Banner!!! (and boundaries cont'd)

First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Denali's Mom for allowing P and I to be the beneficiaries of her chronic procrastination.  If only I had such a handy skill to reciprocate with!  I can offer delicious enchiladas and wine.. but that's all I got..

Anyway, hope you like it.  We needed an update and this is fun!

I really enjoyed all of the comments on the last post.  I fully recognize the potentially very real insurance concerns (which speaks to the ridiculous nature of insurance) but I do think that this is an interesting point of contention at a lot of barns and shows a disconnect between what owners want and what owners can get when selecting a barn.  There are several barns in the area where you can bring anyone in, but they aren't typically the sort of facility that I feel comfortable at.  I'm sure there's a sweet spot between dangerously dilapidated fencing and a rigid show barn, but finding something in my price range within an hour of the rest of my life is a little more difficult.

Beyond my situation, I am baffled, and frustrated by the liability issues around horses.  I get it to a certain point and in our litigious society I totally understand the basis, but I mean REALLY.  Come on.  I know for a fact that Seattle code protects property owners and instructors to the max.  Yes there are exceptions and yes every once in a while a fancy pants lawyer is able to bust through and wreak havoc.  As someone who grew up with horses on my own property, I am (or was) used to being able to do what I wanted when I wanted.  Jump by myself? sure! trails? ok! flatwork? the ring was mine... I had no restrictions (though maybe some wouldn't have hurt...).  Sure people signed waivers when they brought their horses in.. but that was about it.

Between insurance, waivers, and posted signage.. I am a little shocked at the legal exposure that seems to still terrify a lot of owners., but I understand the paranoia. 

I guess I don't really know.  I respect the insurance stuff, and I can even get behind barns that don't allow outside trainers.  A little strange? our barn does host clinics from time to time (this weekend being one example).  So there must be something else that is a loophole there.  Maybe the clinicians have their own coverage?

I don't like feeling as though helping each other out or commenting on someone's ride is "taboo" I hope my current sense of dread continues to dissipate, as I am horrifically prone to guilt and absolutely hate feeling like I am crossing a line with anybody. 

Today I'm back out to the barn.  I sent the BO an email regarding training for Feb and about hauling out on Sunday, so I guess I'll get to see if there is an emotional aspect of this from her side, or I really did just see a fairly extreme concern for liability.

Also, here's to hoping that the mare holds her behavior for another day.. she's been off since Monday!  Fingers crossed!