For people who have never spent time on a farm, an overnight visit to a guest and dude ranch is an opportunity for a new adventure.
In Canada, these western-style activities often include high-risk activities that include the whole family. And, sometimes, these activities involve going off your property onto another owner’s property with whom you have an agreement.
What you’ll discover in this report:
- The risk level of owning and operating a guest and dude ranch
- Common claims against guest and dude ranches
- How to plan ahead
- Coverage offered by a commercial general liability policy
- Other types of insurance to consider
What’s the Risk Level of Running a Guest and Dude Ranch?
The risk level of running a guest and dude ranch is high.
You have overnight guests of all ages with supervised and unsupervised activities. With most activities occurring outdoors and often in remote places, you’re at a high risk an incident could happen.
Horse/human interactions always carry a risk, but there could also be other high-risk activities like archery or swimming.
Top Claims Involving Guest and Dude Ranches
The examples of claim incidents involving guest and dude ranches include:
- Guests get hurt while participating in activities at your guest and dude ranch
- A medical crisis occurs because injured guests require more than what your resident medical staff can provide
- Guests stop for a pre-made meal on trail rides and become ill because the food wasn’t kept at a safe temperature
How To Plan Ahead
We know you care about the horses and the people that come to your guest and dude ranch. Below are steps you can take to protect yourself against potential accidents.
Enforce barn rules
Develop rules for your environment for both horses and people. Train staff members so they understand rules and procedures. Document procedures.
Plan for emergencies
Emergencies happen. But the more prepared you are, the better chance you have of providing proper care to your horses. Preparation can minimize the severity of any accident.
Develop regular inspections of your property
By inspecting your premises for potential hazards, you can take care of them before an incident occurs.
Prepare a written waiver and review your province’s Occupiers’ Liability Act
Your province's Occupiers’ Liability Act could state that the stable owner/operator owes a duty of care to the people who enter their premises, which assures that any property they bring on your premises is also reasonably safe.
Anyone who participates in horse activities on your premises needs to complete and sign your province’s waiver, if applicable. Make sure to keep signed forms on file and safely stored. You are free to restrict, modify or exclude this duty of care through your written waiver.
Follow Provincial Safety Regulations
Check your provincial safety regulations regarding helmet use for minors and if helmets need to meet certain criteria, such as ASTM, BSI or European Safety Standards. Footwear is also often regulated (i.e. hard-soled footwear with a heel of no less than 1.5 centimeters).
Purchase an equine specific liability insurance policy
Protect you and your business with an insurance company that knows horses and your business. You want to make sure that any legal feels are covered, claim costs and settlements to ensure that in the case of an accident, your business doesn’t suffer a financial loss.
What’s Included in the Commercial General Liability Policy?
The policy gives you maximum limits or amounts of liability insurance for:
- Lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage caused by in the course of conducting your business operations
- Legal defense costs: You can save your business the financial burden of court costs if you’re sued, whether or not the case has merit.
- Claims or settlement costs: Without this policy, the business could be held responsible for bodily injury and property damage claims.
Other Coverages To Consider?
There is some exposure for liability not covered by a commercial general liability policy. We recommend the following additional coverages:
- Products and completed operations: For souvenir items like clothing or jewelry
- Commercial auto insurance: If you or one of your employees provides any type of transportation services
- Liquor liability: If you serve alcohol on the premises.
- Worker’s compensation: Protect your employees by making sure any medical expenses are covered if they’re injured on the job
Contact Us Today
At Henry Equestrian, Powered by NFP, we understand horses and we want to make sure you and your guests are protected at your dude and guest ranch. Contact us today to learn more or click below for a free, no-obligation quote.