Shawn Marie Higgins - Equine Insurance Agent at Pony Policy

04/03/2026

As we all know life changes and sometimes we have to step away from business to focus on family. My Equine Insurance will be on pause until my husband’s health is in a better place. I’m still a licensed agent in the State of Montana, please reach out to me for questions or referrals to other trusted agents.

02/01/2026

Bit of information coming out of Arizona in regards to EHV-1 and EHM.

📣 EHV-1 Neuropathogenic/EHM Update—The following is directly from the Arizona state veterinarian. As always, we’ll update again if new travel requirements are released.

“The AZDA was notified by the attending veterinarian Wednesday night that two horses from Pinal county displaying neurologic signs tested positive with point of care EHV-1 tests on samples collected that evening. On Thursday, AZDA began reaching out to event organizers requesting information of attendees / registrants or contact info for messaging. On Friday 1/30/2026, one of the two hospitalized horses was humanely euthanized due to progressive neurologic deterioration. Confirmation of EHV-1 (neuropathogenic) by the reference lab was reported Friday afternoon. The events where exposure to the affected horse(s) or dangerous contact (exposed) horses of the affected horses (ie. other horses from the premises of origin of the two clinical horses) are as follows:

January 18, 2026 – Horseshoe Park Extreme Barrel Race
January 20, 2026 – ICE Wittmann Breakaway Roping
January 21, 2026 – Roper Nation Breakaway Roping
January 21, 2026 – John Volken Academy Ranch
January 23, 2026 – TACC Thunderbird Farms Arena
January 24, 2026 - Horseshoe Park Extreme Barrel Race
January 27, 2026 – TACC Thunderbird Farms Arena

As always, many horses even in a normal population may be completely asymptomatic intermittently shedding herpes virus and a smaller subset of those will be shedding neurotrophic herpes (and still may be asymptomatic). Given the extensive show history that has already occurred it's difficult to be on the leading edge of this like the horses returning to Arizona from the Waco, TX and Guthrie, OK events at the end of November where quarantine of returning horses was more feasible. In the current situation the best course of action for your clientele if they have had horses at these historical events would be to encourage re**al temperature monitoring twice daily with logging the results to chart trends, prompt reporting of any signs consistent with EHV-1 (respiratory or neuro) infection to their attending veterinarian and testing (nasal swab and whole blood PCR) if indicated, and voluntary self-quarantine from attending any new shows for the next 14 days.”

11/11/2025

Remembering and thanking all veterans today 11/11/25. 🇺🇸
🐴 🇺🇸 We recently visited ‘The Battle of the Little Big Horn’ in Montana and picked up several books for our kids to hear the history of the battle. I also picked up this postcard with a picture of the ‘some would say’ last standing soldier at the Custer Battle. Horses have been amazing partners and shown such strength during wars. Thanks to horses like Comanche who carried men into battle and showed how valuable they’re to humans even in the hardest times. 🐴 🇺🇸

https://union.ku.edu/horse-comanche

11/10/2025

⚠️ It’s that time of year where we see more outbreaks of EHV in Montana. More use of indoor arenas makes it harder to tackle, but we do have actions we can take as equine owners.
- Temp check your horses and gather a normal temp prior to departing your horses home. Fever is one of the first signs.
- Unusual Nasal Discharge.
- Loss of appetite.
- Cough, etc.
If your horse is experiencing any signs of EHV, call your vet.
While traveling..
- Bring your own water bucket and hay feeder.
- Give your horses space and keep them away from areas where horses cough/discharge could be picked up by your horse.
- If you frequent high traffic areas for horses in the winter, cleaning the bottoms of your boots/ horses hoofs is also recommended.
EHV can live on surfaces for days, weeks, or as long as a month on just a horse hair. Sanitizing and keeping clean surfaces is key!
❤️ I love riding indoors and attending events in the winter. I will be more mindful this winter and watch my horses for signs/exposure as we head indoors.

The cases are located in Beaverhead County.

11/08/2025

PonyPolicy- Equine Insurance Agent, Located in Eureka, MT, -->> Quick online quotes and applications. Find out how little it can cost to insurance your equines with a quote for equine mortality, major medical, surgery, or colic coverage. You would be surprised in the value of insurance compared the annual costs we spend on our equines. Visit the Mortality quote form online at https://www.ponypolicy.com/our-solutions
Equine trainers, events, clubs, barns, and farms contact me online or text/call 406-382-0212 for property/liability coverage questions or quotes.

Insurance services and products offered by Pony Policy through multiple carriers and brokers.

06/23/2025

We're excited to be a Gold Sponsor at the upcoming Big Sky Reining Classic at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell, MT. Join us July 22nd-27th.

Thank you to Montana Equine Insurance (Shawn Marie Higgins) for you Gold sponsorship! We are excited to welcome you as a new sponsor for 2025.

https://www.montanaequineinsurance.com/

06/20/2025

Who else is enjoying this summer showing and attending horse events? I’m here if you have any questions regarding equine, trainer, or facility insurance. Wishing everyone the best this show season!

11/22/2024

5 reasons for equine insurance -->> #1 Buying a new horse. Protect your investment!

11/21/2024

Blue Sky Ridge Riders saddle club annual fundraiser Tinsel and Tails. It’s going to be a good one this year!

11/15/2024

Winter is creeping up on us. When the temperature starts to drop, we get numerous calls from clients wanting to know how to best keep their horses warm.

Here are some tips for caring for your horses and livestock in these subzero temperatures:

Shelter - outside shelters should have at least 3 walls to protect animals from the wind. Having a heated barn with indoor stalls is a bonus! Newborns should be brought inside if at all possible as they cannot thermoregulate as well as adults.

Feed - providing plenty of hay/forage for horses and livestock increases their metabolism and produces heat to keep them warm. Keeping hay in front of them at all times is ideal.

Water-accessible water can be problematic in freezing temperatures. Water tank heaters are a great way to prevent water sources from freezing over. Be sure to check your tank heaters. Horses and livestock can often feel a shock from damaged or old tank heaters that we are unable to feel with our hands. You can check your tank heater by using a multimeter. Check the current in the water before the heater is added, then check it again once the heater is in the tank. If the current is higher with the tank heater added, you need a new heater.

Blanketing - most horses and livestock do not need blanketed if they are a healthy weight and have a good hair coat. Horses and livestock have thicker skin than we do and larger body mass, so they do not lose heat as easily. But thin animals, or those who have not yet developed a heavy hair coat need to be blanketed when the temperatures drop.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns. We are open 24/7 for emergencies. 406-257-9399