Latest from Horse & Hound in Equestrian-insurance

Helpful advice for owners on how pre-existing conditions and exclusions affect your horse insurance

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:35:21 +0000

Horse insurance exclusions can be a bone of contention for many owners, so it is important to understand why exclusions are placed on some health conditions before you take out, renew or switch an equine insurance policy.

Typically exclusions are placed on pre-existing conditions that existed before your equine insurance policy started.

“SEIB places exclusions from the start of each policy period, which generally runs for 12 months,” says Andy Burnett, equestrian schemes underwriting specialist. “This means from policy activation, or from renewal thereafter.

“In either circumstance, the excluded conditions would be deemed pre-existing to that policy period.”

When taking out a new policy, you must always disclose pre-existing conditions.

“Be honest with your broker,” says Lawrence Gill. “Insurers are here to help and want to help, but we can’t pay out for pre-existing conditions.

“Insurance is here to protect against the unexpected. If we know what is pre-existing (and therefore more likely to recur) we can be clear about what we can and cannot cover from the outset.

“Insurers might review some conditions after a certain amount of time. It is worth discussing with your insurer if some time has passed since the injury or illness.”

Lawrence adds that trying to hide pre-existing conditions and then claiming for them constitutes fraud.

“We ask for a full veterinary history as part of the claim process and will investigate any discrepancies that arise,” Lawrence adds. “Claiming fraudulently means your insurer could cause the policy to be voided.”

What is an exclusion?

When it comes to horse insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded from policies. But what does this mean?

Francis Martin, CEO of the Insurance Emporium, says: “To put it simply, an exclusion could be a specific condition, circumstance, item or type of loss that the policy does not cover due to an increased insurance risk.”

He adds that there are two main types of exclusions.

“General exclusions, set out in the policy wording, apply to all policies. You can find ours below the insurance table of benefits on our website.

“Meanwhile, specific exclusions apply to an individual policy. They usually exclude cover for a particular condition, risk, or circumstance identified during underwriting.”

Andy adds that exclusions provide clarity and transparency: “This means policyholders fully understand what their policy does and does not cover.

“SEIB works closely with veterinary advisers to ensure that exclusions are proportionate, fair and based on appropriate professional guidance.”

Equine insurance typically covers health conditions that arise for the first time during a period of insurance (often one year), then exclude it after that. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

How do horse insurance exclusions work?

Before applying an exclusion on a horse insurance policy, insurers will determine which part(s) of a horse’s anatomy to exclude from the policy. Many insurers will provide cover for around a year following the onset of a condition or injury. However, you should always check the policy wording or contact your insurer for clarification if you are unsure.

Francis Martin explains the process at the Insurance Emporium: “When determining the correct exclusion to place, we consult our exclusion matrix. We created this after using the services of an independent veterinary consultant.

“For example, when presented with the increased risk of a tendon or ligament condition, we place the exclusion for the affected and opposing tendon or ligament.

“If a claim is submitted for an illness, injury or disease and the claim is accepted within the normal terms of your cover, the Insurance Emporium will continue to provide cover up to 365 days from the onset of the condition or up to the maximum amount recoverable, whichever comes first, irrespective of the date on the exclusion.”

Agria works differently to many other equine insurance providers as it does not place exclusions on conditions that develop during the period of insurance, as long as you renew your Agria lifetime policy each year, with no break in cover.

“This means if your horse develops a condition like kissing spines while insured with Agria, then this condition remains covered for treatment should they flare up again in future,” says underwriting manager Alexandra Gillam.

Agria does typically exclude any pre-existing conditions that have affected the horse prior to their lifetime policy being taken out, in the same way as other providers.

Are pre-existing conditions always excluded from horse insurance?

Broadly speaking, yes.

Francis Martin says: “You should disclose any pre-existing conditions, clinical signs or circumstances, whether you have claimed for them or not.

“This is so your insurer can accurately determine any specific increased risks.

“We would also encourage you to review your insurance cover and terms and conditions carefully, as not all insurers offer the same cover with the same general exclusions.”

Anthony Burnett says SEIB is able to reduce or remove exclusions in cases where the exclusions are not permanent.

“Whether an exclusion can be reduced or removed and to what extent depends on the nature of the exclusion and the circumstances surrounding why it was placed,” he adds.

Is it possible to remove horse insurance exclusions?

In some circumstances, yes. However, exclusion removal or amendment depends on the condition and the insurer.

Katie Jackman, UK underwriting assistant for Petcover, says: “Most of our exclusions allow the client to remove or reduce the exclusion. This will depend on the conditions, treatment and severity, but most can be reduced or removed.

“Our exclusions specifically state dates. Therefore, clients clearly understand when they come into effect, and if they are a reviewable or non-reviewable exclusion.

“If they are reviewable [giving the possiblity to remove or reduce them] we will include details on how this can be done.”

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What is public liability insurance, and why do horse owners need it?

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:05:16 +0000

Many equine insurance policies include public liability insurance for horses, which is an important backstop for horse owners.

Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium, says public liability insurance is also referred to as third-party liability insurance. “They both cover your legal responsibilities to other people should your horse damage their property or cause them injury.”

These legal responsibilities include costs paid out to someone who makes an injury or damage claim against you, the cost of which can run into anything from hundreds to millions.

While many horse insurance products include public liability, you can also take out standalone or bolt-on policies for your horse or yourself. Lisa Ripley, head of customer operations at Harry Hall says: “You typically find this type of liability cover within horse insurance policies, and those provided by membership organisations.”

The cost of these policies varies depending on factors such as voluntary excess and limit of cover.

Lisa adds, “the limit of indemnity can vary with policies starting from £1m up to £30m.”

Do I need public liability insurance for my horse?

Public or third-party liability insurance for horses is not a legal requirement, but it does provide vital protection against damage or injury claims.

“A piece of legislation called the Animals Act 1971 applies strict liability to horse owners,” explains Lawrence Gill, executive director of KBIS. “This means that a claim against a horse owner can still be successful even if the owner didn’t do anything negligent.”

As with any insurance policy, it’s important to be clear on the wording and schedule. This will clearly describe the scope of your policy, and the conditions of cover.

“It is always worth checking your individual policy to ensure you have the right cover in place,” says Rosie Pope of SEIB’s equestrian department. “Do not assume automatic inclusion. Often, ‘off-the-shelf’ third-party liability policies can exclude equine activities.

“It is important to seek cover that is appropriate for the activities you carry out,” she adds. “Bear in mind there may be differences in cover for those who ride recreationally, compared to an equestrian business. For example, a riding school or freelance instructor would require a specific commercial policy.”

Some third-party policies cover others who handle your horse with your permission. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

What does public liability insurance for horses cover?

Public liability insurance for horses covers their owner should a claim be brought against them for injury or damage to a third party. Some policies also extend to anyone consensually riding, handling or interacting with your horse.

“Even the best-trained horses can do something unexpected,” says Francis. “Imagine a plastic bag flapping in a bush causes your horse to spook and bump a passing car. You then have a litigious motorist with a horse-shaped dent in their car to deal with.

“Your public liability insurance covers the driver’s car repair claim against you.”

Lisa cites the example that your horse bolts and injures a pedestrian. “Claims can easily reach hundreds of thousands of pounds and might cover, for instance, the claimant’s injuries, loss of earnings, long-term rehabilitation and legal defence.”

What are the limits of cover?

“An obvious limitation to this cover is that the third party is a member of the public, not someone known to you,” explains Francis. “It excludes any claims from people with whom you have a contractual relationship, like a livery yard owner.”

Rosie Pope adds that there may be additional conditions to comply with. “For example, wearing a riding hat that is up to date with current regulations.

“Exclusions may also apply. For example, some policies may exclude stunt riding, racing, or similar activities.”

She continues to explain that third-party liability cover would not extend to any volunteers or employees who may assist you. “By law, you’d require separate employers’ liability cover in this instance.”

What insurance do I need to ride other people’s horses?

As discussed above, some owners’ policies might extend cover to those riding their horses with their consent. Be very clear on this before you get on if you have concerns.

However, as Lisa states: “If you ride loan, share, school, or hack out horses you don’t own, you can still be held liable for injuries you cause while in control of the horse and damage the horse causes to third parties while you are riding or handling. We strongly recommend having your own liability policy .”

If you are a freelancer, Lisa has this advice. “If you’re considering becoming a freelance groom or instructor, or you are a professional rider, you require specific public liability insurance that covers you for commercial activities.”

This is because they are providing paid services and may be held liable for:

injury to clients
damage to property
injury or damage caused by horses in their care

“In addition to public liability, freelancers often need care, custody and control [CCC] insurance for any horses they handle and professional indemnity cover if they provide advice or instruction.”

Specific horse rider insurance might work for you provided the policy includes public liability cover (many of them do) and relevant professional cover if required.

If you intend to ride someone else’s horse, check their third-party liability cover extends to you. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

My horse is non-ridden, do I still need public liability insurance?

It’s worthwhile considering public liability insurance for horses out of or not yet in ridden work, says Francis.

“What if, one day, your horse escaped his paddock, got out on a road and caused an accident?”

It’s also wise to purchase a policy if others will be caring for your horse.

“Our public liability insurance is an optional benefit to our standard benefit,” Francis adds. “It not only covers your horse, but extends cover to anyone riding, handling, or interacting with your horse with your permission or consent if they have an accident of their own with a third party.”

Peace of mind

Lawrence Gill of KBIS explains that some owners find it hard to justify the cost of public liability insurance because, in most cases, they will never need to use it.

“It can feel to some like money thrown away,” he says. “Really, it’s the opposite. In the event of a claim against you, the insurer can sweep away financial burden.

“Third-party insurance gives policyholders the comfort to confidently go out and do the activities they want to. They know that if the worst does happen, they’re protected.”

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‘A welfare document first’: new equine euthanasia guidance for vets will help owners of insured horses

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:21:30 +0000

The publication of revised British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) guidance for euthanasia of insured horses has been welcomed as an “important and much-needed step forward”.

The guidance was initially written in 1996, and updated in 2009, to set out the circumstances in which putting horses down would meet the requirements of all-risk mortality cover policies. Ian Beamish, who led the BEVA group working on the revision, said the aim was to clarify and ensure consistency, but also to take into account changes to attitudes on equine welfare and suffering in the last 17 years.

“The veterinary surgeon’s primary responsibility is undoubtedly to ensure the welfare of the horse, regardless of whether the horse is insured,” Mr Beamish said, echoing the statement in the introduction to the document. “This is a modernised version of the outdated 2009 guidelines, with a carefully revised list of conditions and their prognoses, updated language, and revised protocols on grounds for euthanasia.

“It is important to note that although vets may advise euthanasia, we may not advise on the insurance policy conditions; this is a matter for the insured and insurer to discuss.”

The guidelines cover protocols for definite, suspected or absent grounds for emergency euthanasia and also for chronic disease or pain in which there is negligible prospect of recovery.

BEVA euthanasia guidance: three scenarios

“Realistically, there are only three scenarios you can have,” Mr Beamish said.

“There’s the horse that justifies emergency euthanasia there and then to minimise its suffering. There are horses that do not require euthanasia; the owner is probably saying they want to euthanise the horse on financial grounds, normally. Then there are horses where you may think it justifies emergency euthanasia, but you’re not sure, or you may want to seek more evidence – a second opinion, or further investigation.

