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/

Farm Safety & Accident Facts

No one likes to think about the 'what ifs' and possible accidents that could happen on their farm. However, it's important to think about them so you can learn to be prepared for them, a plan of action if they were to occur, and also importantly to have coverage to protect your farm and assets. Many farm accidents happen each year so it's important to be prepared. Here are a few thing from the OSHA facts safety sheet. (Although it's a little dated, the information is still relevant)

FARM SAFETY

General Statistics of Farm Accidents

According to "Accident Facts " these are the statistics for farms:

Tractor accidents on farms cause the highest number of fatalities with tractor overturns accounting for 44 percent of all tractor fatalities.
Fruit farms have the highest work injury rate among various specified agricultural operations (233 injuries per million hours of exposure). The rate for all farms is 20.0 compared with 4.2 for all industry.
Males have a higher injury rate than females and hired workers have higher injury rates than family members.

Contributing Factors in Farming Accidents

Emergency Preparedness- Hospital and emergency medical care are not usually available within a reasonable distance; the farmer and his family do not have the ability or time to deal with an emergency until professional help arrives.

Age of workers- Farm surveys indicate that the injury rate is highest among children age 15 and under and adults more than 65 year of age.

Protective Equipment- It has been estimated that the use of protective equipment, such as seat belts on tractors, could prevent up to 40% of all farm work injuries.

Equipment and Machinery- The majority of farm accidents and fatalities involve the use of machinery. Proper machine guarding and equipment maintenance in accordance with the manufacturers recommendation(s) helps in avoiding accidents.

Special Care for Children - Farm accidents claim as many as 300 children's lives per year.


Recommendations for Accident Prevention

The following steps are recommended:

Make accident prevention a management as well as a personal goal. Develop an awareness of hazards on the farm and make a conscious effort to prepare for emergency situations including fires, vehicle accidents, electrical shocks from equipment and wires, and adverse health effects from chemical exposures.
Reduce your risk of injury and illness with preventive measures. Read and follow instructions in equipment operator's manuals. Follow instructions on product labels for safe use, handling, and storage.
Conduct routine inspections of your equipment to determine problems and potential failures that may contribute to or cause an accident.
Conduct meetings with employees and family members to assess safety hazards, discuss potential accident situations, and outline emergency procedures.
Be especially alert to hazards that may affect children and the elderly.
Minimize hazards by careful selection of products you buy, by providing good maintenance of tools, buildings, and equipment, and establishing good housekeeping procedures.
Provide rollover protective structures, protective enclosures, or protective frames as appropriate for farm tractors.
Use seat belts while the tractor is in operation.
Make sure guards for farm equipment are put back on after maintenance to protect workers from moving machinery parts.
Review material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and labels that come with chemical products.
Communicate information concerning hazards to all workers. Prevent pesticide poisonings and dermatitis caused by chemicals by ensuring that protective measures recommended in the MSDSs or labels are taken.

Take the necessary precautions to prevent entrapment and suffocation caused by unstable surfaces of grain storage bins, silos or hoppers
Be aware that methane gas, carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide can be present in unventilated grain silos and manure pits in quantities sufficient to cause asphyxiation or explosion.
Benefits

The benefits of accident prevention include reduced work injury and illness costs such as worker compensation insurance premiums, lost production and medical costs. A safer more healthful workplace also improves worker production and morale and prevents human suffering.






To view the original fact sheet, click here.