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Getting Through This – Together!

As we enter 2021, the industry is facing new challenges as Government and Health officials publish (ever) changing guidance surrounding COVID-19. Because we are hearing questions again from our clients, we felt it was appropriate to send out an updated set of Q&As.

By now, you will know that neither CapriCMW Insurance Services Ltd. nor your Provincial/Territorial equine association have the authority to open, close or modify the operations of your business. The best we can do is offer insurance / risk management related information and refer you to local government authority to get the most current details of what is “allowed” and what is “not allowed” in your area.

What we can also say is that insurers around the world have adjusted their policies to exclude claims related to the spread of the COVID virus. As you move forward in your 2021 business planning, you should assume that you will not be insured if someone alleges they contracted the virus at your place of business or from you directly. From a risk management standpoint, this means establishing specific COVID protocols, determining whether or not engaging with clients at this time is a good idea and using robust risk forms that address the full scope of risk of receiving service from you (including the spread of communicable disease).

Please read through the following Q & A. If you have any questions not addressed here, please let us know and we will be happy to respond.

For Commercial Equine Enterprise Operations, Clubs, Coaches, Trainers

1. If I establish acceptable protocols with the guidance of my local health authority, is my insurance coverage with CapriCMW in force?
Your insurance policy as administered by CapriCMW has not changed and has been in full force and effect throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. What continues to change is government oversight restricting the movement of people and the operation of many business enterprises. In some areas of the country, government officials are allowing activity but have made it very clear that return to activity comes with specific guidance and protocols to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.

2. As an equine industry professional, I am aware of the evolving risks associated with COVID-19. Should I get my clients to sign new acknowledgement of risk forms that address this?
The short answer is “yes”. The best forms are those that address the general risks associated with equine activity and note that there is a possibility of disease being present at the farm, horse show, lesson etc. Just remember that the use of such forms is not a guarantee that a claim will not be brought against you. These forms are only one of many components in an effective risk management strategy. The following are examples of forms that we are seeing in the industry:

a. Acknowledgement of Risk form
A form that should be familiar to most readers that speaks to general bodily injury/property damage risks associated with equine related activity. This form is updated to include reference to “disease” and “communicable disease”. There is a form for persons over the age of majority and a separate form for those under the age of majority.

b. Daily Attestation Form
The general guidance on the use of this form is that it be signed EACH TIME a client is receiving service from you or attends at your place of business. Having a daily form helps to show the courts that you are undertaking a regular pattern of risk management for the benefit of your client if a claim were to emerge later.

c. Facility Form
This form is useful for boarding places and facilities where clients may attend on a regular basis. This is not a daily form.

d. Specific Event Form
As the name implies, this form would take the place of the Facility Form if you were to run a “one of” event (show, clinic etc.)

3. Can these forms be signed electronically?
From an insurance perspective, “e-signatures” are increasingly acceptable but suggest that you refer to your legal counsel in this regard to discuss the implication if you were sued.

4. How long do I need to keep these forms?
The forms need to be stored for several years. We suggest again that you refer to your legal counsel for their advice.

5. Are insurers going to cover claims arising from COVID-19 allegations brought against my business or me?
Insurers are now issuing specific exclusions surrounding bodily injury claims arising from COVID 19. This is an understandable position given the magnitude of this global pandemic. In the mid-term (a few years from now perhaps when a vaccine is truly in wide use), insurers may come back to the table as they have in the past when other world-wide calamities strike. As you engage in activity with your customers, you should assume there would be no coverage for COVID claims so that your risk management and mitigation plans are robust.

6. I understand I am not covered for COVID claims, but is the rest of my policy still valid?
The policy is in full force and effect for all insured risks as detailed on documentation issued… as long as you are not breaking the law.

Your Provincial and National Equine Sport Organizations continue to offer assistance to the community by offering general best practice guidance that considers the overall health and welfare of everyone involved – including the horse. Please visit your Provincial Equine Association website for COVID resources.

If you are in doubt of whether you are operating your business in compliance with government regulations, you should consult local authorities. Many regions have set up toll free hot lines for businesses to answer questions specific to COVID. If you can find such a resource in your region – use it.

If you have any further questions, we are here to help. Contact us by email for any COVID related questions at equine@capricmw.ca.

Sincerely,
Michael King, Partner
CapriCMW Insurance

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Eyesa Timber Named AQHA’s 2020 Canadian Racing Champion

Thursday night (January 14, 2021) the AQHA hosted its annual Racing Champion Awards night. The ceremony was held at Heritage Place and livestreamed through AQHA’s website.

 

Canadian Champion when to freshman EYESA TIMBER. This two-year-old gelding was bred in Alberta and is by First Timber and out of the Mr Jess Perry mare: Eyesa Perry. He raced for owner/breeder Wesley Oulton. His racing career started at Remington Park, Oklahoma where he had two running up performances. He then shipped to Canterbury Park, Minnesota. He broke is maiden in a trial to the MQHRA Stallion Auction Futurity and qualified to the finals. The final was his only start off the board. While competing in the United States he was trained by Durk Perry and ridden by Jose Vega. The gelding then shipped to Alberta, Canada to finish off the season with three consecutive wins: a trial to the Alberta Bred Futurity, the Alberta Bred (RG3) Futurity and the Canada QH Cup (RG3) Futurity. In Alberta he was trained by his owner Wesley Oulton and riding duties were split between Jose Rocha and J.B. Botello. Eyesa Timber’s 2020 season finished with a record of 7 starts: 4(2)-2-0 and earnings of $56,491, racing at distances from 250 yards to 400 yards.

