST AID KITS

First aid kits can be simple or elaborate, but there are some essential items. Here is a short list to get yours started. (*Material that should be sterile.

*Cotton roll
*Contact bandage
*Cling wrap
*Gauze pads, assorted sizes
*Gauze wrap
Adhesive wrap and adhesive tape
Leg wraps
Sharp scissors
Hemostats
Steel cup or container
Rectal thermometer with string and clip attached
Surgical scrub and antiseptic solution
Latex gloves
Flashlight and spare batteries
Permanent marker pen
Pliers (to pull nails)
6" diameter PVC tubing cut in half the long way (like a gutter) into lengths of 1-1 /2 to 2 feet (for emergency splinting)
EMERGENCY WOUND CARE

The sight of blood may unnerve you, but maintaining your presence of mind can save your horse's life. The initial steps you take to treat a wound can prevent further damage and speed healing. How you proceed will depend on your individual circumstances, and you must exercise good judgment. The following should be viewed as guidelines:

Catch and calm the horse to prevent further injury. Move the horse to a stall or other familiar surroundings if this is possible without causing distress or further injury to the horse. Providing hay or grain can also be a good distraction.
Get help before attempting to treat or evaluate a wound. It can be difficult and very dangerous to try to inspect or clean the wound without someone to hold the horse. You cannot help your horse if you are seriously injured yourself.
Evaluate the location, depth, and severity of the wound. Call your veterinarian for a recommendation anytime you feel your horse is in need of emergency care. Here are some examples of situations where your veterinarian should be called:

-There appears to be excessive bleeding.
-The entire skin thickness has been penetrated.
-The wound occurs near or over a joint.
-Any structures underlying the skin are visible.
-A puncture has occurred.
-A severe wound has occurred in the lower leg at or below knee or hock level.
-The wound is severely contaminated.
-Consult with your veterinarian regarding a recommendation before you attempt to clean the wound or remove debris or penetrating objects, as you may precipitate uncontrollable bleeding or do further damage to the wound. Large objects should be stabilized to avoid damaging movement if possible. -Don't put anything on the wound except a compress or cold water.
-Stop the bleeding by covering the wound with a sterile, absorbent pad (not cotton), applying firm, steady, even pressure to the wound.
-Do not medicate or tranquilize the horse unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. If the horse has suffered severe blood loss or shock, the administration of certain drugs can be life-threatening.
-If the eye is injured, do not attempt to treat. Await your veterinarian.
-If a horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, first clean the hoof. Consult with your veterinarian regarding a recommendation before you remove the nail. If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination.

All horses being treated for lacerations or puncture wounds need to be current on their tetanus vaccine.

OTHER EMERGENCIES

There are far too many types of emergencies from heat stroke to hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, bone fractures to snake bites, foaling difficulties to colic -- to adequately cover them all in this brochure. However, regardless of the situation, it's important to remember these points:

1. Keep the horse as calm as possible. Your own calm behavior will help achieve this.

2. Move the animal to a safe area where it is unlikely to be injured should it go down.

3. Get someone to help you, and delegate responsibilities, such as calling the veterinarian, retrieving the first aid kit, holding the horse, etc.

4. Notify your veterinarian immediately. Be prepared to provide specific information about the horse's condition, as mentioned above, and other data that will help your practitioner assess the immediacy of the danger and instruct you in how to proceed.

5. Listen closely and follow your equine practitioner's instructions.

6. Do not administer drugs, especially tranquilizers or sedatives, unless specifically instructed to do so by the veterinarian.

SUMMARY

Many accidents can be prevented by taking the time to evaluate your horse's environment and removing potential hazards. Also, assess your management routines to make them safer. Mentally rehearse your emergency action plan. Preparation will help you stay calm in the event of a real emergency. Keep your veterinarian's phone number and your first aid kit handy. In an emergency, time is critical. Don't be concerned with overreacting or annoying your veterinarian. By acting quickly and promptly, you can minimize the consequences of an injury or illness. Your horse's health and well-being depend on it.

Refresher Course: Federal Requirements for Moving Horses Across State Lines

Lately there has been some press related to federal requirements of transporting horses. It's important that you are covered and are within the regulations, to avoid lawsuit. So, we wanted to share a previous article (originally from The Equiery) on the subject, just as a "refresher course" for you on what was agreed upon for legislation.  Also, remember, if you have any questions about what you can and can't do, or what you are or aren't covered for, remember to talk to your insurance agent!!

New fed requirements for moving horses across state lines; Maryland working on mid-Atlantic Alternative

Posted by EditorFebruary 5, 2013

Beginning March 11, 2013, traveling across state lines with horses will become more involved.  Below is an explanatory article courtesy of the American Horse Council. Recognizing that Marylanders travel on a regular basis across state lines in the mid-Atlantic area, Maryland State Veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus, with the guidance of the Maryland Equine Health Advisory Committee (chaired by Dr. John Lee, who serves on the Maryland Horse Industry Board) is working on a more practical option for Maryland residence. This involves, of course, coordinating with the other mid-Atlantic States. Please send any questions or concerns to editor@equiery.com, or post in the comment section below, and The Equiery will do its best to provide the answers.


