You walk into the tack room. It’s empty. Five CWD saddles, bridles, and girths are gone. Total value: $30,000. You call your Homeowners insurance. They say, “We have a $2,500 limit for off-premises personal property,” or “Business property is excluded” (if you take money for training).
Key Takeaways
- Sub-Limits: Homeowners policies have caps on “unscheduled” items. $2,500 won’t buy one stirrup leather in 2026.
- Scheduled Personal Property: You must “Schedule” (list) high-value saddles individually on the policy to get full value.
- Farm Policy vs. Home Policy: A Farm policy usually has a “Tack and Equipment” endorsement. You set a blanket limit (e.g., $20,000).
- Depreciation: Unless you have “Replacement Cost” coverage, they will pay you the depreciated value of a 10-year-old saddle, not the price of a new one.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Tack Room
Tack rooms are easy targets.
The Trap: You assume your “Personal Property” limit of $100k covers it. It does, at your house. At a boarding barn (off-premises), the limit drops to 10% or a flat $1,000.
The Investigation: Scheduled vs. Blanket
I quoted coverage for $30k of tack.
Scheduled (Homeowners Rider)
- Method: List each saddle + serial number + value.
- Cost: ~$1.50 per $100 value.
- Pros: No deductible usually. Full payout.
Blanket (Farm Policy)
- Method: “$30,000 Tack Coverage.”
- Cost: Flat rate (e.g., $150/year).
- Pros: Covers bridles, blankets, brushes without listing every brush.
- Cons: Subject to the policy deductible ($500 or $1,000).
Comparison Table: Tack Theft
| Policy Type | Payout for $30k Loss | Deductible |
| Standard Homeowner (Off-Premises) | ~$1,500 – $2,500 | Yes |
| Scheduled Floater | $30,000 | $0 |
| Farm Blanket | $30,000 | Yes |
[IMAGE: Photo of an empty saddle rack with a cut padlock]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Inventory: Take photos of every saddle and its serial number today. Upload to the cloud.
- Check Coverage Type: Do you have “Replacement Cost” or “Actual Cash Value”? Switch to Replacement Cost.
- Schedule the Big Stuff: List the saddles over $2,000 individually.
- Lock it Up: Insurance requires “Signs of Forced Entry.” If you leave the door unlocked, they can deny the theft claim.
FAQ
Does this cover mouse damage to saddles?
Usually NO. Vermin/Rodent damage is a standard exclusion on property policies.
What if I leave my saddle at a horse show?
Inland Marine (Floater) policies cover tack “In Transit” and at shows. Standard Homeowners might not.