“We’ve really tried to make it, not quite black and white, because there is a section of grey, but at least a fairly uniform grey section that people can work through. So they can come to their conclusion and in hindsight, be able to look at how their decision-making pathway came about. And that’d be very clear for anyone that wants to scrutinise the decisions made.”

Mr Beamish covered the difficulty of chronic cases such as laminitis, adding that the nature of these conditions at least gives time to seek a second opinion or more information, and for conversations with insurers.

“What we all want to try to avoid is making an irreversible decision and then in hindsight, having that muddied water of, ‘Did my vet make the right decision? Should my horse not have been euthanised?’” he said. “And was or is there a payout from the insurers? Based on that, we’re all trying to make it as simple a process as possible, and to be able to be reassured that we’ve made the right decision.”

Making decisions under pressure

The guidance had input from equine insurers, and Mr Beamish stressed that it is a “welfare document, first and foremost”.

“It’s there to enable [BEVA] members to make decisions under pressure in what are invariably stressful times,” he said.

“Insurance considerations shouldn’t influence our decision-making. You’re trying to assess an animal based on the clinical evidence in front of you, based on that horse’s welfare and what should happen next. The fact that’s an insured or not insured animal shouldn’t affect how you go about making that decision.”

The guidance has been written as a resource for vets but BEVA expects it will be a “valuable reference document” for owners, insurers, trainers and event organisers “seeking to better understand potentially complex scenarios”.

SEIB Insurance Brokers equine claims adjuster Leanne Palmer told H&H: “The recently revised BEVA guidelines are an important and much-needed step forward.

“SEIB supports progress that promotes the welfare of the horse and the new guidelines provide a clear framework for the insurer, the veterinary surgeon and the owner to work together to make timely and well-informed decisions in high-stress situations.”

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Winter equine illnesses to look out for as the seasons change

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:30:42 +0000

Horse management never stops, and now the clocks have changed it’s worth recalibrating your inner winter equine illnesses barometer, so you are ahead of the game with problems to look out for.

While summer is all about fly sprays, hoof cracks and sweet itch prevention, winter, on the other hand, brings its own set of challenges.

Winter equine illnesses: be skin smart

Weather-related skin conditions tend to be more prevalent over the winter when fields become poached and muddy. While there are different schools of thought when it comes to dealing with muddy horses, excess washing can weaken and compromise the skin. Mud on the legs is normally best left to dry before being brushed off, if possible. Barrier creams and oils can be used as a barrier to help protect the skin from the wet.

H&H’s veterinary expert Karen Coumbe emphasises the importance of prevention.

“Mud fever and cellulitis are a huge problem for horses out in British winter mud, so anything that can be done to reduce the problem has got to be beneficial.

“The recommendations on responsible use of antimicrobials mean that vets are less likely to be able to readily dispense antibiotics, so prevention is better where possible,” she adds.

Rain scald is a bacterial infection that can develop when a horse is exposed to a lot of moisture. Rugs can help protect the horse from the inclement conditions, particularly if they have been clipped, but need to be removed daily to check the horse’s condition, including looking for early signs of skin problems. Common rain scald sites include the neck and back, and can occur under rugs if a horse becomes too hot and sweats, which can also cause rubs.

“We also see a higher occurrence of blackthorn injuries over winter,” says Lawrence Gill, who is the executive director of KBIS.

Blackthorns can penetrate soft tissues and lead to infection.

According to Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium, it’s important for equestrians to choose insurance cover that meets their horse’s needs, and now is the perfect time to revisit this.

“We suggest policyholders look closely at what their policy covers them for,” he states. “Vet’s fees can feature as an optional added benefit, with standard policies typically covering equine death, theft, or straying.”

Get to know what’s normal for your horse to help you spot signs of illness. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Be clued up on colic

Colic is a year-round equine illness, with impaction colic being a potentially fatal condition that needs to be on your winter watchlist. Impaction colic is often associated with changes in a horse’s diet, increased stabling, less movement and reduced water intake.

When the temperatures drop, check that your horse has plenty of fresh drinking water daily. If they live out, ensure you remove ice from their trough. If stabled with automatic waterers, it is wise to also provide buckets of water in case the automatic system freezes. Adding warm water to buckets may also encourage horses to drink and adding water to your horse’s hard feed can also help maintain hydration.

Monitor your horse for signs of reduced or dry droppings, as that could be an early indications of an impaction forming.

“Colic is often more common in stable kept horses,” Karen explains. “It is important to ensure they have a regular routine – especially for feeding – and that they do not eat their bed, which can result in unpleasant impactions or blockages.

“Worm control is also important, so make sure worm egg counts are part of preventative health care routines.”

Colic is listed as one of the most common conditions seen by The Insurance Emporium, with the average paid claim being £1,033.

“Colic once again led to the highest average claim payout, and was followed closely by digestive system conditions, such as gastric ulcers, at £911,” adds Francis.

In addition to colic, Karen warns that respiratory conditions are usually more prevalent in stabled horses.

“Stable coughs and equine asthma are a perennial issue in horses kept in, especially in dusty environments. Although there are many medical treatments available, proper dust control is essential – think dust free bedding, best possible ventilation, good quality hay and turn out.”

Look for sycamore seeds and saplings

Atypical myopathy is an often fatal illness caused by ingestion of the hypoglycin A toxin from affected sycamore seeds and saplings.

Karen advises that horse owners should remain alert for sycamore seeds in grazing areas, particularly in high seed years.

“Although it is possible to test trees for toxin levels, results can vary between trees in the same area,” she adds.

Sycamore poisoning is most likely to occur when horses are in sparse pastures, so ensuring your horse has access to plentiful supplementary forage is one way to reduce the ingestion of sycamore seeds and saplings.

Acorns are another issue, and with a bumper crop this year it’s important to clear them as often as you can or fence off areas around oak trees.

Winter equine illnesses: when to tell your insurance provider

“In an emergency, the client should always call the vet first,” advises Lawrence. “The welfare of the horse has to be the priority; horse owners should make decisions with their animal’s best interests at the forefront.

“Having said that, they should let their insurer know as soon as reasonably possible about any injury or illness. This is so the claims team can help guide them through the process and ensure that there are no barriers in place to getting claims settled, such as outstanding documents or further information being required.”

If your vet has advised your horse undergoes a diagnostic procedure, such as an MRI scan, it’s wise to inform your insurer in advance. These procedures aren’t always covered, and if they are most insurers want to know before your horse undergoes one.

Similarly, if it’s decided that your horse needs to be euthanised and you hope to claim on your equine mortality insurance, you’ll need to discuss with your insurance provider whether this decision complies with the BEVA mortality guidelines or not. It’s not always possible to do this in an emergency, but wherever possible it is best to notify insurers in advance in case there is a debate as to the best course of action. In most cases, insurers will require all treatment options to have been explored prior to a claim being considered.

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Preparing your equestrian kit for winter? It’s not just about staying safe…

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:32:40 +0000

Management is a huge element of preparing horses for winter. Stocking up on winter feed and forage, regular perimeter checks of your turnout and choosing the right type of clip for your horse all factor in. With this in mind, it’s not just your horse in need of dedicated winter care. Actually, so does your kit.

“Preparing your horse for winter goes beyond adjusting feed and shelter – it’s about safeguarding everything that matters,” says Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium. “Don’t forget to stay on top of fencing maintenance, especially after storms. Neglecting this could impact your insurance cover.”

Preparing horse kit for winter: inspect your tack

It’s vital to turn your attention to the valuable items you use every time you ride, too. While preparing your horse kit for winter, it’s the perfect time to inspect your tack and other gear for wear and tear.

“Saddlery and tack are often optional benefits on equine insurance policies, and insurers that offer tack insurance expect your tack to be well-maintained,” explains Francis.

Ensuring your tack is well maintained is key to being able to insure it (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Anthony Burnett, equine schemes underwriting specialist at SEIB, concurs: “With the busy competition season now finishing for many, any tack due to be put away for the winter should be in good condition and stored in a secure, clean and dry environment. At SEIB, accidental damage policies for tack do not cover damage caused by general wear and tear or neglect.

“To ensure efficient handling of claims for accidental damage to tack, the policyholder must notify us as soon as possible after any damage occurs.”

Be storage smart

Would-be thieves love the cover of darkness.

“As the nights draw in and yards become quieter, the risk of theft increases,” warns Francis. “Store your equipment securely, and ensure that storage meets your insurer’s yard security requirements.”

“Policyholders need to comply with security requirements for the peace of mind coverage brings,” adds Anthony.

Show your transport some love

If you use your trailer or horsebox less frequently in the winter, it needs a management plan.

“It’s important to maintain horsebox batteries, fluids and tyres throughout the year,” says Anthony. “But planning ahead for the winter months can play a key role.

“Simple jobs, such as using a trickle charger [like this one] to maintain the battery charge and checking coolant levels, help keep things running smoothly before the cold weather arrives. Failure to properly maintain a vehicle can impact the outcome should you need to make a claim.”

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7 horse insurance mistakes to avoid, according to industry experts

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:28:27 +0000

I know this won’t make me popular, but it’s true: taking out an equine policy with a well-regarded insurance provider doesn’t automatically keep horse insurance mistakes at bay.

While taking out equine insurance isn’t tricky per se, ensuring it provides you with the coverage you need is all in the details. This is twofold: not only must the details you provide be extensive and precise, but the policy wording read and understood, too. You also need to make sure your policy updates in line with your horse’s circumstances – but more on that later.

Horse insurance mistakes could affect the likelihood of a payout, so it’s best to stamp them out from the word go. Without further ado, we’ve spoken to industry experts to reveal the most common horse insurance mistakes – and how to avoid them.

Horse insurance mistakes to avoid

1. Be clear on type of use

Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium, says transparency regarding your horse’s activities is paramount.

“It’s crucial to be upfront about how your horse is used,” he says. “Whether it’s for hacking, hunting, or polo, the type of activity affects both your premium and your coverage. If your horse gets injured doing something outside the declared use, such as competing when it’s only insured for leisure riding, you might not be covered, which is especially important for loss of use cover.

“So, always be specific and accurate when setting up your policy. Let your insurance provider know of any changes as soon as they happen.”

Be accurate with type of use and update your insurer as anything changes. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

2. Contact your provider if anything changes

Thinking of stepping up to affiliated dressage? Preparing to move yards? Gearing up to take your homebred out and about for the first time? Drop a line to your insurer.

“It’s always a good idea to let your insurer know if you want to start doing something that wasn’t originally covered,” says Alice Holborow, partnerships manager at Agria.

“If you don’t, it could affect your cover. At Agria, it’s really easy to increase your activity level at any time. If you need to reduce it, that can be done once a year when your policy renews.”

3. Avoid overvaluing your horse…

Every owner’s horse is extremely precious to them, so upping their policy value ensures the best coverage, right? In fact, it’s a common misconception.

“We see it all the time; owners overvalue their horses,” remarks Francis. “It’s natural to want to protect your investment. However, insurance payouts are either up to 100% of the sum insured or the market value, whichever is lower. This is what confuses owners.”

A horse’s value can increase with education and experience, or decrease with age or injury. Plus, recording too high a value doesn’t just sting owners at a payout stage.

“Overvaluing can lead to higher premiums without any extra benefit,” warns Francis. “It’s better to be realistic and review your horse’s value regularly.”