USDA Adopts Animal Disease Traceability Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has instituted its Animal Disease Traceability Program (ADTP) to improve its ability to trace livestock, including horses, in the event of a disease outbreak.  The new system applies to all livestock moving interstate.
  
Under the new federal regulations, horses moving interstate must be identified and accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI).  The new system is built on methods of identification and movement documentation that are already employed in the horse industry, e.g., written descriptions, digital photographs, brands, tattoos, electronic identification methods, and interstate certificates of veterinary inspection.  The person or entity responsible for moving the horse interstate must ensure that it has an ICVI or other document required by the new rule.  

The ADTP will be administered by the states with federal support.

Background

The horse industry has been dramatically affected by serious disease outbreaks in the last ten years, which have halted or restricted the movement of horses and the commerce surrounding the horses.  The new program is intended to help the Department, state authorities and the horse industry better deal with such disease outbreaks and to minimize disease effects on horses and economic effects on owners and the industry.  

This new rule is based on the previous National Animal Identification System (NAIS), which was the original voluntary system proposed by USDA to deal with disease outbreaks and traceability.  Since the prior rule was voluntary and generated significant concerns over complexity, confidentiality, liability, cost and privacy, it was not supported and was rethought.  USDA reconsidered its approach and decided that rather than attempting to identify every animal, every premise, and every movement to achieve traceability within 48 hours of a disease outbreak, it would develop a more limited and simpler system.  The ADTP just adopted is the result.  The new system does not require the registration of premises housing livestock or the specific reporting of individual movements of horses.

Effective Date

The new rules will be effective March 11, 2013.  We expect that there will be a transition period during which USDA has suggested it will not enforce the new rule.  This is to give livestock owners time to understand the rules and make any changes necessary to comply.  We don’t know how long that period might be.

Specific Requirements for Horse Owners



Under the new regulations, horses moving interstate must be (1) identified prior to movement and (2) accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) or other state-approved document.  

All states now require an ICVI to accompany any horse entering their state.  This should make for a smooth transition to the new traceability rule since most horse owners moving their horses interstate for breeding, racing, showing, recreation, etc. should already be in compliance with the provisions in the new rule.

1) Identification of Horses.
Horses that are required to be officially identified under the new rules may be identified by one of the following methods:
A description sufficient to identify the individual horse including, but not limited to, name, age, breed, color, gender, distinctive markings, and unique and permanent forms of identification, such as brands, tattoos, scars, cowlicks, blemishes, or biometric measurements).  In the event that the identity of the horse is in question at the receiving destination, the state animal health official in the state of destination or APHIS representative may determine if the description provided is sufficient; or
Electronic identification (Animal Identification Number) that complies with ISO 11784/11785; or
Non-ISO electronic identification injected into the horse on or before March 11, 2014; or
Digital photographs sufficient to identify the individual horse; or
A USDA backtag for horses being transported to slaughter as required by the Commercial Transport of Horses to Slaughter regulations.
Animal Identification Numbers and microchips are an option, but not a requirement for horses.

2) ICVI Requirements
Under the new rules, horses moved interstate must be accompanied by an ICVI or other document acceptable to the states involved.  The person or entity responsible for moving the horse interstate must ensure it has an ICVI or other document.  

The APHIS representative, state representative or accredited veterinarian issuing the ICVI or other document must forward a copy to the state health official in the state of origin within seven days of issuing the document.  The state representative in the state of origin must forward a copy to the state representative in the state of destination within seven days of receiving it.  In the event of a disease outbreak, these documents will be used to trace horses that are or have been at the site of the outbreak and horses that have come into contact with them.

The new regulations give states the discretion to approve other methods of movement documentation, which may include an EIA test chart, when agreed upon by the animal health officials in the states involved in the interstate movement.

While not specifically referenced, movement documents could also include an event passport.  USDA has maintained options in the final rule to support the use of other movement documentation, for example an owner-shipper statement or brand certificate, if agreed to by the state animal health officials involved.  


Retention of Records
Currently, states bear the responsibility for the collection, maintenance, and retrieval of data on interstate livestock movements.  These responsibilities will be maintained under the new rules.  The animal health official or accredited veterinarian issuing or receiving an ICVI or other document must keep a copy for five years to ensure horses can be identified and traced if a disease manifests itself at or after an event.

Exclusions



There are exclusions to the new requirements for the following horses:
Horses used as a mode of transportation (horseback, horse and buggy) for travel to another location that return directly to the original location.
Horses moved from a farm or stable for veterinary treatment that are returned to the same location without change in ownership.
Horses moved directly from a location in one state through another state to a second location in the original state.
Horses moved between shipping and receiving states with another form of identification or documentation other than an ICVI, e.g., a horse infectious anemia test chart, as agreed to by the shipping and receiving states or tribes involved in the movement.
You can download a PDF of the final rule here.

NOTE:  All horse owners or anyone moving horses interstate or involved in that process should review the new requirements to ensure they are complying with them.

If you have any questions, please call the AHC.

