Conference noted::equitation

    Earlier this year I did some investigation into liability insurance for
    carriage rides, which would include weddings. It seems that premiums
    begin at $750.00 per year and go up from there, depending on dollar
    volume of your business. I heard of one farm who did hay rides
    regularly paying $5000.00 per year for such insurance.
    
    The Farm Bureau will also write a General Commercial Liability
    insurance policy to cover carriage rides ($300 - $400) IF they get your
    other insurance business as well. If you own a stable/farm this may be
    a good deal since they have quite good rates on that kind of insurance.
    Since I board my horse and my present homeowner's insurance
    policy is quite inexpensive, this was no better deal for me than the
    $750 I was quoted.
    
    So, if you want to get into driving for weddings it appears you'll need
    to do a lot of it and charge serious $'s to come out ahead. Current
    rates for weddings in the Greater Maynard Area seem to be in the $250
    to $500 range depending on location of wedding relative to stable (no
    trucking, less cost), time and distance.
    
    I have done one wedding with my horse and carriage essentially as a
    sub-contractor to a stable owner who does it regularly, but got
    double-booked. I used to help this stable owner out in the 1970's with
    weddings and hayrides. It can be fun to start but can become boring if
    done too often.
    
    The Horseman's Yankee Pedlar, and other horse magazines, have adverts
    from insurance companies. I contacted some of these companies. The AHSA
    Insurance Company doesn't seem to offer this kind of coverage; full
    membership in the AHSA does provide liability insurance for
    recreational driving.
    
    I decided that the cost of insurance was too high for me for the few
    occasions I might have the time to do a wedding and have turned down
    all subsequent requests. Remember that a wedding is supposed to be an
    occasion for great joy and any serious accident will have the lawyers
    lining up against you before the emergency services arrive.
     

    And, rates/liability are different per state...
    
    

    I do not think this will help you, but up here in Maine, I checked into 
    liability insurance for sleigh rides for the months of DEC,JAN & FEB,
    weekends only, $1500.00. thats a lot of sleigh rides.  good luck
    
                                                                 Greg

    Thanks folks, does anyone know a good insurance company in New 
    Hampshire? 
    
    My husband pondered the buggy rides but I think I have pretty
    much discouraged that one however... Maybe in the Spring
                       a new idea -
    We have a test case now to feel the situation out...so..next
    year I might try an attempt at "renting" I guess would be the
    word horses by the hour for ONLY
                - Current riding students who want/need to practice
                - Round ring restricted to protect my horses (and them)
                - Advanced begginers to intermediate riders
                
    The young woman who we are allowing to do this now is working out
    well. She is responsible for grooming and cool-out, tack care and
    is helping in the stable since this case is not to make money.
    
    Feedback pro or con's to this?
    
    Please remember my horses are pets not used for show. It is quite
    expense feeding 5 to 6 horses, geese,ducks,chickens,dogs,cats,and
    a 700lb pet pig so I have to try to think of SAFE ways to survive
    with my pets.
    

    Check with the Farm Family rep in your area...they may be able to help.
    
    Kathie
    

    I have never heard of Farm Family Insurance. 
    
    We live in Mason N.H. .... Do you know where they are located?
    
    
                                     Amy

    
    Amy,
    
    Where in Mason are you? I'm on Sandpit Rd., and have recently developed
    an interest in horses. It would be great to know someone in town who
    is also into horses...
    
    Stu
    

    I don't know of any agents in New Hampshire but our agent is Mass is
    Dick Simonian.  If you called his office they would be able to give
    you the information...508-393-9327.
    
    Hope that this will help.
    
    Kathie