4. …but don’t hesitate to cover high-value horses

You might not own one of the world’s most expensive horses, but insuring a horse with a hefty pricetag is still a daunting prospect.

“A lot of people assume that arranging vet fees cover for a high-value horse will be really expensive,” says Alice. “That’s often because many insurers base their pricing on the horse’s value first, then add vet fees on top.”

Alice advises seeking out a high-value horse insurance policy that lets you cover what you want.

“With Agria’s lifetime equine cover, most owners actually use it just for vet fees,” she continues. “In that case, the horse’s value doesn’t affect the price. What matters more is what the horse does and which activity group it falls into.”

5. Make sure your field is horse-safe

A field is only as good as its fencing, as the saying goes… OK, it’s not a saying, but it’s right. You could have fantastic grazing on perfect soil, but encircle it with a horse-unfriendly type of fence, and there could be trouble. What you might not know? Inappropriate fencing could affect an insurance claim.

“It might sound obvious, but where your horse spends its time matters,” explains Francis. “Fields with barbed wire or stock fencing can be risky, and many insurers, including us, won’t cover injuries from those environments.

“It’s about preventable risks,” he continues. “Owners have a duty of care, and making sure your paddock is safe can make all the difference when it comes to claims for vet fees, loss of use, or even equine mortality.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

6. Some policies could be transferrable

Some insurers allow owners to transfer insurance policies to a new owner on selling a horse.

“We sometimes speak with owners who are selling their horse and don’t realise that their Agria lifetime policy can actually be transferred to the new owner,” explains Alice Holborow. “It means the horse keeps its cover, including for any conditions that have already been claimed for, such as arthritis, gastric ulcers, or colic – for life, as long as the policy stays active.

“People are often really pleased to hear this, and it can be a great selling point when passing a horse on to a new home.”

7. And finally, your insurance doesn’t always kick in immediately

Not all policies are in full swing from the day of activation.

“Most providers, including us, have a 14-day exclusion period for illnesses and conditions,” warns Francis. “During that time, we’ll cover external injuries from accidents, unless it’s related to or results from a pre-existing condition, but not illnesses or conditions that show clinical signs or develop within those first two weeks.”

This is done to protect against pre-existing conditions and reduce fraudulent claims.

“It’s worth considering having horse insurance in place from the day you purchase your horse. That way you get the waiting period out of the way and have peace of mind knowing you have the cover you need,” Francis adds.

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What are the risks of horse riding in winter –and how can you mitigate them? Experts weigh in…

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:22:29 +0000

Horse riding in winter can be glorious. Those crisp days with gorgeous golden light are a rider’s idea of a winter wonderland, but the elements can throw wet, icy and muddy curveballs in the way.

Owners who compete, trail hunt, have an equine rehab programme to follow or simply aren’t prepared to hang up their boots for a season, will be showing their dedication in order to continue riding through the winter. Continuing to exercise your horse daily may be key to their wellbeing if their turnout time has been reduced.

However, all too often horse riding in winter presents additional challenges. Many of these – shorter daylight hours, boggy ground and ice – represent an inconvenience at best. But when do wintry conditions transform into risk?

Risks of riding in winter

“Reduced daylight, icy surfaces, and wet or muddy terrain can all increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls – potentially leading to injuries for horse or rider,” says Francis Martin, CEO of Insurance Emporium.

The British Horse Society (BHS) advises being flexible when it comes to planning your rides.

“Ground conditions can quickly become slippery, frozen, or waterlogged,” says Emmeline Hannelly, BHS horse care and welfare education manager. “So, adjust exercise plans to suit footing, opting for safer or indoor surfaces when needed.”

Riders may also consider scaling back hacking to minimise risk, particularly when it’s icy.

“Choose familiar routes and remain vigilant for hidden hazards underfoot,” says Francis.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fewer daylight hours aren’t the only issue. Reduced visibility from fog, rain and snow can occur at unexpected points in your ride.

“Both riders and horses should wear high-visibility and reflective clothing, and consider LED lighting to ensure they’re seen from all angles,” says Francis. “This isn’t just about rider safety; it’s about protecting other road users too.”

Check in with your insurance

Before you saddle up this winter, it’s worth reviewing your equine insurance policy to check what you’re covered for.

“Understanding your coverage ensures peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your time in the saddle, even in winter conditions,” adds Francis.

A basic equine insurance policy typically covers the horse for death, theft, or straying – also known as mortality insurance. Some policies also include vet’s fees and public liability as standard, but for others these are extras that you can bolt on to your basic policy, so it’s worth checking what your policy includes.

If you are helping to keep a friend’s horse exercised this winter, then a horse rider insurance policy could be worth investigating. These can include cover for emergency vet treatment for the horse, while it is in your care, and personal injury cover for the rider should you be injured.

Why do riders need public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance covers claims brought against you by a third party following property damage or bodily injury.

For equestrians, this means if someone is injured or their property is damaged by your horse in a public space in a manner within the terms of your policy, you are personally protected from costs payable to the third party (subject to any policy excess).

Your policy may also protect you if your horse caused damage after escaping from his paddock.

“While public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it’s an important consideration,” remarks Francis. “Horses, no matter how well-trained, can behave unpredictably. Insurance could provide a safety net should the unexpected happen.”

Horse riding in winter: before you tack up

In winter, riders who have to stable their horses more because of livery yard rules or land that is unsuitable for turnout because it is waterlogged, can face increased risks.

Switching to a new stabling and turnout pattern can lead to undesirable behaviours caused by the horse being unable to move and express excess energy as it would during its summer routine that includes more time in the field.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“One of the biggest winter dilemmas is balancing turnout and stabling,” says Emmeline. “Keep transitions between routines gradual to help your horse adjust. Whenever possible, horses should have daily outdoor time, as regular movement supports circulation, digestion, and mental wellbeing.

“Icy or wet fields might limit turnout, with hand-walking or arena exercise as alternatives,” continues Emmeline. “Even short periods outside offer important stimulation and help reduce stiffness.”

Working with your horse from the floor, by using groundwork patterns, training in-hand, lungeing or long-reining can all give the horse a mental and physical workout when time is limited or the horse isn’t able to be ridden.

Frequent checks can help keep your turnout safe.

“Regularly inspect turnout areas for hazards and avoid overgrazing to protect the land. Feeding from hay feeders on hardstanding helps prevent deeper mud and wasted forage,” adds Emmeline.

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Cost of colic referral ‘frequently exceeds’ insurance cover, research shows

Becky Murray — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 12:33:27 +0000

The maximum insurance cover for colic referral treatment “has not kept pace” with inflation, a new study has found, although some costs have gone down.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic looked at costs from 248 colic cases at 18 UK vet hospitals last year and data from five insurance companies, including maximum cover for vets’ fees, cost of monthly premiums, ease of obtaining a quote and readability of insurance documents.

The information was compared to data from a 2018 study, and it was found that the average cost of colic surgery had decreased, when adjusted for inflation – from £8,134 to £7,905 – but the average cost of veterinary treatment and euthanasia without surgery had increased from £1,897 to £2,379. Monthly premiums ranged from £42.76 to £97.23 in 2024/5 compared to £34.01 to £59.39 in 2018. The maximum insurance cover was between £5,000 and £7,500 in 2018; this stayed the same for three of the five companies and a fourth had not increased the figure in line with inflation.

“The maximum insurance cover had not kept pace with inflation for four of five insurance companies, and costs of referral treatment frequently exceeded this,” said the researchers, adding that monthly premiums had risen above inflation for all five companies, and was more than double the 2018 inflation-adjusted levels for two.

“All insurance documentation was outside the recommended range for ease of readability scores,” the researchers added.

Read the paper in full

Tim Mair of Bell Equine said: “Despite recent reports about vets fees rising substantially above inflation, this was not the case for the colic referral data in our study when accounting for inflation.”

Sarah Freeman of the University of Nottingham added that the research team is keen to work with vet practices and insurance companies to ensure that cost and insurance information is “clear and easily understood, so that horse owners can make the best choices.”

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‘Critical’ that owners know their cover when horses have to be put down to avoid additional heartbreak

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 12:49:57 +0000

It is critical owners understand what they are covered for, insurers and vets agree, to avoid adding disappointment to the heartbreak of losing a horse.

Surgery specialist vet Judith Findley, of Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, said the practice has noticed an increase in clients struggling to understand their policies, and not realising that they will not always be covered if a horse is put down.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) guidelines for paying out for equine euthanasia state: “That the insured horse sustains an injury or manifests an illness or disease that is so severe as to warrant immediate destruction to relieve incurable and excessive pain and that no other options of treatment are available to that horse at that time.”

The guidance states that this “essentially deals with the emergency situation, for example on the racecourse, event or at a road accident, where immediate action must be undertaken by the attending veterinary surgeon”.

“The decision to advise an owner to destroy a horse on humane grounds must be the responsibility of the attending veterinary surgeon, based on his or her assessment of the clinical signs at the time of examination, regardless of whether or not the horse is insured,” it adds. “The veterinary surgeon’s primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare of the horse.”

Deteriorating condition

For less urgent cases such as chronic illness or lameness and a horse’s condition “deteriorating to the point at which euthanasia will be required”, it is “essential to keep insurers informed of the situation and to mutually agree or negotiate an appropriate course of action, if necessary involving their veterinary adviser”.

“Such cases may require a second opinion on behalf of the insurers before euthanasia is undertaken,” the guidance states.

Dr Findley told H&H that more people may be putting horses down owing to the financial situation and cost of living.

“We’ve had more people than usual who have thought they were going to get a payout, then be shocked a few weeks later when they don’t,” she said.

“I think there’s a lack of understanding of this from owners, both that the guidelines exist, and what they mean when you’re in that situation.”

She said a good example might be a case of colic, when surgery would be an option but the owner decides it is not the right one for the horse, whether owing to its age or another health condition.

“So they choose to put the horse to sleep, then realise that because there was a treatment option and they chose not to take it, they won’t get the payout,” she said. “And even if you tell the owner, it’s at a point when they’re so distressed, they don’t really take it in.”

Dr Findley said it is an emotive topic, and it can be shocking to owners to find out that even if they and vets agree euthanasia is in a horse’s best interests, this does not mean a payout is guaranteed.

“It would be good for people to think about it in a non-emergency situation, plan and understand what the policy covers and what it doesn’t,” she said.

Answering questions

BEVA chief executive David Mountford said vets can sometimes be blamed if a mortality claim is rejected.

“It’s critical that owners know what they are insuring against before they take out a policy,” he told H&H. “Insurance companies generally do a good job of explaining the policy terms and should be able to answer any questions that owners have before commitments are made.”

Laura Swinnerton, head of underwriting and product development at Peliwica Insurance, told H&H the company has to stick to the BEVA guidelines for an “all risks of mortality” policy.

“They exist to protect the animal as much as anything,” she said. “They ensure that horses aren’t put to sleep for owners’ financial gain.

“We understand that this can be a very distressing time for horse owners contemplating losing their best friend but we have to adhere to the guidelines, as do all insurers. We recommend all owners read the terms and conditions of the policy carefully, and ensure they understand, to avoid any further distress at such a difficult time.”

