Posted by John on September 29, 2003 at 14:01:30:
In Reply to: Re: Expanding my business to allow the posted by Frank on September 29, 2003 at 09:05:37:
: : : I also allow haul ins. They key word is allow. As you know, there are some people that you don't like to spend any more time with than you absolutely have to. Their horses are pleasant to work on but the owners make ya nuts. If you allow these folks to come to your place, you will be hard pressed to get rid on them when the work is done. They tend to want to hang out with you.
: : : There is also two very important considerations INSURANCE and ZONING. Call your agent immediately and give them the news of what you are going to be doing; sit down and break out the smelling salts. Big difference between homeowners insurance and commercial/agricultural policies.If anything bad happens to your client and/or the horse or truck/trailer and you didn't inform your insurance carrier; not only are you not covered for liability but your insurance carrier is entitled to sue you also and you won't have a leg to stand on in court.
: : : Then check with your township about your zoning laws. If you have a neighbor or former client that doesn't like you and they get wind of what you're doing and you're violating a zoning law;you're in a world of hurt.
: : : I made sure I had all my ducks in a row before the first trailer rollrd on my farm. I've worked too hard for my toys and I don't want anybody taking them from me.
: : Very good points Brian! I should have said the same-glad you did! Gary
: I would make sure from your Lawyer that the Liability contract that they sign is going to remove any liabilty from you.It is truely amazing how valueable that a horse becomes when it is injured or worse.
: Also really work with someone that has used a stock before cause when the horse is going "nuts" in your stock is no time for you to be learning. I shoe alot of horses via stocks (Drafts) and believe me when they decide that the stock is not for them today lookout!! The design of the stock is also very important this is where working with someone is benficial to you if the chains are to close or to far apart they can use them to flip over with and nothing comes out good when that happens
: Good Luck
: Frank
Gentlemen,
I had no idea that I'd get so many responses. All of it has been information that I needed to be "clued in" on. Unless there bunches of draft horse people calling to schedule appointments. I'm probably going to pass on the stocks idea. On top of that, the liability issues raised started me investigating. My younger brother is an insurance underwriter. He specifically deals with situations like mine, small businesses. Up until these responses, I hadn't even quizzed him on it.
Thank you all,
John