RE: [RC] Questiions about Gelding a Colt - Mcgann, Barbara
Dang it all, Toni! My two Obiwon foals
are turning out REALLY nice and I was hoping to bring a couple more mares to him
someday!
Barb McGann
-----Original Message----- From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Toni
Jones Sent: Monday, September 20, 2004 10:17 PM To:
ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] Questiions about Gelding a
Colt
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.
