Why should I be a member of the OEF?

Membership

Ontario Equestrian Federation membership....Everyone should have it… lesson students, barn staff, grooms, volunteers, parents...We all know that OEF membership is "a must" for coaches, competitors, judges, etc. But why should the everyday rider, weekly lesson student, or parent be an OEF member?

EVERYONE who rides, handles, or works around or with horses should have the protection of personal liability insurance & accident insurance in case of an injury or incident caused by a horse or horses. This will provide peace of mind for you as a parent, rider, student, groom, coach, etc.

$5,000,000 Personal Liability Insurance that will protect you, the member if you are sued by a third party because a horse that you own or lease causes property damage or bodily injury to a third party. This coverage is in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and covers the member anywhere in the world.

$30,000, Accident, Death or Dismemberment coverage if you, the member suffer a catastrophic and permanent injury (or death) related to an incident where horses are involved. This coverage is in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and covers the member anywhere in the world.

Part of the liability coverage provided through membership addresses the exposure that could arise if you, the member transport (trailer) a horse that does not belong to you (in a non-commercial situation). If that non-owned horse were injured as a result of your negligence and if that other person decided to sue you for compensation for their loss, the OEF policy will respond - up to a limit of $5,000 for any one horse. Please note - this is not commercial horse transport insurance and is not life insurance for the horse being transported – this is liability insurance to protect you if you are sued by a third party.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation also:

partners with the Equine Research Centre, University of Guelph, and the newly-created Horse Health Institute
has membership in the Ontario Trails Council to ensure continued inclusion of equine use on the province’s trail network [and has made representation to Conservation Authorities and Provincial Parks, and dialogues with the Ontario Trail Riders Association]
is represented on the Livestock Medications Education Committee [resulting in the development, with the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, of an equine-specific certification course to allow horse owners to administer over-the-counter medications.]
pays attention to equine emergency situations (e.g. Equine Identification, West Nile Virus)
has ongoing dialogue with members of the provincial legislature relative to safe riding practices
has representation at Equine Canada’s Provinces Division [with further representation on the Board of Directors and at levels of sport, breeds & industry, and finance]
participates in Ministry of Agriculture sessions on farm practices [including deadstock removal, manure storage, and nutrient management]
has reviewed instances of improper tax assessment of commercial establishments

… and many other opportunities to influence decisions that will impact on our members