25th July 2007
Phillipa's story
How the AEA helped after a serious injury at the Boonah Campdraft and Rodeo
Phillipa DeMain is a skilled horse rider and respected member of the Campdrafting and Tentpegging communities. In October last year, she attended the Boonah Campdraft and Rodeo and it was during this event that she met with a serious accident that left her incapacitated for 4 months.
Although Phillipa is a member of the Australian Campdraft Association, ACA membership does not provide personal accident insurance cover.
The day began well; Phillipa participated in the maiden draft and was competing in the novice when she was cracked off in the camp. Because she was a member of the Boonah Campdraft and Rodeo committee she decided to help get rid of the used stock.
She was cutting the bullock out of the mob when he tossed his head in a half charge and collided with her, completely dislocating the front end of her left foot.
Excruciating pain burst through Phillipa's metatarsals. Not aware that she was seriously injured, her immediate thought was simply that she needed to get out of the camp.
Fortunately, her committee members were just outside. They helped remove her boot, which by this time was causing her tremendous pain. It was at that moment that Phillipa realised she had a very serious injury. All her toes were pointing in the completely opposite direction to what they should be!
Her friends led her, still on her gelding stockhorse, Cody, to the ambulance location.
She was taken to the local hospital immediately. Upon sighting of her injuries she was sent onward to Ipswich where they operated at 12 o'clock that night.
Unfortunately for Phillipa the accident was just the beginning of her troubles.
What followed was a series of operations, hospital visits, and complications. She gained an infection whilst in hospital, struggled with blood clotting, and had to begin drug therapy.
As a busy businesswoman, Phillipa's ability to earn an income was even more of a concern to her and her family than her medical expenses. The hospital visits and time spent on crutches made running the electrical contracting business she manages with her husband, almost impossible.
This accident could have turned into a financial, as well as physical tragedy.
However, Phillipa's story has a silver lining. Just one week prior to the accident, she had become a member of the Australian Equine Alliance (AEA).
AEA membership includes personal accident and public liability insurance to protect people from the financial hardship of situations just like that encountered by Phillipa.
With the AEA she was able to claim income replacement for the period of time she was unable to work, as well as medical expenses.
Phillipa says she was astounded with how easy it was to make a claim. She explains, "I was totally wrapped in the service. There was no quibbling, not even any questioning of my claim. In fact after I had received the funds they (the underwriter Calliden) sent me a lovely letter asking if I had any out of pocket expenses that I would also like to claim for. I am not exaggerating when I say they exceeded my expectations by 200%."
Now, eight months after the accident, Phillipa is back on her feet and on her way to the Calgary Stampede in Canada. And her advice for other riders? "Don't wait until it is too late. The AEA has made rider insurance affordable for everyone. Join today!"
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