Finding the right equine insurance for your horse

Entering the equine world might look a bit scary at first glance as the unpredictability of owning a horse can be really stressful. Owning a horse is also much more time-consuming than people usually think; you have to be there for a horse daily, rain or shine.

No matter how experienced you are, whether a newbie or a savvy horse person, you can never educate yourself enough when it comes to horses. As your horse is representing an investment in money, time, and emotion, it seems like a wise idea to get your horse insured. Equine insurance is, however, a product many people are unfamiliar with.

Understanding the horse world and the UK equestrian insurance market is imperative when taking out equine insurance. This is no easy task; there are so many options and providers on the market and it can feel a bit overwhelming at times. To make it easier for you, we have put together a top level guide explaining some of the most common covers that will help minimise the risks to horse owners, horse handlers, the public and third party property.

Bloodstock – this feature covers All Risks of Mortality, Stallion Infertility, Mare Barrenness and Prospective Foal insurance.

Personal Accident – perfect for self-employed individuals as this cover protects you against the financial consequences of injuries such as Temporary Total Disablement, Permanent Total Disablement and Loss of Limbs or Eyes. Cover may also be extended to include dental treatment and other accident related expenses.

Liability – this cover is increasingly necessary and can protect you against damages for personal injury or property damage suffered by an employee or a third party. A comprehensive cover for equine associations, commercial and personal risks, can be designed for Employers' and Public Liability and can include liability for property in your care, custody and control.

Horse and Pony – from family hack to the riding club horse, insurance covers All Risks of Mortality, Veterinary Fees, Loss of Use, Personal Liability and Saddlery and Tack.

All Risks of Physical Loss or Damage to Equipment – despite everyone's best efforts, equipment can go missing or be damaged at equine events. Cover can be taken out for damage to, or theft of, these important and quite often costly items.

Competition and Sports Horses – the life of a high value competition horse can be very different to that of a family horse. Insurance cover needs to reflect this by covering All Risks of Mortality, Veterinary Fees, Loss of Use and Stallion Infertility.

Cancellation and Abandonment – anything from adverse weather to an outbreak of a communicable disease can cause the cancellation or postponement of events. This feature can cover the losses incurred when an event has to be cancelled.

Equine Establishment Buildings, Contents and Other Property – packages for this cover comprise insurance for riding schools, private livery stables, studs and racing yards, which include cover for Buildings, Contents, Business Interruption, Cash, Saddlery and Tack, Jumps and Farm Machinery.

Still in doubt? Speak to a member of our Howden Equine team. We have many years of experience in providing every type of insurance cover available for the equine market, including creating tailored products if required. Call us for a quote, or ask any questions about these products on 02076233806.

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