Congratulations to all the connections!!

 

A summary of the all the 2020 AQHA Racing Champions can be found at 2020 Racing Champions – AQHA

 

For more information about Quarter Horse Racing in Canada please reach out to AQHA Provincial Racing Affiliates:

            Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association: www.aqhra.ca

            Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc: https://qrooi.com 

Image: from @Q-Racing

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The 2020 AQHA Racing Canadian Champion Contenders

The Canadian Quarter Horse Association would like to acknowledge the below horses that are in contention for 2020 AQHA’s Racing Canadian Champion.

2020 was a challenge year for all aspects of the Equine Industry and we are grateful that racing foraged forward.

The 2020 AQHA Racing Championship Ceremony is at 6pm Central on January 14 at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City. The Ceremony will be aired via live webcast at www.aqha.com/racing

COUNTRYS COMMIN BAC is a 2013 gelding by Country Chicks Man out of the dam Bac To Center (Splash Bac) foaled in Ontario. Owned by Ralph Pearson, bred by Marko Naterer and trained by Don Reid this gelding had a record of 9 starts: 2(1)-0-1 with earnings $27, 964 USD. He won the Ontario Bred Maturity.

DOUBLE CRUISE is a 2017 gelding by Bd Cruiser out of the dam Eye Cruise (Eye Take Time) foaled in Alberta. He raced for owner/breeder/trainer Tom Kenway with a record of 6 starts: 2(2)-2(1)-0 and earnings of $28,418 USD. He won the Alberta Bred Derby and the Canada QH Cup Derby

EAZY STREET a 2017 gelding by Mighty B Valiant out of Easily Holland (Holland Ease) bred in Ontario. He raced for owners Carol & Jamie Robertson, breeder Buylaine Paquin and trainer Bryn Robertson. From 7 starts he had a record of 2- 2(1)-1(1) and earnings of $25,934 USD. He was second in the Picov Derby and third in the Ontario Bred Derby.

EYESA TIMBER a 2018 gelding by First Timber out of Eyesa Perry (Mr Jess Perry) foaled in Alberta. A record from 7 starts of 4(2)-2-0 and earnings of $56,491 USD. He raced for owner/breeder/trainer Wesley Oulton, winning the Alberta Bred (RG3) Futurity and Canada QH Cup (RG3) Futurity.

FIESTY ICON a 2012 gelding by Sugarman Perry out of Fiesty Spirit (Special Effort) foaled in Ontario. Raced by owner/trainer Richard Kennedy and bred by Picov Cattle Company. He earned $45,197 USD from 9 starts 3(2)-3(1)-2. He was 1st in the Ontario Sire Stakes Maturity, 1st Alex Picov Memorial Championship and 2nd Ontario Bred Maturity.

HAD TO BE RELENTLESS a 2018 Ontario foaled gelding by Hes Relentless out of Had To Be Fandango (Hadtobenuts). He raced for owner/breeder Carol & Jamie Robertson and trainer Bryn Robertson. A record of 1-4(1)-1(1) from 6 started earning $35,190 USD. He was 2nd in the Alex Picov Memorial Futurity and 3rd in the Ontario Bred Futurity.

HANOVER HILL CHALSEE a 2017 Ontario foaled filly by Make Out Artist out of Secret Sugarwoman (Sugarman Perry). She raced for owner/breeder Picov Cattle Co and trainer Richard Kennedy. She won the Ontario Bred Derby and had a record of 4(1)-1-2 from 9 starts earning $38,236 USD.

JESS CAROLINAS AWARD a 2017 filly by Winners Award out of Jess Carolina (Feature Mr Jess). She raced for owner/breeder Rick Crispi and trainer Tom Dunlap. In 8 starts she earned $35, 474 USD

ONE KOOL DYNASTY a 2017 filly by Fdd Dynasty out of One Kool Bud (Strawflyin Buds). Bred in Ontario by William “Bill” Taggart, owned by Belinda Taggart and trained by Carol McIntyre she earned a record of 4(1)-3(1)-1(1) from 10 starts and earnings of $47,454 USD. She was 1st in the Princess Derby, 2nd Ontario Bred Derby and 3rd Picov Derby.

TWIXT OF FATE a 2018 Ontario bred gelding by Streakin Six Cartel out of Eyesa Quick (Eyesa Special). Racing for breeder Gary McNichol, owner Richard Wincikaby and trainer Michelle Woodley. He earned $28,489 USD from 4 starts with a record of 2(1)-1-0. He won the Ontario Bred Futurity.

Ontario images provided by New Media Images (Clive Cohen) and Alberta images by Coady Photography (Ryan Haynes).

Stat source: Equibase

About the AQHA Racing Champions

Each year, AQHA awards the top American Quarter Horses in the racing industry at the AQHA Racing Champions Ceremony. The Champions ballots for each equine category are determined by a collection of criteria. Some automatically make the ballot based on earnings. Others are nominated and voted onto the ballot by the AQHA Racing Committee. Members of the Champions Selection Subcommittee then meet to review the finalists and cast their ballots to determine each champion. Ballots for Breeder, Owner, Trainer and Jockey of the Year consist of the individuals with the best overall placing according to money earned, races won and performance in graded stakes. Winners are likewise chosen by the Champions Selection Subcommittee. More details on the AQHA Selection Process can be found here.

 

Individual voting results will be made public at the AQHA Racing Champions Ceremony on January 14 at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City.

 

The AQHA Racing Champions Ceremony is sponsored by Bank of America, John Deere, Nutrena, Wrangler, Adequan® and Heritage Place.