QSAA News
9 September 2003
Dear Reader,
Re; Membership, Stockyard Arena Association.
The SAA has had a very successful financial year for 2002-2003, with trail rides, fundraising ventures and gymkhana, and financially we remain very much in the “black”.
This, however has been overshadowed by the issue of public liability insurance.
As all of us are aware, not only have premiums risen substantially, but also finding appropriate insurance where horses are concerned has been a nationwide problem.
Currently the SAA is insured through the Equestrian Federation of Australia. However this will not continue to meet our needs and the SAA is looking to other insurance policies more appropriate to the SAA from October onwards.
The SAA has also joined the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association (ATHRA).
In future all trail rides will be run on ATHRA code of conduct guidelines and be insured through ATHRA. However an individual will need to purchase ATHRA membership personally through the SAA. By today’s standards this is still very affordable and will be appropriate cover for trail rides.
However public liability insurance for the arena will need to be purchased separately and any event held in the arena, similarly will need to be covered separately.
The insurance issues that have arisen over the past two years have forced the closure of many rural clubs, organisations and events, which have in many cases thrown their hands up in despair and just given up. There is little chance these events will run again.
Certainly the SAA has lost membership and executive membership for fear of issues in regard to insurance and the general stress this has engendered.
However, we have prevailed. The insurance learning curve has been steep, but the SAA is on top and the future is looking brighter provided we have a reasonable membership base and people are prepared to be active members. Currently much is being done by a few.
There is a real potential that if public liability insurance cannot be purchased at a reasonable price, the Flinders Ranges Council will close all arena facilities to public or private use .
This would be a disastrous loss to the community for both adults and children alike if ten years work by a dedicated SAA were to be lost.
If we want pony club, gymkhana, trail rides, campdraft, horse sales and other events to continue, and for the general public to have access to the arena facilities then we would urge you to consider membership.
Sincerely,
The Stockyard Arena Association Executive.
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