The one thing no one brought up about standing a stallion is the insurance.
And don't think that just because your insurance has the name "Farmers" or
"Farm" or "Ranch" or "Grange" or "Country" in it... that you have the proper
type of farm insurance... you most likely do not for standing a stallion... it's
different for llamas or cows or other types of livestock breeding operations...
horses are "special" from an insurance standpoint. If you are getting away with
it at this point, don't tell your agent you have a stallion, they don't want to
know or be reminded...
Unless you have a farm policy specifically related to "standing a
stallion".... you will find that your normal "home owner" policy will NOT cover
you for a horse related claim. I found that on my small piece of property, with
a small shedrow, and one stallion and 1 mare that belonged to me I was looking
at around $2,000 a year for the "proper" kind of insurance vs. $600 for normal
private homeowners policy.
If you use a stud farm for outside mares then you can be ok from an
insurance point of view. But if you bring outside mares on your property, just
having them sign a piece of paper saying they will not hold you liable will NOT
save your hide in court if something happens to that mare you are found liable
for. It is highly recommended you have "care, custody & control" also
as a clause on your farm policy... that can run an additional $1,000 per year
depending on the value of the mares visiting your stallion. This clause can also
cover a boarding situation, but check it out before assuming anything.
You also need to make sure your stallion has liability on him specifically
for when you go to rides, shows, etc. some farm policies include this, some have
it as a rider, like the care, custody & control. If you train and have
seminars at your "facility"... then that is more added expense. And, of course,
mortality is a must on him if he's worth anything at all for breeding... we
won't go into the infertility clause, or the loss of use clause, or the extra
options for colic surgery.... Can you see how many mares you need to breed
per year to cover this insurance? They'll also ask you what kind of dogs you
have and if it is the "bad" kind... they will up the rates or refuse to insure
you. I see that happening on normal homeowner policies now anyway.
Go geld your colt.... both of you will be happier. As long as the sire is
alive, most will seek him out to breed to anyway.
I've had a stallion for 7 years, and now he's a gelding.
