Farrier Business Insurance Guide
Everything you need to know about liability insurance, commercial auto coverage, and professional indemnity insurance for farriers.
Why Insurance Matters
Working with horses carries inherent risk. A single incident can result in thousands of dollars in liability. Many barns now require proof of insurance before allowing a farrier on the property.
General Liability Insurance
This covers bodily injury and property damage claims. A standard policy runs $500-$1,200 per year for farriers and typically provides $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)
This covers claims that your work caused harm to a horse. If a horse goes lame after shoeing and the owner blames you, professional liability insurance covers your legal defense and any settlement.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Your personal auto insurance likely does not cover your vehicle when used for business purposes. Commercial auto coverage protects your truck, trailer, and forge in transit.
Workers Compensation
If you hire an apprentice or assistant, most states require workers compensation coverage. Even as a sole proprietor, consider voluntary coverage for yourself.
Finding Coverage
Equine-specialty insurers like Markel, Great American, and American Equine Insurance Group offer farrier-specific policies. Your AFA membership may include access to group rates.
Sources and Further Reading
- • American Farrier's Association - Industry standards, best practices, and professional liability guidance for farriers
- • National Association of Professional Farriers - Professional development resources and insurance recommendations for farrier businesses
- • Small Business Administration - General liability insurance requirements and commercial coverage guidelines for small businesses
- • International Association of Equine Professionals - Risk management and insurance coverage recommendations for equine service providers
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