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The Horse & Hound Podcast 165: top eventer Harry Meade | Making an equine insurance claim with The Insurance Emporium

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 29 May 2025 07:30:53 +0000

On our 165th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is supported by The Insurance Emporium this month, we speak to top event rider Harry Meade, who told us all about his impressive team of five-star horses and shared some of his secrets to being a speed king across country. We also hear from Sally Wright, who will talk about her experiences of making an insurance claim related to her horses. We hope you enjoy listening.

Episode 165 of our popular audio service The Horse & Hound Podcast is now live.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

On this episode we speak to top event rider Harry Meade, who is the man of the moment following his incredible cross-country performances at both Kentucky and Badminton this spring.

He told us all about his impressive team of five-star horses and shared some of his secrets to being a speed king across country.

“With my style of riding, I don’t need to practise riding fast. What I need to do is slow the horse’s brain down and get that complete relaxation. Once I’ve got that, I can add in the speed on demand” – Harry Meade on his art of riding fast across country

We also hear from Sally Wright, who will talk about her horses and experiences of making an insurance claim related to them, in an advertisement feature with The Insurance Emporium.

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 165

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What is loss of use insurance for horses and how does it work?

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:30:28 +0000

Equine loss of use insurance provides financial protection if your horse becomes unfit for its intended use due to illness, injury, or other health-related issues.

This type of insurance is particularly valuable if you own a horse that takes part in an equestrian sport, such as dressage, eventing, showjumping or hunting. It can help recover some of your financial investment if your horse suffers an injury or illness that means it is no longer able to take part in that activity.

Loss of use is typically purchased alongside a standard horse insurance policy, such as a mortality policy that covers a minimum of death, theft and straying. You should expect to pay a higher premium for this than for a standard policy to reflect the additional risk that the insurer is undertaking.

Francis Martin, CEO at The Insurance Emporium, says: “As with any type of insurance, we would always encourage owners to read the policy wording carefully to familiarise themselves with what their policy covers, as cover may vary among providers.”

What is equine loss of use insurance?

Coverage for loss of performance: this insurance covers situations where your horse can no longer perform at the level it was previously trained to or expected to perform at.

It is specific to the horse’s intended use: your horse may be insured for multiple activities, but the loss of use claim would be evaluated based on their specific role.

If you insure a horse as a hack and it breaks down while eventing at two-star level, that’s a breach of contract and will not be covered.

Some horses are insured for a number of different activities and policy holders should check whether their horse has to be incapable of all of their uses in order for them to claim loss of use.

If you have a mare that is no longer able to compete but could be used for breeding, that would still count as a valid loss of use claim.

Pre-existing conditions and exclusions are excluded: it’s important to disclose all of your horse’s prior injuries and health issues when applying for insurance as if you do submit a claim, the insurance company will request their full veterinary history.

“Common general exclusions include pre-existing conditions and conditions that present within 14 days of the loss of use policy starting,” adds Francis.

What is a typical loss of use claim process?

If your horse suffers an injury or illness that renders it unfit for its intended purpose, you will need to provide the horse’s veterinary records to your insurer and your horse may need to undergo an assessment by an equine professional.

A spokesperson for Insurance Emporium explains that with a loss of use case, policy holders have 365 days after your horse first displays clinical signs of an injury, illness, or condition to register the claim.

With some injuries, a period of rehab or time off will be required before an insurance company can decide on the outcome of a claim.

If the loss of use claim is accepted, depending on the terms of the policy, the insurer may pay out a lump sum or offer a payout based on the market value of your horse or the specific contract terms.

If your horse has had a successful loss of use claim made, this information will be registered on the relevant paperwork against their microchip number, with horses at the centre of the claim then usually freezemarked.

What is the difference between partial or full loss of use?

Policies may vary in how they handle partial versus total loss of use. A “partial” loss of use may occur if your horse can still perform at a diminished capacity, while a “total” loss of use would apply if your horse can no longer perform any tasks related to its intended role.

As an example, if your horse was competing at BE100 eventing and suffers a condition or illness that means they can no longer event, but are suitable for hacking, that would be an example of a partial loss of use claim.

If a BE100 event horse suffered a condition or illness that meant they could no longer compete or hack out or take part in any ridden activity, this would qualify as a full loss of use claim.

When insuring with Agria, loss of use covers “90% of the sum insured, up to a maximum of £25,000 or 90% of the market value (whichever is less), of a horse if it develops an illness or suffers an injury that is so serious that it can permanently only be retired and/or turned out at pasture.”

Agria’s spokesperson adds: “The illness or injury must be so severe that even the provision of veterinary treatment or continuing care would not restore your horse’s ability.”

Some insurance policies offer the option to reduce premiums by choosing a lower payout percentage for loss of use, such as 60%. This means the policy will pay out a smaller amount if the insured becomes permanently incapable of use, but at the cost of lower premiums. The specific payout percentage and premium reduction vary depending on the policy and insurer.

Final considerations: do you need loss of use?

Francis Martin, CEO at The Insurance Emporium concludes: “Most importantly with loss of use insurance, you should consider whether it’s right for you – it’s an additional cost to a basic premium.

“In addition, not all insurance providers offer full loss of use if your horse has an injury or condition that results in permanent loss of use – some cover external injuries and accidents only, so you should always check the small print.

“Finally, if your horse doesn’t have to be put down and you choose to retire it, then the cover may only pay a percentage of the horse’s market value.”

Loss of use insurance is an additional cost to a basic premium, so it’s important to assess whether the cover is right for your needs and budget. However, it can make sense for even a riding club or lower-level affiliated rider to have loss of use coverage.

While it may seem less crucial for lower-level riders compared to those at higher levels, it still offers valuable protection against significant financial repercussions if a horse is injured and can no longer be ridden, even at a recreational level.

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A tack room burglary, fire or flood can be devastating – would you be covered?

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Having horses involves owning a lot of kit and, after paying our essential bills, much of our hard-earned cash goes on tack and equipment for our equine partners. With the totals adding up to a considerable amount, it’s understandable that you’d want to protect your items from being damaged, lost or stolen. This is where tack insurance can come in.

Equine tack and equipment insurance is there to protect the various items and gear used for horse care, training, and competition. It helps cover the cost of replacing or repairing damaged, lost, or stolen items. Whether your horse has an extensive wardrobe of bespoke high-end items or your tackroom is filled with second-hand equipment that you’d be equally gutted to lose, tack insurance is a valuable option that some people completely overlook – until it’s too late.

Most standard horse insurance policies offer some level of cover for saddlery and tack, typically including loss, damage, or theft. This coverage can vary, with some policies offering a specific sum insured for tack and saddlery, and others covering it as part of a broader “death, theft, and straying” benefit. Some policies may also require specific security measures, such as locking tack away when not in use.

Equine tack and equipment insurance cover

When looking for insurance for tack and equipment, you need to decide what types of cover you need. Options include:

Loss or theft: if your tack or equipment is stolen, or if it is lost due to circumstances beyond your control, this insurance can help cover the cost of replacement.
Damage: coverage typically applies to damage caused by accidents, or even natural disasters. Some policies may also cover damage caused by the horse itself.
Fire or natural disasters: some policies include coverage for damage caused by fires, floods, or other catastrophic events.

What items can be covered?

Tack is an obvious item that most of us want to be covered, but policies can be extended to include much more. Such items include saddles, bridles, reins, stirrups and other essential horse-riding gear.

Riding apparel including riding boots, helmets, gloves, and other protective gear used by the rider can also be included, as can stable equipment, for example, feed bins and water troughs.

In some cases, insurance can extend to cover such items as horse trailers or transportation gear used while traveling a horse and also competition gear.

In general, horse riding tack insurance policies may require that items exceeding a certain value are specifically listed on the policy. This is often the case for high-value items like saddles and certain bridles. The specific value threshold and whether all tack needs to be listed depend on the individual insurance provider and the policy detail.

“The maximum sum insured at The Insurance Emporium is £5,000 on a lunar monthly paying policy, and £4,500 on an annual paying policy,” says Frances. “The replacement value will be calculated on the price you paid less depreciation, sum insured, or market value, whichever is less.”

Policy types

There are a variety of policy types available to you when it comes to insuring tack and equipment.

All-risk coverage includes virtually any type of loss or damage unless explicitly excluded, whereas named perils coverage includes only the risks specifically listed in the policy, such as theft, fire, or specific types of accidents.

Some policies offer “replacement cost”, meaning they will pay the full cost to replace the item. Others offer “actual cash value”, which factors in depreciation and only reimburses for the current market value of the item.

It is worth noting that you can take out a standalone policy, or you could add it on to your horse insurance or horse rider insurance.

Policy limits, excesses and exclusions

Policy limits and excess

Policies will typically have a limit on how much can be paid out for each item or for all claims within a policy period. It’s essential to check the coverage limit for expensive equipment like custom saddles or high-end tack. Additionally, some policies may have an excess that must be met before the insurance covers a claim.

Exclusions

Insurance exclusions are specific conditions or events detailed in an insurance policy that are not covered, meaning the insurer won’t pay for losses resulting from those exclusions. They define the boundaries of what the policy protects against and are crucial for understanding the limitations of coverage.

Exclusions on tack and equipment could include:

Wear and tear: normal wear and tear from use is generally not covered.
Negligence: loss or damage caused by negligence (such as leaving equipment out in the rain) may be excluded.
Pre-existing damage: if the equipment was already damaged before the policy was in effect, it will not be covered.

Francis Martin, CEO at The Insurance Emporium adds: “You will not be insured if theft or damage happens while the saddlery and tack is being hired or loaned by anyone other than the named policy holder, or a member of their family (this includes husband, wife, civil partner, partner, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren).”

SEIB adds: “Some insurers may also have specific criteria for tack rooms that should be met in terms of the type of lock, window security, and who has access to the area. It is the owner of the item’s responsibility to make sure that where it is kept is appropriate for the storage of tack – not only to meet the insurers needs in terms of security, but also to ensure the tack is kept in good condition in all seasons.”

Security requirements to ensure your policy is valid

A claim could be rejected if your tack isn’t securely stored. Such security requirements might include storing equipment in a house, apartment or non-domestic locked building with security devices in operation, or in a securely locked and fastened vehicle (specific conditions may apply between certain hours).

Measures can also be taken to uniquely identify equipment, such as using air tags, or invisible ink. As with any type of insurance, owners are always encouraged to read the policy wording and security requirements carefully to familiarise themselves with what their policy covers, as insurance cover will vary among providers.

There may also be certain security requirements you should adhere to while away competing at competitions in order for your insurance to remain valid. For example, keeping doors, windows and other openings closed, locked and fastened on horseboxes and tack lockers, and having valid insurance and an approved alarm system.

Making a tack insurance claim

If you need to make a claim, you would typically need to provide proof of the loss or damage (photos, receipts, police reports for theft, etc.). Depending on the insurer, the process may also require an assessment or evaluation of the damage or the value of the items.

A spokesperson for SEIB highlights the importance of keeping receipts of items insured in case you need to make a claim:

“It’s essential to keep purchase receipts in a safe place. Some insurers allow you to send copies of receipts when the item is initially purchased, to keep on your policy file should a claim occur.”

In addition, SEIB recommends keeping the following records.

It is a good idea to have an inventory of all tack and saddlery for insurance purposes.

Keep all purchase receipts alongside the following:

a) Description of items: i.e. brand, colour, size

b) Details of any identifying marks such as engravings, stamps or microchips

c) Good quality photographs showing the items clearly from several angles, plus of any identifying marks

SEIB adds: “In the event of a claim, although some insurers have specialist equine or property loss adjusters who can attend premises if required, most simple claims can be assessed using photos and videos provided by the insured.