Did you know: Are you legally transporting horses across state lines?

Are you legally transporting horses across state lines?

Source: Text By Kristy Vanderwende • Design By Joselyn Leonhart • Photos By Larry Williams

Posted on September 17, 2014 By adminFeatures

Imagine the blue lights are flashing and the sirens are screaming as a state trooper pulls your horse trailer off the road. As you roll down your window, don’t be surprised if the officer asks to see your health papers, CDL license and USDOT number among a list of other requirements pertaining to safety that you as an operator of a horse trailer may need to have.

Although the laws are not new, most operators of horse trailers at shows do not comply with them because they have not been readily enforced until now. So, it is absolutely imperative to know what is legally required for your rig so that you can avoid large fines and even the possibility of being put out of service with your horses on the trailer. In the second section of our two-part series on hauling, we sought to set the record straight on what horse trailers need to have crossing state lines.

In route to the Tom Powers Futurity in Berrien Springs, Michigan professional horse trainer Kristy Klimmek was pulled over by a trooper in Iowa.

“I learned the hard way,” Klimmek chuckles. “I never really paid much attention to needing the necessary requirements until I got stopped last year on my way to the Tom Powers and was issued nine tickets. I paid pretty good attention then.”

Klimmek, who owns and operates Klimmek Futurity Horses, in New Richland, Minnesota,  recalls an officer pulling her over not because she was speeding or because she did not have her seat belt on but because he wanted to see her health papers. A veterinarian’s daughter, Klimmek had all the health requirements and readily handed the officer over the paperwork. He then asked for her USDOT number and CDL License as she was pulling a six-horse trailer with a one-ton dually truck. Not having either, Klimmek said she did not realize that was required of her rig. The officer returned to his car having googled “Tom Powers Futurity” which was listed as the destination on her health papers where he learned from the computer in his cop car that Klimmek’s horses could earn money at the show. The officer explained to Klimmek that since she was on her way to a show where she could earn money she was automatically engaged in interstate commerce with a vehicle over the limit needed for USDOT numbers as well as a CDL license.

“He could have put me out of service right there, I later learned, until I could find a CDL licensed operator to drive my rig but instead he issued me tickets for no CDL and USDOT number as well as seven warnings for safety requirements including things like having no flares, log book or the correct safety chains on my hitch,” Klimmek says. “People at the horse shows don’t think they meet these requirements but most do.”

The Law: USDOT Numbers

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a USDOT number is for “Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Also, commercial intrastate hazardous material carriers who haul quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT number. The USDOT number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations and inspections.”

Vehicles required to obtain a USDOT number are those that have a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 4,536 kilograms or 10,001 pounds or more whichever is greater, is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers(including the driver) for compensation, is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers including the driver and is not used to transport passengers for compensation or is used to in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous and transported in a quantity requiring placarding.

In addition, the above vehicle must be involved in interstate commerce which is described by FMSCA as “Trade, traffic or transportation in the United States between a place in a state and a place outside of such a state (including a place outside of the United States), between two places in a State through another State or a place outside the United States or between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States. You are required by FMSCA to obtain USDOT number and comply with the Federal Regulations.”

Besides the federal regulations there are also 33 States that require commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a USDOT number. To review these states and the law visit www.fmsca.dot.gov/registration/do-i-neeed-usdot-number

Beth LowryBeth Lowrey of Ozark, Arkansas is a fleet safety and training consultant who specializes in the evaluation, development and implementation of fleet safety management and regulatory compliance practices and programs. A Certified Director of Safety with over 20 years professional experience, Lowrey has experience in nationally recognized commercial driver training programs. She is also an experienced horsewomen who has competed in both the United States and Canada in a variety of organizations and holds multiple National and World Championships in a multitude of disciplines. She currently lives with her husband, Bruce and three children. They currently operate Independent Risk Management Consultants and B bar B Ranch Performance Horses.

Lowrey explains that commerce is defined as generating revenue through the transportation of your own property, property of others (for-hire) or perform a service that is part of your business.

“Most trainers regardless of whether they charge mileage meet this definition of commerce,” Lowrey says. “Amateurs however generally do not as they are not generating revenue as a business. If the amateur however is also a breeder and shows their own horses, but doesn’t meet the USEF definition of professional but they file tax returns as a business then they would meet the commerce definition. This does not hinge on whether or not they are profitable.”

Taking it one step further, Lowrey explains if you are acting in interstate commerce and you have a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more you need a USDOT number.

“A standard Ford F-250 has a curb weight of 6351 lbs. A Featherlite four-horse standard trailer weight is listed at over 5,000 pounds which without saddles, tack, equipment, feed, hay and horses the unladen weight of the combination of vehicles is already in excess of 10,001 pounds,” Lowrey says. “A two-horse Featherlite trailer is listed at 4,000 pounds therefore even pulling an empty two-horse would put you over the 10,001 mark attached to a vehicle similar to an F-250.”

Jim Roth of Roth Show Equipment in Kansasville, Wisconsin decided to go through the process and get his rig completely legal several years ago. Now that he has gone through the process, he believes many think it is a whole lot more complicated than it actually is.

