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Risk Management, Funding, Education, Representation 

Equestrians in every province of Canada are supported and represented by horse-specific provincial organizations. A perk of membership in those organizations is access to highly specialized third-party liability insurance. Other perks include education, funding, community, and representation. Here’s a summary: 

INSURANCE: Any activity that involves horses carries risks. This is why membership with a provincial sport organization (PTSO) automatically includes two insurance policies: personal liability insurance and accident, death, and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage (except in Quebec). These policies are provided by Acera Insurance, a Canadian insurance company which has been instrumental in developing a culture of risk management in Canada’s horse industry for over 25 years. 

1. $5,000,000 of Personal Liability Insurance covers PTSO members against legal actions made against them because of something their horse does. For example, damaging property at a boarding facility; a horse getting loose and causing a car accident; a friend riding someone else’s horse, falling off and getting hurt; someone getting kicked at a horse show; or one horse injuring another in a paddock. This insurance can save members from paying legal and settlement costs out of their own pocket. 
2. Accident, Death, and Dismemberment (AD&D) protects PTSO members if they’re seriously injured — or worse — as a result of an interaction with a horse. The Principal Sum Limit is $40,000 plus there are additional coverage options. 
3. Beyond these important included products, Acera Insurance has built a suite of “member only” insurance options to cover your horse, your tack, and more.

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EDUCATION: PTSOs offer valuable educational resources and opportunities that enhance equestrian knowledge and skills for all ages and levels. PTSOs can help members source certified coaches, beginner programs, specialized courses, or long-term athlete development programs. They provide free webinars on road safety, first aid, nutrition, parasites, hoof care, horse camping, and other topics. 

Ontario Equestrian offers a Ticket to Ride program where people who are new to horse sports receive a free ticket to take a “learn to groom” session or an assessment ride at an accredited facility. Horse Council of British Columbia (HCBC) has a free Horse Play Program which encourages riders to record the hours they spend with their horse. 

PTSOs also offer P’Tit Trot and Rookie Riders programs for young children, plus support long-term athlete development for riders working towards upper-level competition. They subsidize the cost of Equine Guelph courses on topics such as equine business, senior horse care, gut health, horse welfare, sickness prevention, youth safety, injury prevention, rescue, and emergencies. Additionally, some PTSOs mail a free magazine to their members. 

FUNDING: Every PTSO offers unique benefits tailored to its members' needs, and those include funding for clinics, shows, and education. For instance, Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) provides funding for individual members to participate in a clinic or an event, or to buy a Western helmet. AEF also offers scholarships, bursaries, and club funding, plus funds trail development province-wide. They also have over 100 business members who offer discounts to individual members. HCBC offers similar funding options — athlete assistance, funding for trails projects, funds for regional clubs, educational grants, and travel assistance to individuals. Ontario Equestrian members can access similar programs plus a youth bursary, which funds members who are still in high school. 

Photo: iStock/People Images 

COMMUNITY: Beyond insurance, educational benefits, and financial help, PTSOs foster a sense of community within the equine industry of each province. They’re the recognized organization for horse use in each province and provide a platform for members to connect, regardless of their discipline or level of involvement. PTSOs also address community-wide issues and by joining forces with thousands of fellow horse enthusiasts, members can ensure their collective concerns are heard. 

REPRESENTATION: Provincial governments look to PTSOs of all different sports to provide a unified voice from their members. Hence, it’s imperative that equestrians join their PTSO to ensure that horse sports are visible to provincial governments. Numbers matter. The more members, the more likely that lands will remain accessible to horseback riders and that horseback riding itself will remain socially acceptable within Canadian society. 

With all these benefits, it makes good sense to become a member of your provincial horse sport organization, regardless of your area of interest in the industry. Plus, every member strengthens the collective voice of the horse industry. Join your PTSO today to access these advantages and contribute to a vibrant and united equestrian community both now and into the future. 

Acera Insurance. Same great people, stronger than ever.

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