“The most useful proof in the event of a claim is a purchase receipt, written saddler valuations plus a photo of where and how the tack is stored – ideally with the tack and saddlery shown in situ.”

Is my tack covered on my home insurance?

Some riders put their tack on their home insurance and Frances says that there are some benefits to this.

“An advantage to having your tack on your home insurance is that it’s linked to other household contents, and everything is included in one policy, but this could be more expensive, and you should always check your policy wording. Horse insurance is tailored specifically to the needs of horse owners.”

Do I need tack and equipment insurance?

So who should consider this insurance? Anybody who owns tack and horse-related equipment should consider insuring it. Whether you are a rider competing at the highest level or a leisure rider, covering your gear could prove invaluable.

Stable owners should also strongly consider insuring tack and equipment given that they may have multiple horses and a significant amount of tack and equipment that needs protection.

SEIB says: “Livery yard owners may have a specific equestrian business policy, and requirements may differ slightly in terms of acceptable criteria for ‘secured’ storage. This may include the tackroom stated as a ‘standard construction’ building.”

Overall, equine tack and equipment insurance provides valuable protection for horse owners and riders who depend on their gear for both everyday use and competitive purposes. It’s important to carefully read the policy details to understand the extent of coverage and any exclusions.

Francis concludes: “As with many aspects that come with owning a horse, buying saddlery and tack is likely to be another big investment in what already has become an expensive hobby.

“Nonetheless, while your home contents insurance may cover your equipment, horse insurance covers the horse for death, theft or straying and, should you choose it as an optional benefit, can include saddlery and tack cover too.

“We understand the rise in veterinary costs, feed, yard fees and all the other costs associated with horse ownership are having a demonstrable impact on owners during the cost-of-living crisis, with many struggling to afford to keep them and looking to make cutbacks, but they should carefully consider the consequences of not having insurance cover.”

We all accept that horses and their gear is a significant investment, so knowing you have insurance can help provide peace of mind.

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Equine mortality insurance explained – everything you need to know, from what it covers to how to make a claim

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:30:40 +0000

When saying a final goodbye to a beloved horse, finances are likely the last thing on an owner’s mind. But if you need to make a claim and aren’t sure how, you might benefit from having equine mortality insurance explained.

Equine euthanasia, whatever the grounds, is never an easy decision. While nothing can make up for the upset of a horse’s life ending, owners with insurance may at least recoup their investment if they make a prompt, accurate claim that fulfils an insurer’s stipulations.

“The death of a horse may be an unfortunate reality at some point for owners. Of course, it isn’t one you want to have to think about,” says Francis Martin, CEO of Insurance Emporium. “However, equine mortality insurance offers policyholders financial reimbursement in the unfortunate event that their horse dies or is put to sleep by a vet on immediate humane grounds as a result of an injury, illness, or condition.”

If you’ve never had equine mortality insurance explained, you might feel unnerved at the prospect of claiming. It falls under the part of an equine insurance policy that covers death, theft or straying, which allows the policyholder to insure the value of their horse in case of death or euthanasia on humane grounds following an accident, sickness or disease. The value paid out can vary from insurer to insurer.

“It is important to check the policy. Typically, equine mortality insurance is a market value policy as opposed to an agreed value policy therefore it is important to keep the value accurate and up-to-date,” explains Harriet Walker, operations manager at KBIS.

Agria’s senior product and underwriting manager Alexandra Gilliam says successful claims for death and loss of use can pay a horses’ market value or sum insured, whichever is less, with no limit on the sum insured for death, theft or straying. She also notes owners of veteran horses can expect changes to the death and loss of use value insured as their horse ages.

“At Agria, once the horse is 16 or older, the sum insured reduces by 20% each year to a minimum of £500. However, no matter how old a horse gets, there is no change to the level of veterinary fee cover provided, for which we have no upper age limit.”

The scope of cover will vary between insurers. Harriet adds: “It is worth noting to check the cover is for accidents, sickness and disease as there may be some factors that would mean the cover is limited to accidental external injury only.”

Equine mortality insurance explained: mortality cover vs loss of use

It’s important to understand the difference between cover for death, theft or straying and permanent loss of use. Death cover will only pay out if the horse dies/is put down for incurable suffering with no available treatments. Meanwhile, loss of use cover concerns itself with the activities the horse was insured for or doing.

“Loss of use insures the horse if, due to injury, condition or illness, they can no longer be used for the activities that they are insured for and currently participating in,” says Harriet.

“In other words, the horse has a condition where he does not necessarily need to be put to sleep, but must be retired or can only be used for a lower-level activity.”

Francis Martin adds that owners may find different levels of loss of use cover. “Complete loss of use covers the event that your horse cannot undertake any functions for which it was vetted and insured, and you elect to have it put to sleep. Claims for complete loss of use might compensate the policyholder the sum insured or market value, whichever is less.

“Partial loss of use differs in that the horse can still undertake other equestrian activities than what it was intended for, or you elect to breed from or retire it. Claims might pay out a percentage of the sum insured or market value, whichever is less.”

According to H&H veterinary consultant Dr Karen Coumbe, there can be confusion between mortality and loss of use cover for those who’ve never had equine mortality insurance explained. The best thing to do is to review the policy thoroughly.

“The short answer is that mortality or death cover is much more limited,” she explains. “There is a huge variability in policies and the insured’s understanding of their level of insurance cover.”

Dr Coumbe adds that loss of use cover is more costly, and less commonly purchased, although you will have more cover. “It increases the premium as you are insuring the value of the horse against two possibilities: death and loss of use,” confirms Harriet.

When should I inform the insurer?

In any equine euthanasia case, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has clear guidelines on humane destruction which, as Dr Coumbe explains, are “crucial to the decision-making process”. The guidelines are extensive and supply information for humane destruction that covers a range of possible circumstances.

The guidelines also advise vets on their role in an insurance claim, as well as the insured’s.

“While the owner has the primary responsibility for the claim, the vet is integral to the whole process,” says Dr Coumbe. “Most equine hospitals have office staff whose role is to specifically assist owners in resolving their claims; a lot of administration is needed.”

But at what point should an owner notify their insurer?

“Wherever possible, it is always best to notify insurers before euthanasia,” Dr Coumbe advises. “For instance, with serious colic, there may be a debate as to whether surgery is the correct course of action. In most cases, all possible treatment options must be explored prior to a claim being considered.”

Alexandra Gilliam confirms: “In a non-emergency we ask that the policyholder contact us to ensure that the horse really does need to be put down, and that those reasons fall under the BEVA guidelines.

“Our team may also ask to speak with your vet before making this decision.”

That said, the structure of the claiming process hinges on the nature of the euthanasia case.

“If a horse is suffering and there are no treatment options available, it may be euthanised immediately and the insurance sorted afterwards,” explains Dr Coumbe. An example would be a horse with a broken leg, however, even then some fractures are treatable.

“In an emergency where the horse is suffering acutely and immediate euthanasia is necessary for the horse’s welfare, we completely support the vet’s decision to act immediately and without consultation, in line with the BEVA guidelines,” echoes Alexandra.

The BEVA guidelines are currently being updated. There will be further details once this process is completed.

Will the insurer pay out?

Claiming can be an admin-heavy undertaking with numerous documents to submit and requirements to satisfy.

“The key thing is keeping the insurers informed in advance, supplying all notes and invoices and being scrupulously honest, as per any insurance claim,” Alexandra advises.

“A claim for death is reviewed on a case-by-case basis,” confirms Francis Martin. “It is unlikely to be assessed until a fully completed claim form, detailed veterinary account (report) and complete medical history is received.

“You may also be asked to provide your horse’s passport, proof of purchase and in certain situations a valuation.”

Under what circumstances is an insurer likely to pay out?

“Typical scenarios would include a horse being put down through a catastrophic injury or an acute colic,” explains Alexandra. “Cover under an Agria lifetime policy would mean that if you had previously claimed for colic treatment while insured with us and your horse dies of colic years later, you will still be insured if you have death, theft or straying and loss of use cover. This would not be the case under most annual policies, where colic and death as a result of the colic would have been excluded after 12-15 months post claim.”

Anthony Burnett, equestrian underwriter at SEIB, adds: “A policy won’t pay out if, for example, there are further treatment options available. Or, in the case of non-emergency euthanasia, the insurer’s prior agreement isn’t sought.

“More general reasons would be if the cause of the mortality was pre-existing, or if it’s excluded under the policy.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Is a post-mortem examination required?

For Dr Coumbe, it’s another case of reading the small print. “The insured should check their policy, as many will not pay out without a post-mortem examination,” she advises.

She adds that the factors necessitating the scale of post-mortem – or indeed whether one is required – will vary.

“It depends on the condition, the circumstances, and the geographical area, as well as the value of the horse. Sometimes it is a simple veterinary practice procedure. Others require a specialist pathologist to do a very detailed examination with samples being collected.”

Anthony Burnett reiterates Dr Coumbe’s comments on checking policy wording.

“It does depend on the individual policy or insurance provider. On SEIB’s horse insurance policies, a post-mortem isn’t generally needed if the vet is certain of the cause of death/diagnosis. If they aren’t, a post-mortem report would be needed as part of the supporting evidence submitted on the claim.

Who pays for the exam? Again, it all hinges on circumstance.

“The cost of the post-mortem will generally be at the policyholder’s expense,” says Anthony. “Although some policies will cover this cost if the mortality claim is accepted.”

Equine mortality insurance explained: case study

H&H regulars will be familiar with Hovis, our long-standing equine columnist, who suffered a severe and inoperable colic in February. His insurance policy included coverage for vet’s fees and death.

“Our case was very much an emergency. At eight in the morning Hovis was fine. By two in the afternoon, I was saying goodbye to him on the operating table,” explains his owner, Karen Thompson.

Karen said she had always told herself she wouldn’t opt for colic surgery for 23-year-old Hovis should it arise, but the suddenness of Hovis’ condition – and the reassurance of knowing she had cover in place for vet’s fees – meant she and her vet decided to rush him to the local equine hospital to give him every chance of survival.

“When we arrived at the site, I was given a clipboard with a consent form to sign with an estimate at the bottom showing the kind of bill you’re likely to run up,” Karen tells us. “They were the kind of numbers that make you think ‘thank goodness I’m insured’.”

Hovis was checked in and taken away immediately for surgery, at which point Karen began lodging a claim.

“They were brilliant,” says Karen. “The woman on the line just kept repeatedly saying ‘you absolutely don’t need to do this now – you’re in the middle of it.’ Without setting any kind of deadline, they just told me to call again when I was through it.”

Minutes into the surgery, a hospital vet confirmed the damage was too severe and Hovis couldn’t be saved.

Karen called the insurer back the following day and picked up the claim precisely where she had left off.

“They were very careful to ask only what was necessary to ensure the claim was legitimate. I was not expected to give any gory details and they gave the option of answering questions via email if talking about it was too painful.”

“It’s a bit of a comfort”

Once Karen had given details of the attending vet and equine hospital, and confirmed which bill she wanted to apply her policy’s excess to, the claim was handled totally by the vets. Aside from Karen’s voluntary excess, the company covered both vet bills. Karen also received the sum Hovis was insured for within 10 days of claiming, and a contribution towards his cremation. Correspondence from the insurer stated the vets had confirmed euthanasia on humane grounds.

