United States Eventing Association

Before heading into the dressage court, think twice about those who have equine insurance coverage. It is not limited to you, the rider. Equine insurance is also applicable to your dressage judge sitting in the judge’s box scoring you. It is a different and interesting perspective to take. Case in point – Vicky Matisi – California dressage judge, eventing dressage judge, and FEI competitor. Matisi is a long-time client of Parker Equine Insurance, and her story is a good one.

Matisi is currently insured through Parker Equine Insurance in Glendora, California, and Parker has been covering Matisi for the past 15 years. The relationship has been a long-standing one and the insurance coverage is broader than just major medical and mortality coverage on Matisi’s two competitive FEI dressage horses. Matisi owns and operates Ramor Oaks Riding Club in Watsonville, California, and the entire facility including all tractors, equipment, autos, and home are insured through Donna and Joe Parker of Parker Equine Insurance.

“My insurance needs were such that I needed a lot more than just my horses covered,” says Matisi. “Donna and Joe were able to put together a policy that covered my equestrian facility, my house, and my cars. I have been very happy with the policies and I am very pleased with Parker Equine Insurance especially given what happened that one Christmas Eve . . . ”

Matisi had been lucky enough not to run into colic problems with any of her horses until Christmas Eve in 2000 when her 10-year-old FEI mare, Fenja, had to make an emergency visit to the vet for colic surgery the night before Christmas. Fenja made it through the surgery but did not survive post-op complications and died two days later. Matisi was devastated and immediately reported the claim to Parker Equine Insurance.

“It was a difficult experience but with Equine Insurance’s help, I was able to reclaim the money from my mortality insurance fairly quickly,” says Matisi. “I was then able to schedule a trip to Germany to purchase a new horse to replace Fenja. It all turned out for the better in the end, but I would have never been able to do that had I not had insurance on my horse.”

Matisi is thankful she had taken the insurance out on Fenja and she is grateful for Parker’s assistance during those difficult times.

Parker Equine Insurance has over 40 years experience in equine insurance and they are the 2020 official equine insurance of the USEA. Policy coverages include equine mortality, major medical and surgical, care, custody, and control, as well as workers’ compensation and employers’ liability. Parker Equine Insurance prides itself on its customer care and approachability.

“Customer service is our number one priority,” says Donna Parker, and Matisi agrees.

“I find Equine Insurance easy to work with as they customize insurance programs to fit your individual needs,” says Matisi. “I have referred lots of folks to them over the years.” Yes, another good point from your dressage judge.

To learn more about Parker Equine Insurance, please visit www.equineins.com and be sure to follow Parker Equine Insurance on Facebook and @equine.insurance on Instagram.