Jim RothRoth has heard of several fellow horsemen getting stopped in his area at DOT stops. He has heard that law officials started cracking down on race car trailers, then straight trucks and now they are down to horse trailers.

“If you are a horse trainer and you charge mileage you are ‘for hire.’ If you are an amateur and you can win money like incentive fund or futurity money or if prizes can make your horse worth more money than you are engaged in commerce,” Roth says. “The cops can dig as far as they care to. The police are just enforcing the law that has been around for a long time. It’s like free money for them and a new form of revenue by stopping horse trailers. Putting a ‘not for hire’ sign on your truck is really a big red flag saying pull me over to the police and these rigs I was told are usually the first targeted.”

Roth advises all horse trailer operators to educate themselves on the subject. He strongly recommends purchasing and reading the JJ Keller Book (www.jjkeller.com) which defines the ins and outs of what is recommended by law and provides a step by step outline of all the other requirements that may be required for your rig.

 How to obtain a USDOT Number

The first step in acquiring a USDOT number according to Lowrey is to file a MCS-150 form which can be filled out online.

“Once you have filled out the MCS-150 form you must also request for Operating Authority. Equine Operations are not excmpt operations and therefore require a Motor Carrier Number,” Lowrey says. “To obtain an MC number you must complete a OP-1 form and submit it along with the MCS-150 form. You must then have your insurance agent file the appropriate BMC forms with the corresponding liability and cargo insurance for the size and weight of the unit. In addition, you must follow up with a BOC-3 form with universal agents for service. Most blanket authorization companies charge $20-30 for a lifetime registration.”

After you obtain a USDOT number, Lowrey explains that you also need to meet the drug and alcohol testing requirements, record keeping and certain operations must meet the hours of service requirements. New carriers will also be required to go through an audit.

“While widespread targeting of equine operations isn’t in full swing, we are seeing more state level enforcement officers targeting horse trailers and ticketing drivers who are not in compliance with the FMCSRs,” Lowrey says. “State level ticketing historically leads to a followup from the federal level of an enforcement audit. Generally enforcement audits lead to thousands in fines for non-compliance.”

Lowrey strongly recommends having all the necessary documentation because an enforcement audit can be crippling for your business.

“In weighing whether the cost outweighs the risk, a single state level ticket has been averaging $900 when coupled with enforcement fines in the thousands and the costs associated with an audit,” Lowrey says. “An audit by FMCSA makes an IRS audit look like a walk in the park.”

Eric Turner of Tylersport, Pennsylvania owns and operates several businesses including a trucking company called Just Two Cool Transport out of Hatfield, Pennsylvania for the past 12 years. He has also been showing Quarter Horses since he was eight and currently enjoys showing in Western Pleasure at the futurities.

“Once an officer takes a federal test he can then conduct DOT stops,” Turner says. “I see more and more local governments being able to do DOT stops. Not for safety reasons as they are intended but for a revenue stream.”

Turner believes most people at the horse shows don’t have DOT numbers because they are unaware of what is required of them by law.

“It’s just lack of knowledge on the subject. I grew up in manufacturing and transportation and have done it all my life and my dad’s life before that. Would you send me a horse to train? No because I lack knowledge on the subject,” Turner laughs.

 The Law: Commercial Driver’s License

The type of vehicle being operated determines if a driver needs a CDL License and the class of this license. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles there are three defined groups of Commerical Motor Vehicle (CMV) classes.

Class A is defined as ” any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles. This group also includes any combination of vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds provided that the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class B is defined as ” any heavy straight vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds is classified in Group B as well as any vehicle towing another vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.” Class C is defined as ” any vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or is used in the transportation of materials classified as hazardous in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. “To review what CDL License requirements visit www.dmv.dc.gov/service/commercial-driver-license

Most importantly you need to know your truck and trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating since everyone’s combination can be different. Lowrey explains that most Class 7 and 8 trucks pulling semi-trailers or five-horse trailers and above which when loaded are in excess of 10,000 pounds are identified as Class A. The smaller truck-tractors and semi-tractors (class 7 and 8 trucks) pulling four-horse and below trailers or horse boxes are classified as Class B. Class C are not generally applicable to horse trailers.

“I want to make sure that I am clear that whether or not you need a CDL is wholly separate to whether or not you need a USDOT number or whether you must comply within whole or part with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations,” Lowrey says. “You may have to comply with FMCSRs and not have a CDL.”

Also associated with having a CDL license is endorsements and restrictions.      According to Lowrey if you haul a water or fuel tank over 100 gallons inside your truck or trailer you fall under the tank/liquid bulk cargo endorsement. Also restrictions that can be applied are “L” if you failed the Air Brake tests in any portion, “Z” tested in an air over hydraulic vehicle can’t operate a vehicle with full Air Brakes or ” E” no manual transmission restriction.