Karen felt her case was handled with swiftness, professionalism and sensitivity. Additionally, she felt that vet fee cover was as important, if not more so, than cover for death.

“Insurance is a personal choice, but of all the places you can save money, I wouldn’t compromise on my cover,” she said.

“I have the comfort of knowing I tried everything for Hovis. I’ll never have to live with the feeling that maybe he could have been saved. I was faced with an awful decision, but I never had to worry about whether I could afford it.”

Referring to her policy’s death cover, Karen adds that the sum paid out felt like a “bit of comfort”.

“I wasn’t expecting anything, and I’m nowhere near wanting another horse,” she says. “But having that bit of money you can put to one side for a new friend when you’re ready – and it maybe it’s a strange way of looking at it – almost feels like a gift from the horse you lost.”

She adds: “I truly believe you get what you pay for. It can be tempting to go for a cheap policy and assume you’re covered. I’d always be cautious and ensure I knew what I was covered for.”

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Do you need insurance to ride your horse on the road? H&H explains…

Emily Donoho — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:30:41 +0000

Working out what insurance you do and don’t need when you’re out and about on the road with your horse can be confusing. Horse & Hound sets the record straight.

Cars need to be insured to be on road, but do you need insurance to ride your horse on the road? The short answer is no, there is no legal requirement for horse or rider to carry insurance in order to use roads. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea.

Public liability cover

The British Horse Society (BHS) “strongly advises riders to take out public liability insurance for horses, although it is not a legal requirement, as if a horse in their care causes damage to property or injury, they may be liable to pay considerable costs”.

“When riding on roads, horse riders should consider both public liability insurance as well as personal accident cover with insurance providers offering cover for both junior riders (up to 17) and adult riders (ages 18-75),” says Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium. “It’s worth noting that both types of cover are typically included within horse rider insurance.”

A spokesperson at SEIB, a specialist equine insurance broker, says: “Public liability covers claims brought against you by a third party following property damage or bodily injury for which you are legally liable.”

SEIB’s literature explains how public liability insurance relates to horses: “For example if your horse escapes from its field in the night and runs out in front of a moving car resulting in damage to the car and injury to the driver, you could be made to pay the compensation costs for this incident even though you were tucked up in bed at the time.”

It’s not a road specific insurance, but it covers anything that happens while on a road, or any other public place.

What if you don’t own the horse? Are you still covered for public liability? A PetPlan spokesperson explained: “Firstly, you need to check whether the horse is insured and if it is, ask the owner to confirm what cover is in place. If the owner has cover for third party liability check if it covers just the owner, named riders or anyone riding and handling the horse with the owner’s permission.”

Personal accident cover

As the person most likely to be injured in a riding accident is the rider, it’s also recommended that they take out personal accident cover.

SEIB’s spokesperson adds: “Personal accident cover provides benefits in the event of injury following an accident. Cover can be provided for death, loss of limb or sight, permanent total disablement or weekly benefits, however this is not an exhaustive list of benefits available.”

Some personal accident policies include an optional upgrade to include fracture cover, which will pay out if you suffer broken bones as the result of a horse-related incident.

It is important to note that personal accident policies do not typically cover the associated costs if an injured rider needs to take time off work, or employ someone to assist them with their horse following an injury. You will need income protection cover in this case.

Many insurance companies also offer an upgrade for vet’s fees, should the horse be injured in an accident.

Even if you don’t own the horse, you can still take out rider insurance. A number of insurance companies offer a rider-only insurance package.

The BHS Gold membership starts at £8.50 per month, if paying by direct debit, and £102 for a one-off payment and includes public liability insurance, personal accident, and, according to a BHS spokesperson: “Covers you for any horse you own, look after, or ride.”

Shearwater also offers personal accident cover for riders, which, a spokesperson explained: “Will cover you as a rider if you get injured, offering a multitude of benefits, however it does not cover any potential damage to someone else’s property, for example a car.”

This list isn’t comprehensive. Anyone interested in personal injury insurance or public liability cover should go online and see what’s out there. Shop around to find the policy that’s right for you – and make sure you’ve read the small print. Being covered will help give you peace of mind if you’re riding on the roads.

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Insurance for broodmares and foals – how can breeders protect themselves?

Oscar Williams — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:30:34 +0000

For small-scale breeders with just one or two broodmares, welcoming a healthy foal is a thrilling moment – but it’s also a time of significant risk.

While professional breeders often accept some losses as part of the job, for small-scale breeders, a single incident can be devastating as the cost of breeding a horse is huge in the first place. Having the right insurance in place is one way to help manage those risks and protect both your mare and foal throughout the breeding journey.

Does standard horse insurance cover a broodmare and foal?

The short answer? Not really. Most standard equine insurance policies do cover broodmares, but usually only for general accidents, illness or mortality. If death results from pregnancy or foaling complications, a standard policy typically won’t pay out unless you’ve added specific breeding cover.

Equally, most standard veterinary fee policies exclude pregnancy-related issues, such as complications during foaling, injuries sustained during covering (whether natural or AI), or fertility treatments. However, some insurers will still cover illnesses unrelated to pregnancy, such as tendon injuries, even if the mare is in foal.

“Breeding risks generally aren’t included in standard policies,” explained Alice Holbrow, equine and partnership manager at Agria. “While we will insure a broodmare, in the UK, we apply a blanket exclusion to anything related to breeding risk.

“Breeders would need to look for specific breeding risk cover, but that can be difficult to find, as most products currently aren’t really designed for the amateur market.

“Breeding is inherently high-risk, and from a commercial perspective, it’s easier to insure, as the expectation is that experienced professionals are managing the process.”

To be fully protected, you’ll likely need to explore specialist broodmare insurance – but be aware, many of these products are geared towards professional, sport horse breeders and can come at higher costs.

Brokers like KBIS, SEIB and Lycetts work with multiple underwriters to create bespoke policies, which aren’t always widely advertised but can include cover for veterinary fees, pregnancy complications, and loss of foal.

“We have a team of specialist brokers who can offer advice on the cover available to you and provide bespoke insurance products,” said Beth Hutchinson, account executive at Lycetts. “Policies to consider would include insuring the mare for all risks of mortality and emergency surgery costs.”

KBIS also offers a standard catastrophe breeding cover product. This includes protection for accidental external injuries and specific foaling risks such as uterine tears and C-sections.

“In addition, the same policy covers the foal for the first 89 days,” said Harriet Walker, KBIS operational manager. “It doesn’t cover congenital problems or illness, but most risk at that stage comes from foaling injuries or the foal’s early movements as they find their feet.”

When can you normally insure a foal?

For a normal horse insurance policy, foals are typically eligible for coverage at around 30 days old. “We have no age-related policies, and our lifetime equine insurance covers them from 30 days until the end of life,” Alice explains.

But there are specialist policies for younger foals. Lycetts and KBIS, for example, offer cover from 24 hours old, which gives you peace of mind during those critical early days after birth. Veterinary fee cover, however, usually starts a bit later, typically around 90 days old.

If you want coverage even earlier, you’ll need in-utero insurance. Some insurers – like Lycetts – offer cover for foals from around 42 days of gestation, and this isn’t limited to thoroughbreds. While in-utero insurance is more common in the racing industry, many providers will also insure sport horse foals – although it can be expensive.

Do your homework and check the small print

It’s essential to read the terms and conditions of any policy carefully. Pay close attention to exclusions, claim procedures and age limits. Some policies require specific health checks or declarations at certain stages of the pregnancy, and you’ll want to know exactly what’s expected to avoid invalidating your coverage.

Also, be aware that some policies exclude certain interventions, such as assisted foaling or treatment for retained placenta – check your terms carefully.

If in doubt, speak to an equine insurance broker who understands breeding risks – they can advise on the right policy for your setup.

“The key message for consumers is to read your policy wording carefully before putting your mare in foal and consider whether those risks are covered,” Alice added. “If you’re in any doubt, pick up the phone and speak to your insurance company – each provider will have different terms and conditions.”

The bottom line on broodmare and foal?

Standard horse insurance is unlikely to give you full protection for your broodmare and foal, but there are specialist options out there if you want extra peace of mind.

It’s worth weighing up the risks and speaking to both an expert and your current insurer to decide what level of cover feels right for you.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How do you insure a horse that is worth as much as a house?

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 15:32:59 +0000

Every beloved horse is priceless to its owner, whether a 14hh super-cob or an international competitor. But if your four-legged friend happens to come with a six-figure value, how do you go about insuring him – not just as your much-loved partner, but also a significant asset? This is where high-value horse insurance comes in.

“The term ‘high-value horse’ is subjective and what is deemed high value by one insurance provider may not be by another,” says Anthony Burnett, equestrian underwriting specialist at SEIB.

As a benchmark, proof of purchase and purchase price is generally required along with a horse’s competition record in order to substantiate its value.

“Vettings, X-rays and the horse’s clinical record from the vets may also be needed, but this will depend on the individual risk details and the needs of the particular insurance provider,” he says.

For many insurers dealing with high-value horse insurance, there’s a value threshold that, when exceeded, means handing over veterinary paperwork.

“For horses over the value of £17,500, we require a five-stage vetting with X-rays completed within 30 days of the start of the cover,” says Katie Jackman, assistant underwriter at British Pet Insurance, part of the Petcover Group.

Five-stage vettings, including X-rays, are required for horses over a certain value – this threshold varies between insurers. (Image credit: Getty)

That said, ascertaining the value of a superstar equine only comes into play with certain cover types.

“Many owners choose a lifetime policy just for veterinary cover,” says Alice Holborow, equine and partnership manager at Agria. “In such cases, a horse’s value is irrelevant to setting the premium. The cost is determined largely by what the horse is being used for.

“Only when a claim is made for death or loss of use do we need to ascertain a horse’s value, since we pay out for the ‘sum insured’ or current market value, whichever is less,” she adds.

If a horse exceeds the insurer’s upper value threshold for a standard quote – which could be anything from £10,000 to £30,000 or more – it’s best to contact the broker directly to discuss a potential policy in more detail, especially if you want to cover death or loss of use.

“The insurer obviously risks having to pay out a large sum if a high-value horse should die, which is why the horse’s value is factored in when preparing a quotation that includes death and loss of use cover,” explains Alice.

What is the horse’s job?

Like any equine insurance policy, a high-end horse’s activities affect premiums substantially.

“The primary risk for us, as an insurer, is the horse’s job – what it will be doing,” continues Alice. “It stands to reason that a horse that is out advanced eventing is at higher risk than one that is only hacking.”

Another risk factor is competitive activity outside the domestic circuit.

“Generally, horses of higher value compete internationally, and the policy should therefore accommodate that, including transit within,” says Harriet Walker, operational manager at KBIS.

“For example, our standard policy covers the horse in Western Europe. Cover to other countries, including transit, can also be arranged.”

International travel may not be included in some policies so check with your broker. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Risk may even extend to the effects of a change of rider. Zoe Wood, divisional director at Lycetts, a high-value sport horse and bloodstock insurance specialist, says: “Often, these high-value horses are competed and sold by some of the best riders in the UK and there is every chance they might be bought by a less experienced rider or an amateur. This can present a problem in terms of maintaining the horse’s value from the purchase price.

