Special Event Liability insurance will be the final topic of this week’s discussion about the various types of equine liability insurance available for purchase.  If you are hosting an event such as a clinic, a roping, a show or a trail ride, you should consider buying insurance.

Special Event Liability insurance typically extends to the organization putting on the show and its members.  Show officials, committee members, judges, course designers and premises owners can usually be included as additional insureds (and I recommend getting coverage for all of the above, if applicable).

If considering Special Event Liability insurance, ask your agent what types of incidents are covered and what parts of the premises are covered.  Many accidents that occur at a horse event do not involve horses and do not happen in the arena.  I know of one instance where a horse show sponsor was sued in connection with a golf cart wreck in the parking lot.  As such, the Equine Activity Laws will not always provide a defense so you need to make sure you have insurance coverage.

Also, make sure that claims made by spectators and guests (not just participants) are covered under the policy.

In addition to Special Event Liability insurance, I recommend that event sponsors1) post the Equine Activity Law signs at the event; and 2) have each participant sign a liability waiver form that is a separate document from the entry form.

The "downside" for some sponsors (depending on the event) is that the liability carrier may prohibit the sponsor from allowing dogs or alcohol on the premises during the event.  Even if the sponsor is not selling alcohol, that "col’beer" in people’s private ice chests in their pickups might be disallowed under the insurance policy.  So add dogs and beer to the list of things to discuss with your agent to make sure you’re covered.

Photo credit:  Eric Ashford (Flikr)