“If you haven’t had a CDL before and you obtain one, you must also comply with the training portion of the FMCSRs and if you employ additional drivers there are sections of the FMCSRs you must comply with,” Lowrey says. “If you are stopped by state level authorities and do not have the appropriate endorsement or license, law enforcement has the authority to shut you down at the nearest safe spot (weigh station, truck stop,etc) even if you have horses on the trailer or they may choose to simply ticket you. Tickets and fines range depending on the state and violation.”

Turner also advises researching all the requirements needed for your particular rig.

“The size rig comes into play with a CDL. Most if not all horse trailers once hooked behind a one ton dually would require a CDL licensed operator,” Turner says. “What most people don’t know is that if your rig has a gross vehicle weight above 17,000 pounds you are required to have a medical card. A medical card is just a physical by a DOT approved doctor.”

Commercial Vehicles: Safety Responsibilities & Tax Requirements

In addition to regulatory and licensing requirements, Lowrey cautions that state level requirements may apply for a vehicle with commercial tags.

“Depending on the vehicle and tag type, you may be required to participate in the International Fuel Tax Plan (IFTA) and file quarterly or yearly fuel tax returns,” Lowrey says. “Larger Class 7 and 8 vehicles also require filing an IRS 2290 form and paying the corresponding tax responsibility.”

As far as safety responsibilities,  Lowrey strongly recommends that haulers have a qualified safety professional assist them in setting up their safety profile for their particular business and rig.

She explains that a safety professional may be able to save you on testing and filing requirements as well as fines for non-compliance and a lot of time and hassle.

“The main ones are the drug and alcohol testing requirements, pre-post trip vehicle inspections, maintenance and drive files, accident record and vehicle safety equipment,” Lowrey says. “There are a lot of smaller regulations that may or may not apply depending on your situation.”

After her run in with officials, Kristy Klimmek went home and started the whole process of getting her rig completely legal. She now has her USDOT numbers as well as CDL license and says she just finished with her safety audit.

“I have heard of a lot of people in the horse business now starting to go through all of this so they don’t have to worry about it,” Klimmek says. “I’m sure glad I did.”

Stopping at Weight Stations

In addition to USDOT numbers, CDL licenses and safety requirements for your vehicle, it is important to not forget about weigh stations.

Do horse trailers have to stop?

Knowing your rig’s gross vehicle weight (GVW) is essential because most states require commercial vehicles with a GVW rating of 10,000 pounds or more to stop. Every state has different requirements so it is important to watch the signs when crossing the state line and follow the appropriate instructions.

A list of state requirements can be found at www.drivinglaws.aaa.com

 The Horses: Health papers and Coggins

According to Kyle Schroeder, DVM of Auburn Veterinary Service in Auburn, Illinois it is a common state law that horses are required to have a current coggins which is a standard blood test within the last year. There are a handful of states that require the coggins to be within the last six months. Besides having a current coggins, horses should travel with a health certificate which certifies that a horse was inspected by a veterinarian in the past 30 days and describes the destination of the animal. Since typically only the larger shows like the World Shows, Quarter Horse Congress and many state fairs are the only ones to check health papers at the gate, many people do not carry health papers when traveling across state lines.

“Even though health certificates are not checked a lot, you are definitely supposed to have them,” Schroeder says. ” You can get stopped by the state police to see health papers and coggins.”

In addition, Schroeder suggests getting to know all the requirements necessary for traveling to the state of your destination to see if an entry permit number is required or if you are required to stop for livestock inspection when entering the state.

“There are some states that do require a permit number for horses to enter,” Schroeder says. “This involves informing the state vet that certain horses will be entering their state, that they were inspected to travel and where they will be traveling to.”

Since each state is different it is important to talk with your veterinarian and to research the requirements for the states you will be crossing through. For example,  Florida requires all that horse trailers pull in the Agricultural (AG) Station to have paperwork checked.

A helpful list that outlines what each specific state requires to enter with horses and provides each state veterinarian contact information can be found at www.usrider.org/EquestrianMotorPlan.html

All in all before traveling to an out of state horse show, it is more essential than ever before to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork for your horses and your rig. Turner advises his fellow horse friends to go through the process and cover all the necessary bases.

“Here is the long and short of it. Cover your butt. It’s a headache. Yes, anything new is but once you get through the process of setting up everything maintaining it is a breeze,” Turner says. ” Go get your CDL, get your USDOT numbers and IFTA or would you rather be sitting in a Texas summer with six head of horses on in 120 degree weather shut down because of paperwork.”

Make Sure you are Covered before Winter!

Good morning bloggers!

Fall is halfway over and winter is quickly approaching. Although we don't like to think about it, it's important to make sure you are update on all of your farm and property insurance coverage in case we get another bad winter.  If you are unsure, this is a great time to check with your insurance agent. With winter coming, you don't want to get caught un-prepared.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: http://equineinsuranceagent.com/

Some Common Misconceptions About Farm Insurance Coverages

Good afternoon everyone!

Today, we want to share an article with you that does a good job explaining a little bit about some common misconceptions about farm insurance coverages. This article is taken from a blog by NC Horse Lawyer written back in August of this year.