“For example, a junior may take on an expensive horse and spend two years competing at a much lower level. The horse, now two years older, is likely to have reduced in value.”

A horse’s ownership or maintenance status can also come into play.

“Whether a horse is home-bred or on loan will affect how we assess the risk,” adds Petcover’s Katie. “This may also affect the premium or the sum insured for the horse. For example, if the horse is home-bred and under a certain age, we will use the stud fee to calculate the sum insured.”

How is market value of a high-value horse assessed?

A sport horse or racehorse’s career is ever-evolving and, as such, it is essential the owner maintains an accurate picture of his market value.

“Ultimately, the higher the value of the horse, the higher the risk in the event of a claim and therefore the higher the premium. This means it is in the policyholder’s best interest to ensure the value is accurate,” remarks Harriet. “The most common scenario would be if the horse has had an injury and therefore not been able to compete; the value may be affected.

“While we would use the policy renewal to review, the sum insured of the horse can be amended at any time throughout the policy year. This means that if the horse has had a successful season and the value has increased, we can increase the sum insured midway through the policy to reflect this,” she adds.

Katie adds that the owner is the driving force in any revaluation.

“We advise that it is the client’s responsibility to review the value of the horse regularly and ensure the insurance is updated accordingly.”

Market research is conducted to help build an up-to-date picture of a horse’s value.

“At renewal, we’d look at race or competition records and make sure everything’s up to date,” says Zoe. “For racehorses or bloodstock, it’s easier. They nearly all go through the sales at an early age, deciphering their fair market value. But then if a racehorse was bought as a yearling, for example, and hasn’t run as a two-year-old, we’d want to understand why.

“That said, we see lots of success stories and we wouldn’t want a client to be caught short if their horse has gone up in value following an impressive win,” she explains.

Determining the value of home-bred sport horses can be more nuanced. (Image credit: Boots & Hooves Photography)

Sport horses, especially home-breds, are a more nuanced insurance puzzle to solve.

“The results don’t come through as quickly as a two-year-old running in the Coventry at Royal Ascot,” continues Zoe. “Sport horses compete into their late teens, sometimes not reaching their top potential until the age of 16.

“If a horse is home-bred with no purchase price to go on, it becomes even trickier. This is where we’d talk to industry specialists. We might seek a British Showjumping coach or someone in the breeding industry who could shed some light and justify the value,” she adds.

This is a level of knowledge that’s testament to the specialised skill required to underwrite a high-value equine policy.

“Our equine underwriting team all come from equine backgrounds of varying disciplines, so are able to be up to date on market trends and values,” says Harriet.

Ultimately, as Zoe confirms, a high-value horse owner can likely expect to have an open dialogue with their broker.

“We have regular, personal customer relationships with these clients, because they’re spending significant sums on premiums, often on multiple horses,” she explains. “We’ve insured incredible horses for over £10m; it’s a very bespoke service and we’re often in communication with the clients monthly, if not more regularly.”

Too expensive to insure?

Are horses ever too expensive to insure? The simple answer, according to Zoe, is no.

“However, these exceptionally high-valued horses can present complex risk placement and will often require several underwriters to share the total value of the insured animal,” she cautions. “For example, on a recent £5m placement arranged by Lycetts, maybe as many as eight underwriters, all of whom live and breathe the racing and sport horse industries, would ‘take a line’.”

In some cases, the risk might be split.

“For extremely valuable horses – those valued in the millions – insurers will share the risk with each other, so each insuring a certain percentage of the horse’s value,” explains Anthony.

That said, some owners with a portfolio of expensive horses simply take on the financial risks personally, with no insurance policies in place – and no requirement thereof.

A vet’s view when insuring high-value horses

Cath Hill MRCVS has a foot in high-value horses from two sides: as a vet and an owner. In her spare time, Cath events up to two-star with a horse, Vigo, she produced herself. Her sights are set on three-star this year.

Vet Cath Hill riding Oeps Van Het Weidehof in the two-star at NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials 2024. (Image credit: Alamy)

Of pre-purchase examinations, she says: “We always strive to do a good job whatever price the horse is; a vetting is a vetting. With horses in the higher income bracket, there is more pressure in terms of financial comeback for our client, the purchaser. That said, if we know they intend to insure, vets can be more confident that if something were missed, they’d have a bit of a backstop.”

“With six-figure horses, often buyers won’t bother with a vetting, because they’re not going to insure it – they want the top performers and aren’t too worried about the odd problem.”

Cath acknowledges that good performers at low, local level can also creep into the £20,000–30,000 bracket these days, too – and it’s often these clients that rely on insurance for their horses the most.

“I think vets get a bad rap for pushing up insurance fees,” she continues. “But personally, I see it as an opportunity to give a client more options, not a green light to spend more money. There are more doors open, and referral to equine hospital is possible. Without insurance, referral isn’t an option for most owners.”

Key takeaways for high-value horse insurance

Consider what type of cover you need
Speak directly to brokers to tailor the cover
The horse’s job will influence the premium
Do you need cover for international travel?
Keep the horse’s market value up to date
To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Do you need horse rider insurance and what does it cover?

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:28:39 +0000

If you are not currently a horse owner but enjoy riding when you can, either by helping friends exercise their horses, or perhaps you have a share agreement or ride at a riding school, then a horse rider insurance policy may be a sensible choice.

Horse rider insurance is designed to protect riders who don’t own the horse that they ride, whether you are riding occasionally or on a regular basis. These policies typically cover the rider for accidents and injuries when you are riding someone else’s horse, as well as giving you liability cover for any damage or injury caused by the horse while it is in your care.

Who is horse rider insurance suitable for

It’s important to note that horse rider insurance does not cover professional horse riders. If you are riding as part of your job, then this isn’t the right type of insurance for you.

Cover is normally available for riders aged five to 75, with “junior” policies available for children. The Insurance Emporium, NFU Mutal, KBIS and PetPlan all have rider insurance policies for this age range.

What is covered?

Although horse rider insurance policies will vary between different companies, many include emergency veterinary fees for external visible accidental injury of the horse you are riding, as well as public liability and custodial liability linked to that animal while it is in your care.

Cover for damage or theft of saddlery and tack is also common, all of which gives peace of mind to the horse’s owner that cover is in place while you are riding.

For you, cover for dental treatment, should you require it following an accident, and a basic level of personal accident are typically included. Cover for riding clothing can be an added bonus, although you may need to pay an extra premium for this.

The Insurance Emporium’s junior policy also includes cover for private tutoring fees should a child be unable to attend full-time education following a horse riding accident.

While personal accident and public liability cover are typically included in most horse rider insurance policies, it is worth checking under what circumstances and up to what value this will pay out. If you want a higher level of cover, then a standalone personal accident or public liability policy may be more suitable. Some personal accident policies on the market include an optional upgrade to include fracture cover, which will pay out if you suffer broken bones as the result of a horse-related incident.

Also it is worth noting that income protection insurance is not normally included, so if you want peace of mind that your income will not be hit if you are unable to work for a period as a result of a horse-related incident, then this will need to be taken out separately.

Having researched the current market for horse rider insurance policies, we’ve found cover often includes the following, although it is important you check your specific policy details before signing on the dotted line:

Loss of horse due to death by accident, theft or mysterious disappearance
Advertising and rewards costs in the event of a horse’s disappearance
Costs associated with a horse’s rescue if needed
Emergency vets’ fees following an accident
Personal accident cover for death and injuries, as outlined in each policy’s wording
Accidental loss, or damage to, riding tack not owned by you
Legal liability for injuries to others or damage to their property caused by a horse in your care
Legal costs to provide you with advice and help with the cost of legal representation
Horse riding clothes

What horse riding insurance doesn’t cover

Each policy will vary when it comes to what it doesn’t cover, but NFU Mutual and The Insurance Emporium outline the following, across their horse rider insurance policies.

Any excess, which is the amount you’ll need to pay towards a claim
Any horse that is known to have vicious tendencies or behavioural problems
Any horse owned by you, on loan to you for more than four consecutive weeks, or insured by its owner
Any existing injury you are aware of which has been diagnosed or being treated before your cover starts, or is due for renewal
Any illness, disease or condition
Euthanasia that was not needed on immediate humane grounds within the current British Equine Veterinary Association guidelines, or without our written consent
Theft from a building unless there has been forcible or violent entry
Any activity you undertake which is not within the class of use outlined in your policy
Liability relating to any business, professional or trade use
Theft as a result of deception or due to fraudulent scheme, trick, device or false pretence, or loss following an ownership dispute or animal welfare intervention

Possible exclusions

Horse rider insurance policies may exclude certain activities, conditions, and circumstances so you must check you are covered for the activities you are going to be taking part in.

The sort of activities that are likely to be excluded include racing as a professional, advanced level eventing, playing polo, team chasing, promotional, film, or stunt work, horse boarding or horse surfing. There may also be an option to reduce your premium if you are only taking part in less risky equestrian activities such as hacking, schooling and low level competitions.

Conditions that can be excluded from horse rider insurance can include existing equine injuries or illnesses that were diagnosed or being treated before the policy started and total permanent disability for more frequent or higher level competitive riding.

Everyone involved with horses knows that they are not a risk-free way to spend your spare time, so if you want the peace of mind of knowing you have cover in place, then a horse rider insurance policy may be worth considering.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Does your older horse need a ‘veteran’ insurance policy, plus other common queries answered…

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:00:23 +0000

As horses – like humans – are typically living longer than ever before, many owners are enjoying the company of their equine partners well into their teenage years and beyond. But when it comes to equine insurance, horses can be considered “veterans” once they pass the age of 15. So do you need to swap to a veteran horse insurance policy as soon as they hit 15?

Like so many things in the horse world, the answer is “it depends“. If your horse has been with an insurance company for a period of time, they may offer you the chance to continue on your existing policy, often up to the age of 20, although the levels of veterinary cover might change and your premiums may increase.

Whether you decide to continue with your existing insurance, or shop around for a policy that is specifically for veteran horses, it is important to read the small print to ensure that the cover being offered is suitable for you and your horse’s needs.

A typical difference between standard horse insurance and veteran horse insurance is which health issues are covered under vet fees. Some veteran policies will only cover horses for accidental, external injury and not any forms of illness. Some have colic cover available as an add-on option, while others do not cover colic at all. There are companies that continue to offer full vet cover regardless of the horse’s age, as long as conditions are not pre-existing.

Although there is no legal requirement to insure your horse no matter what age they are, having a minimum of third party liability cover will give you peace of mind should your horse cause injury to someone outside your immediate family, or damage to their possessions.

If your veteran horse is still being ridden, personal accident and tack cover are likely to be worthwhile. And while no-one likes to think about it, some veteran policies include cover to help with the unavoidable disposal costs, should you face this unfortunate end of life situation.

Example veteran horse insurance policies

So now we’ve highlighted some of the important items to consider when you are looking to insure your veteran horse, what does a veteran horse insurance policy typically cost?

The Insurance Emporium offers veteran horse insurance – covering death due to external visible accidental injury only, theft or straying – from £1.18 per lunar month (every four weeks, so 13 payments per year). This example is based on a horse aged over 20, valued at £500, kept in York and includes Emporium’s introductory 20% discount. If this horse was valued at £2,000, the policy would cost £5.03 per lunar month. You can then add additional cover for vets’ fees (external visible accidental injury only), colic cover for horses under 25, public liability, tack cover, personal accident and more to tailor the cover to suit.

