Henry Equestrian

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In equine sports and coaching, it’s critical to ensure the safety of both participants and professionals. Waivers are an important step that coaches and trainers must take to safeguard against unforeseen events and potential liability. Waivers are documents that serve as a contractual agreement between the coach and their clients, outlining the terms and conditions of participation in horse-related activities. Every equestrian coach should have a waiver in their legal name. The waiver not only protects the coach but also sets clear expectations for participants regarding inherent risks. Here are some things to remember when developing your waivers: Consult a lawyer. Crafting an effective waiver requires legal expertise. Coaches should seek legal counsel when developing their waiver document. Although there are numerous examples available online, they may not provide adequate protection in the event of a loss. An attorney with knowledge of equine-related laws can help ensure that the waiver is comprehensive and legally sound. Get signatures. A waiver must be signed by all participants. If the participant is a minor, a parent or legal guardian can sign on their behalf. As soon as a participant reaches the age of majority, however, they must sign their own waiver. This ensures that all parties involved acknowledge and accept their responsibilities and risks. Ensure participant understanding. When you provide participants with the waiver, it’s crucial to ensure they understand what they’re signing. Coaches must take the time to ensure that all participants thoroughly understand the risks associated with horse riding. This may involve a comprehensive explanation of potential dangers and safety measures and allowing participants an opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification. Keep a copy. Coaches must keep a copy of the signed waivers. These documents are vital in the event of a claim, as they serve as proof of participants' consent to the terms and conditions outlined in the waiver. In the event of a claim, you will be asked to provide a waiver to your insurer. While it can’t prevent a lawsuit, waivers can also be a powerful tool in helping your legal team mount a robust defense if one does take place. The existence of a signed waiver demonstrates that participants were aware of the risks involved, which helps reduce potential liability. In equine coaching and sports, waivers are more than just best practice. They’re a necessity. By having a legally sound waiver, coaches and riding instructors can create a safer environment for their clients while protecting their businesses. Our experts at Henry Equestrian know the equine industry and are here to help you reduce risk and protect what matters most. Call us at 1.800.565.4321, or request your insurance quote online today.

Each type of insurance is different, and every insurance company has its own internal rules and practices. Even your past claims and circumstances affect different rules and practices; just because something went one way for your neighbours, doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. If you have any concerns or questions about filing a claim, please contact us. At Henry Equestrian, Powered by NFP, we have four decades of experience in the horse insurance business and are dedicated to serving the equestrian community with all its insurance needs. We’ll make sure you understand your insurance policy and advise you to make the best decision for you. Click here if you need to make a claim. Should I File This Claim? At Henry Equestrian, we believe an educated consumer is a more empowered consumer. We encourage you to speak with your broker to learn more about how your policy works and how filing an insurance claim can affect your policy. Every claim is different and there’s no blanket answer to whether you should claim in every situation. You must reach out to your broker if: If you are served with legal documents or a demand for settlement (this could be due to bodily injury or property damage suffered by a third party – perhaps your horse kicked someone) If your horse is going for emergency surgery If your horse will need to be put down It is up to you if you decide to open a claim for medical or surgical expenses for your horse, but you must always advise your broker of any ailments, injuries, illnesses or medical conditions. A Reminder About Deductibles For example: If your deductible is $1,000 and you suffer $800 in damages, your insurance company isn’t going to pay anything because the amount of damage is less than your deductible. But here’s where it gets a little tricky. What if the loss is just a little bit more than your deductible amount? What if your deductible is $1,000 and the damage is $1,200? In this case, your damages are only $200 more than your deductible. Therefore, you’ll receive only $200 from the company. Every situation is different and this is where we’d recommend speaking with your Henry Equestrian insurance broker for guidance. What To Consider Think about the following factors when considering whether to file a claim: Size of your claim: You generally don't want to submit a small claim, especially if the losses come close to your deductible. Your deductible: Is it less costly for you to pay the additional out-of-pocket expenses and keep the claim off your policy? Injury: If anyone suffered an injury, it’s always a good idea to talk to an insurance professional and make sure you’re protected. No matter how minor the injury, the injured company may come back and sue you in the future. Make sure it’s reported so you won’t be denied coverage down the road. Your insurance company: Every insurer is different. Some will insure very few high-risk clients. Others will – but for a premium. Need To File a Claim? If you need to file an insurance claim now, please visit our main claims page. Talk to Us Today At Henry Equestrian, Powered by NFP, we understand horses and we want to make sure you’re covered. Whether you have questions about filing a claim or want to learn more about our offerings, contact us to or click below for a free, no-obligation quote.