Once you have found a reputable agent experienced with equine insurance, tell them everything you plan to do at your farm (e.g., pasture horses, grow hay, breed horses, board horses, teach lessons, etc.). And do it in an email if possible so that it is in writing so there will be no confusion about what you remembered to tell the agent. Also, you both will have that email to reference in the future if you want to be sure you have addressed everything which needs to be covered. If there are particular concerns about which you are worried, ask questions of your agent. The agent would much rather you ask questions in the beginning when placing the insurance coverage than find out the hard way when you have a claim that something is not a covered risk. Take notes on the agent’s answers to your questions or hang on to the email if the agent responds via email.

"This month’s article will focus on misconceptions which are common on the property insurance side of things. Next month we will address misconceptions about other types of equine-related coverages (e.g., instructor coverage, mortality coverage and others).
What kinds of coverage might you be surprised to know you do NOT have with a typical farmowner’s or homeowner’s policy? Well, that is hard to say because folks have differing ideas of what they think is covered under these policies. Generally speaking, though, here a few examples of things which some people believe are covered under their policies but may not be:

1. Fencing – if your fencing around your pastures is damaged, your basic farmowners/homeowners’ policies do not pay to repair that damage. You can purchase separate fence insurance, but it is not something which is automatically covered by the common farmowners/homeowners’ policy.

2. Certain Downed Trees – If a storm blows a tree down on your farm, unless it lands on a covered structure, none of the cost to cut it up and haul it away is covered by your basic farmowners/homeowners’ insurance policy. Even if it is partially on a covered structure, the insurance company may only be required to remove that portion of the tree (limb, etc) which is actually touching the structure.

3. Barns and other Outbuildings Not Scheduled – Be sure to schedule all the structures on your property, from the barn to the run in out in the pasture to the tool shed by the pond. If a structure is not specifically scheduled (listed) on your policy so that it is clear it is expressly covered, you run the risk of it not being covered, so be sure to tell your agent about all your outbuildings!
Hopefully this information has been useful and will help us remember some of the things which are and are not covered by a standard farmowners/homeowners insurance policy. We can also strive to: (a) remember to find a knowledgeable agent when buying any insurance, especially equine-related insurance; (b) advise your agent in writing of all the structures on your property and all the activities you plan to pursue (or allow other to pursue) on your property; (c) ask any questions about coverage before buying the insurance; (d) confirm you understand the answers from your agent; and (e) request the agent respond via email with the answers so you have a written account of what you told them and what they told you. These simple steps will serve to make everyone’s lives easier rather than trying to recollect conversations from months ago during a claims situation.

Insurance exists for virtually any risk you would like covered, you just have to ask. Certain custom coverages may be very expensive and cost-prohibitive, but creative agents can find almost any coverage you would like to have given a few days. So think about your biggest concerns on your farm and/or about your horse and talk with your agent to be sure you are as covered as you can comfortably afford to be!"

This information was shared from this link.

Barn Fire Fact Safety Sheet Can Help Keep Your Barn Safe

There are dangers in every horse barn and stable during the winter in the form of the space heater, heat tape, portable hot water heater, and faulty electrical box. Based upon a study conducted by the National Fire Prevention Association, defective or improperly used heating equipment is the number one cause of barn and stable fires.

The same report indicated that 46 percent of barn and stable fires occur between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., during the night and outside of the watchful eye of stable management. So, when this data is linked to the fact more barn and stable fires occur during the months of January, February and March, it speaks volumes about the extra care horsemen need to use during the winter months.

Most insurance companies suggest a pro-active program of fire prevention including weekly self-inspections of all electrical equipment used in the barn.
And yes, don’t forget to have a fire escape – emergency evacuation plan. Such plans make a difference if all staff and personnel know what to do in case of an emergency. Barn fires can happen to all barns and stables when it is least expected. So, the solution is very simple, be prepared.

To view a complete barn fire safety checklist from our friends, ERMG, LLC, click here:
Barn Fire Safety Checklist

Thinking outside of the box: Microchipping Your horse for further protection

Microchipping is common practice amongst smaller species ownership, but it is often overlooked when it comes to larger species such as horses. Despite this trend, you shouldn't have to forgo the advantages of having your equine friend microchipped.

 Microchipping is safe and painless. Your vet implants a tiny electronic device (the size of a rice grain) into your horse’s neck via a syringe. The chip contains a unique number which is activated by the vet using their scanner.

There are many advantages in having your horse microchipped:

If your horse is lost or stolen, his microchip number can successfully be used to track him down safely

Microchips are virtually tamper-proof. Once the hair has grown back its existence is undetectable, except by scanners or xrays. Even if thieves had access to these measures, the chip has to be surgically removed which can leave very obvious scarring.

Microchips are an invaluable tool in accurately detecting, treating, and analyzing infectious diseases, such as the EI outbreak.
Microchipping your horse is an inexpensive way to ensure that you remain your horse’s beloved owner. 

We recommend you place your details with as many animal registries as you are able to, as different clinics, animal shelters, government agencies etc sometimes refer to different registries. (http://www.vevs.com.au/site/microchipping-your-horse.html)

How Does It Work?

A microchip system has two parts: a microchip and a scanner that reads it.  The Pro-ID EquineChip™ is a tiny computer chip encased in smooth, strong biocompatible glass.

