California Riding Magazine • September, 2008

Brandon Seger Joins
Markel Insurance Company
Associate director reaffirms company’s commitment to the horse community.

To cement their commitment to the California equestrian and ranch community, Markel Insurance Company brings Brandon J. Seger on board as associate director of equine operations. Brandon will be based at Markel West in the Los Angeles area’s Woodland Hills. In this post, he will act as the representative for all breeds and disciplines on the West Coast, with an emphasis on farm and ranch operations. 

“Considering the risk, it is important to work with a proven company that has specialized in insuring equine interests for over four decades,” explains Brandon. “This is fundamental to receiving comprehensive farm and ranch coverage.”

Brandon grew up around horses in Southern California and says his experience in the horse community contributes to his understanding of breeding, boarding and training operations. Having also worked with industry leaders, he is well versed in valuing and insuring horses. 

For over 40 years Markel Insurance Company has been asserting their slogan, “The Insurance Company with Horse Sense,” by providing uninterrupted coverage to the horse community.  During that time Markel has witnessed a number of competitors enter and exit the insurance market while they have continued to thrive. Markel attributes much of its success to the company philosophy of employing horse people in the field as well as in their home office. They hold true to the belief that employees who are horse people can better understand the wants and needs of their equestrian and farm clientele. 

Building Bridges

Markel’s commitment to the equestrian community extends beyond their customer base. To show their commitment they have forged strong partnerships with many of the nation’s top breed, discipline and non-profit associations. Markel is currently a corporate partner and the official equine insurance company of the American Quarter Horse Association, the American Paint Horse Association and the National Reining Horse Association. They are also a sponsor for the Arabian Horse Association, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and the American Riding Instructors Association.

In an effort to forge ahead in the California horse community, Markel is continuing its relationship with Cornerstone Event Management as the title sponsor. “We are very proud of our association with Glenda McElroy and the wonderful people at Cornerstone,” says Brandon. “Markel is the sponsor of the Cool August Nights show, which is always one to look forward to. Even before I moved back to California, I wouldn’t miss it and this year we have such a great cause to support as Cool August Nights presents Dressage Goes Pink, a benefit dinner and auction to raise money to support breast cancer research.”

Markel hopes their partnership with Cornerstone will benefit everyone, but it is only the first of many bridges they aspire to build. Recently Markel has committed to sponsor Langer Equestrian Group’s Gold Coast Series as well as the upcoming L.A. International Jumping Festival, the National Preview and the L.A. National, shows all taking place at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank. 
The Gold Coast Series in particular is known for offering something for nearly every level of rider and is one of the largest United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) “B” rated shows in the country. It is also Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association (PCHA) approved. “With these ratings, we are able to offer something to almost every level of rider,” says show manager Michael Roy Curtis. Competitors can earn points toward the USHJA’s Foundation Awards and USEF year-end awards. “These are extremely popular events,” he adds.

“We at Markel Insurance Company are delighted to be associated with the Langer Equestrian Group as the series champion sponsors of the 2008 Gold Coast Series. Markel was attracted to the Gold Coast Series because of LEG’s reputation for organizing the best horse events, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center as the show venue and because the series allows riders to compete for championship awards while they balance their riding with work, family and other personal pursuits,” explains Brandon.
In addition, Markel, in conjunction with the USEF, has developed the National Young Horse Dressage Championships and is headed toward its sixth year as the title sponsor of this most successful program. The Championships promote the importance of selective breeding and correct training of horses in the United States. It also encourages the participation of breeders, riders and trainers of young horses (4-, 5- and 6-year-olds) in dressage competition. A year of qualifying culminates in a national championship held in Lexington, KY at the National Horse Park.  Markel has also joined with Cornerstone to sponsor the western selection trials for the Young Horse Program at Flintridge.

For more information contact Brandon Seger directly at his office at 818-227-8257, his cell 213-219-7837 or e-mail bseger@markelcorp.com.