The EquineChip™ has an identification number programmed into it, and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle.  The chip is quickly and easily injected into the nuchal ligament, where it is guaranteed for the life of the animal. This unique equine number cannot be altered or removed.

The microchip in an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) device and  operates by receiving an invisible radio wave signal from a microchip reader.  When the scanner is passed over the horse's neck, the chip sends its number back to the scanner to be displayed in the viewing window.  The animal feels nothing as his chip is being read.  The interaction between the chip and scanner takes less than a second, allowing you to identify your horse quickly and on demand.

After the microchip has been injected, it should be registered in the Equine Protection Registry, where information is safely stored in cases of loss, theft or natural disaster.

Are your microchips FEI Compliant?
Yes!  Just choose the FEI type of chip when you order.  Our equine products, website and literature are geared to the needs of the horse owner making the EquineChip an impressive standout.  Read More About FEI and passport requirements.

Why should I microchip my horse?
Now you can provide your horse with a lifetime microchip number for a minimal cost.  So, instead of asking 'Why microchip?...you can now say, 'Why not!'.  The tiny chip provides a lifetime permanent identification number for your horse.  This number is unique in the world, cannot be altered, and eliminates doubt.  Horse owners use it for many different reasons, such as: Proof of ownership, theft protection and recovery, disaster recovery, health certificates, medical records, farm management, event entries, travel, Registry ID, and sales documents.

Where is the chip implanted?  Can it be removed?
The chip goes into the nuchal ligament just below the mane about half way between the poll and withers on the left side.  It cannot be removed without general anesthesia and surgery.

Does the EquineChip™ have a protective coating on it?
Yes.  The Pro-ID EquineChip™ is sealed with a special coating called ParalyneC ®.  This sealer is smooth, bio-compatible and encourages tissue growth around it.

Will it interfere with my horse's performance?
Not at all!  From the track to the trail.  Dressage to polo.  Barrels to roping.  From hunter jumpers to that backyard best friend.  Performance is not affected in the least.  Our customers and their veteriarians are the best testimony to this fact.

Tell me about the injection procedure? 
Microchipping is a simple injection.  It only takes seconds.  Most horses don't even flinch as the chip is quickly injected into the nuchal ligament just below the mane.  Once the chip is in place, it cannot be detected by hand.  Only with a scanner.  The horse feels nothing when he is being scanned. 

At what age can my horse be microchipped with the Pro-ID EquineChip™ ?
Any age, from birth on.

How long does the chip last? Does it wear out?
The microchip has no power supply, battery, or moving parts and requires no care.  The EquineChip™ can not be erased with a magnet or powerful electricity.  The chip is guaranteed for the lifetime of your animal. 

Can the microchip move around or 'migrate' after it is injected?

No. Once properly installed, the chip will not migrate or move.  It will be there when you need it.  (A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2003 223:1316-1319) revealed that microchips implanted in the nuchal ligament did not migrate.)

(http://www.microchipidequine.com/answers.html)

Updated List of States We Provide Coverage For

Are you looking for equine insurance? Do you want to switch from your current agent? Well, you're in luck! Associations Underwriters and Ziplow Insurance Agency are proud to offer coverage in the following states. Please contact us at: www.equineinsuranceagent.com for more information!

-California
-Colorado
-Conneticuit
-Delaware
-Florida
-Georgia
-Illinois
-Indiana
-Kansas
-Louisiana
-Maine
-Maryland
-Massachusetts
-Michigan
-Minnesota
-Nebraska
-New Hampshire
-New Jersey
-New Mexico
-New York
-North Carolina
-North Dakota
-Ohio
-Pennsylvania
-Rhode Island
-Tennessee
-Texas
-Virginia

Horse Insurance 101, an article from Smartpak

Let’s face it, insurance falls way to the bottom of the list of topics any horse owner wants to talk about. Discussing worst-case scenarios doesn't exactly make for enjoyable barn aisle or ringside small talk.

Unfortunately, as in many areas of life, what you don’t know can hurt you. In the interest of helping you protect your investments—especially in these still tough economic times—here is some information that might help you consider putting “Get Horse Insurance” on your to-do list.

The Basics

The basic idea behind insurance is that you are paying a fee to an insurance company in order to transfer your risk of an eventual loss to them, and the fee you are paying is significantly less than the amount the company has agreed to pay you in the event such a loss happens.

So, if you cannot afford to replace your horse in the event of a loss, or even more important for many of us, if you cannot afford the costs of veterinary care in the event your horse suffers a serious illness or injury, insurance can be a cost-effective way to mitigate your risk. For many of us, our horses are best friends and family, and we absolutely do not want to be in a situation where financial considerations dictate the quality of care that we’re able to provide.

Or, even if you have the funds on hand to absorb these losses, you may still choose to invest a much smaller amount each year on insurance premiums so that you are not forced to tap into your savings if the unexpected happens.

The Experts

Deciding what coverage to purchase is quite important. While the basics are similar, the actual coverages vary depending on which insurance company provides it. The number of insurance companies in the U.S. that offer horse insurance policies doesn’t even reach into the double digits, though the number of agencies (the organizations that you will usually work with to see about getting coverage) is possibly into the triple digits. Therefore the insurance agency you work with is very important. It can be helpful if they have access to more than one company’s programs so they have options to find a policy that fits you best, from both a cost and coverage standpoint. Look for someone who is willing to answer your questions promptly and clearly, responds to emails and voicemails in a timely manner, and will provide you with a binder as proof of coverage until the actual insurance policy is mailed to you.

And most importantly, find an agent who is also an experienced horse person—someone who knows combined driving from combined training as well as a hock from a hole in the ground. You want someone who understands your passion.

Full Mortality Insurance

When it comes to horse insurance, there are several options. For the purposes of this blog, I will concentrate on the two most common: Full Mortality and Major Medical/Surgical.

The equine Full Mortality policy is the equivalent of life insurance for your horse. It provides coverage in the event the insured horse dies or is humanely destroyed due to a covered accident, injury, illness, or disease, and usually has limited coverage for theft.

Depending on the insurance company, Full Mortality coverage is available for horses ranging in age from 24 hours up to 20 years old. Premiums are based on the horse’s age, breed, use, level, and insured value.

The rates for Full Mortality coverage for the average pleasure or competition horse—uses that would include English/Western Show, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Cutting, Reining, Roping, Barrels—ages 1–15 years, generally range from 2.9–3.6% of the horse’s insured value. So the Mortality premium for a horse insured at a value of $10,000 would average between $290 – $360 a year. Rates for some uses, such as eventing, fox hunting, and endurance, are usually slightly higher, but still reasonable.

Typically the Mortality policy includes a free Emergency Colic Surgery endorsement (for horses without a colic history) of up to $2,500-$5,000, depending on the horse’s insured value and the insurance company.

Full Mortality coverage is very comprehensive, but exact coverage terms vary by company. Common exclusions (reasons that could cause a claim to be denied) include: pre-existing conditions, purposely harming the horse, not utilizing the services of a licensed veterinarian, late reporting of a loss, failure to meet the company’s requirements after the loss, and some pretty farfetched possibilities such as war, destruction of the horse due to government order, and nuclear radiation.

Major Medical/Surgical

This is the most popular coverage that horseowners add by endorsement to their Mortality policy, and is not available on a standalone basis. It helps reimburse for covered veterinary expenses (medical and/or surgical) in the event the horse suffers a covered accident, injury, illness, or disease during the policy period.

For as little as an additional $200 annual premium (depending on the insurance company), the endorsement can provide for an aggregate limit of $5,000 for the policy period, with deductibles as low as $300 per claim. Higher annual limits of $7,500, $10,000, $12,500 and $15,000 are also available with many companies, with varying deductibles, and annual premiums ranging from $300 to $675 or higher.

Major Medical/Surgical does not provide for routine health maintenance or preventative care such vaccinations, deworming, dental or farrier care. Other common exclusions (though this is not an exhaustive list) include: pre-existing conditions, elective or cosmetic surgery, performance enhancing treatments, joint injections, integrative therapies (such as chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture), the veterinarian’s call charge, or transportation costs.

So if your horse colics, founders, runs through a fence, gets kicked, develops a lameness, or suffers any of the other countless injuries or illnesses that can keep you up at night, Major Medical/Surgical should help reimburse for covered expenses after the deductible is met. The actual coverage details vary depending on the insurance company, so ask your agent about exclusions, co-pays (especially for diagnostic tests and treatments such as shock wave and regenerative therapies), treatment time limits, and extension periods.

Think your horse wouldn't be a candidate for Major Medical/Surgical because he is used for just pleasure and/or you only paid a couple hundred or thousand dollars for him? While some companies will not offer the coverage on lower valued horses, there are a few that do not have restrictions on the amount of Major Medical/Surgical coverage they will offer, regardless of the horse’s insured value on the Mortality policy.

Caveat Emptor

A few “let the buyer beware” items for consideration. Horse insurance is very different from human health insurance. For example, pre-existing conditions are not covered, even if the horse was insured when it first contracted the disease or condition. So, if for example your horse develops a lameness or requires colic surgery while he’s insured, expect to see an exclusion for that health issue on the next year’s policy when you renew. This is because the policies are reviewed and underwritten each year, therefore the condition would be considered pre-existing and therefore excluded on the new policy. That being said, there are typically extension periods built into the policy for issues that continue beyond the original policy’s expiration.

Also, as mentioned earlier, it is very important that you contact the insurance company as soon as a health issue presents itself. The policy requires it, and you could jeopardize your coverage if you fail to promptly report the issue. It is also in your best interest to do so because the claims adjuster can explain your coverage in detail so you can work with your vet and make a plan with that information in mind.

Something to Think About

There is no doubt that pondering all the worst-case scenarios of horse ownership is uncomfortable at best, which is another reason to consider insurance. Knowing that you’re covered in case of the unthinkable buys you more than financial security—it also gives your peace of mind.



To view the original article, click here: http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2014/04/horse-insurance-101/