Petplan offers veteran horse insurance for those aged between 20 and 40 for a maximum value of £1,500, whereas Agria states that “it doesn’t do veteran horse insurance” as they offer horses of any age with full cover for internal and external conditions for the entirety of their lives with no age-related exclusions. Contact the companies directly for a quote.

Some veteran horse insurance policies have upper age limits, whereas others do not – be sure to check the parameters of each insurance company.

Does my veteran need a vetting?

If you are considering purchasing or rehoming a horse aged 15 years or older and are wondering whether you would need a vetting in order to take out insurance, there are some insurers who will provide cover without a vetting, including Harry Hall. However, requirements may vary depending on the value of the horse and the type of coverage you are searching for.

Harry Hall’s coverage can include accidental external injury, vets’ fees insurance and liability protection with no upper age limit. Their veteran horse cover can start from £4.77 per month but excludes colic surgery.

So the good news is that if you do choose to insure your veteran horse, there are plenty of options available to suit all budgets and requirements. So check the policy is suitable for your needs and then you’ll know that you have support at hand if it is needed.

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The ultimate guide to horsebox insurance

Helen Triggs — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:36 +0000

Deciding what horsebox insurance you need might fill you with dread, but here's everything you need to know to get you up to speed before you sign on the dotted line

Insurance for a horsebox is a legal requirement and there are a number of policy options depending on the type of vehicle you have and how you intend to use it. It’s important to pick the right policy, as if invalid, any claim will not be honoured. So the first rule is check your policy documents to make sure you have bought the policy that contains all the aspects of cover you need.

The good news is that there is plenty of information available to guide you and equestrian insurance specialists like SEIB, KBIS, Shearwater and The Insurance Emporium have dedicated experts and a range of policies. There are also comparison websites but you need to make sure that you are comparing like with like and that each quotation has the cover you need. The cheapest is not always the best value.

When you look for insurance, make sure you are clear on what category of driver will be operating the horsebox and exactly what you are using the horsebox for. Any breach of the regulations will invalidate your insurance.

DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency) has a useful online guide that clarifies the various categories of operators’ licence. This is particularly important if you intend to use the horsebox as part of your business or for reward. This will affect the type of insurance policy you will need to buy.

Breakdown cover is an important consideration if you don’t have good back-up and someone who can come out and rescue you when you have the horse on board. If you have to pay for recovery, this can be very expensive.

What type of horsebox insurance cover?

Fully comprehensive will cover you if you have an accident and pay for your repair bills if it’s a valid claim. It is usually the most expensive but gives you the greatest cover and is the most popular. While policies vary, it will usually cover damage caused to the vehicle by the horse, vandalism and windscreen damage.

Third party fire and theft policies can be cheaper but will usually only cover the costs of the other party if you have an accident which is your fault and loss through fire or theft. You will have to pay for repairing your own vehicle.

Neither kind of policy will cover injury to the horse during transit. You will need additional horse insurance for that.

If you use your horsebox as part of your business you must declare this to your insurance company and purchase the appropriate business policy. For example, if you are a breeder showing your horse with a view to increasing its value, this may class as business use. Or if you are a professional rider transporting to shows and any winnings are part of the business, then you will need a business policy.

If you intend to transport horses for a fee or hire out the lorry, you will need a hire and reward policy.

What about horse trailer insurance?

If you have a trailer rather than a horsebox, then you will legally need to have insurance on your towing vehicle, but check the small print to see what your car policy covers in terms of towing. While it may give you some cover while the trailer is being towed, it is unlikely to cover theft of the trailer, nor cover to get your horse safely home if your towing vehicle or trailer suffers damage or a breakdown.

“As with many aspects that come with owning a horse, buying a trailer is likely to be another big investment in what already has become an expensive hobby,” says Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium. “Nonetheless, while your vehicle insurance may cover your horse trailer for third-party liability, it’s wise to consider getting proper horse trailer insurance cover to safeguard it should something unfortunate happen to it.

“By getting specialist insurance, which is tailored to your needs, you could get cover against fire and theft, public liability, recovery, and even replacement hire – meaning if something untoward does happen you’ve got the cover to get you and your horse back on the open road before you know it.”

What are the age restrictions for cover?

Many insurance policies will have age restrictions for the driver. Most will allow drivers from 21 years upwards but it is important to check this. There are insurance companies who will cover drivers under 21, but you can expect to pay a higher premium.

Who can drive my horsebox?

“Most policies will allow you to insure more than one driver for your horsebox and have the option of adding others on for a fee. If you lend your horsebox to a friend, they would only be covered to drive the horsebox should they be named on your policy or you have an ‘any driver policy’. This can have restrictions so check your policy wording,” says a spokesperson at Shearwater Insurance.

It’s useful to have other drivers named on your policy so in the event of an injury to you, they can take your horse home. It is your responsibility to check that anybody driving the vehicle does not have any adverse driving history such as accidents, claims, losses or conviction points.

What does the excess mean?

This is the amount that you will be liable to pay if you have to make a claim. For example, if you have an excess of £150 and are making a claim for £750 to cover the cost of repairs, you will only receive £600 from your insurer as settlement.

How can I keep the costs down?

The cost of insurance is affected by the value and size of the vehicle, its age and mileage and the level of cover required. Vehicles of over 7.5 tonnes will cost significantly more. A newer vehicle will attract lower premiums because the chance of breakdown is lower.

Brokers review their products regularly and if you have a high value horsebox it may be advisable to speak to them directly to get a bespoke quote.

It will be cheaper if you are the only person allowed to drive, but this is not always practical. Make sure you do not over-estimate of the number of miles you will do each year as this can affect the cost.

Can I travel horses I don’t own in my horsebox?

If you transport other people’s horses, providing you are not making a profit, this will still be classed as social, domestic and pleasure use so you will be protected. If you wish to charge more than basic fuel or running costs, you will need to contact DVSA to see if you need a transporting licence and then review your policy with your insurers to ensure you have the correct cover. You may need a hire and reward policy.

What if the horse damages my horsebox?

Most comprehensive insurance policies will cover this, but you will need to check the policy wording.

Are the vehicle contents covered?

Not usually. If you require this, talk to your insurer about extending your cover.

Do I need breakdown/roadside assistance cover?

This is very much an individual choice and depends on how long the journeys are you make and whether you have good back up with additional transport available.

Horseboxes tend to break down more frequently than other commercial vehicles because they are not used so often and tend to be built on an older chassis. Breakdown cover, which starts at around £135, should be with a specialist equine company who can not only repair your vehicle but also recover the horse and take it home if necessary.

Note that most breakdown policies exclude cover for punctures and blowouts if the vehicle does not have a functioning spare wheel on board.

Not all breakdown policies include home start as standard. Without home start you will not be covered for breakdowns within a certain vicinity of your address.

Some insurance companies, including SEIB and KBIS, have breakdown policies which have added extras such as key cover (if lost or stolen), a replacement driver (if the driver has been signed off as medically unfit to drive ie. after a riding accident) or insurance for a replacement driver if they have the appropriate licence, and misfuelling. Standard benefits to check for are home start, roadside assistance and recovery of horse, vehicle and passengers. SEIB also includes help if the vehicle gets stuck in sand or snow, flood or mud, plus recovery.

It is crucial to maintain your horsebox (even in the off season) as failure to do so increases the likelihood of a breakdown and could therefore increase your premium.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Exclusions, death cover and other common horse insurance misconceptions

Andrea Oakes — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:33:48 +0000

An equine insurance policy provides financial support in a crisis, but it is important to understand what any such policy really involves and how cover works. Howard Newitt MRCVS, who advises insurers, explains what is fair and reasonable

Horse insurance can provide policyholders with reassurance and financial protection against mortality (death), theft, veterinary fees, loss of use and tack cover. But how sustainable is it, given ever-increasing costs of medical care?

As with any insurance policy, cover is provided by underwriters who assess the risk levels and set the premiums. The cover is then arranged by brokers who act as the intermediary between the policyholders and underwriters. Equine insurance is designed to provide cover for normal risks; in cases where an increased risk may be present, exclusions may be applied to reflect this.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about equine insurance. Horse owners may debate whether or not insurance is a justifiable expense, sometimes citing examples where insurance claims were not paid. However, there are usually justifiable reasons for non-settlement of a claim. Most such claims are due to misunderstandings concerning the level of cover taken out in the first place – unfortunately, we are all guilty of not reading the small print until problems arise, even though we really should do so.

Horse insurance exclusions

One common area of misconception is when horse insurance exclusions are applied based on a pre-purchase veterinary certificate when the horse was considered suitable for purchase. For example, a small sarcoid is noted on the certificate, which in the opinion of the examining vet is unlikely to affect the horse’s performance as an eventer. However, from an insurance viewpoint, there is an increased likelihood of this horse needing veterinary treatment for the sarcoid and a horse insurance exclusion may be applied to represent this increased risk.

Equally, insurance will only cover problems that develop after the policy has been agreed. If, for example, the insured horse is reported to have flat feet with low heels on a pre-purchase vetting certificate, then insurers are extremely unlikely to agree to a claim for foot bruising and heel pain that develops as soon as the horse gallops on hard ground. Similarly, any pre-existing condition such as poor foot conformation and associated lameness will not be covered.

Loss of use and mortality cover

Another area of confusion is the massive difference between permanent loss of use and mortality cover. All risks mortality (ARM) cover features within most policies and will only pay out in cases where euthanasia is required because the horse is in severe pain and no treatment options are available: either an emergency situation such as a catastrophic fracture; or a non-emergency situation but one in which the horse is showing severe and unremitting pain, and retirement on a safe dose of medication is not possible.

It will not cover the loss of a horse after prolonged treatment such as arthritis or other situations, in which the horse is no longer rideable but can be retired. Instead there is loss of use (LOU) cover available for this eventuality at a higher premium cost.

For a claim to be considered under an ARM policy, the horse must be judged to meet the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) criteria for mortality insurance. This would usually involve a report from the attending vet and commonly a discussion between the insurer’s vet and the attending vet.

For this reason, it is important that insurers are given adequate notice of a planned euthanasia, although it is understood that emergencies can sadly happen. A post-mortem examination is usually required as part of a mortality claim.

Mortality insurance is cover that most horse owners will hope to never use, but it is worth being aware of the limitations of such cover at what is already a distressing time.

Why multiple conditions may be covered by one claim

The detection of multiple veterinary conditions while investigating a problem is a further situation that can lead to misunderstandings regarding insurance cover. One such case might be that of a showjumper who had started to refuse at fences. Veterinary investigations revealed equine gastric ulceration syndrome, hock arthritis and back pain. From an insurance viewpoint, these three conditions would be considered as one claimable incident, as all three were detected as part of the investigation into failure to jump.

The relevance of this is that the policy’s veterinary fees limit is available to treat all the conditions detected; it is not the case that the limit is applied three times, once to each veterinary condition.

Limits for veterinary fee cover vary from policy to policy, and some of the lower limits may not cover all of the costs of the more expensive procedures. For example, policies are available with £3,000 of veterinary fees cover, but the costs of a surgical colic or extensive lameness investigation may greatly exceed that figure. Even cover up to £5,000 is often insufficient.

The effect of fraud

As with all forms of insurance, fraud can occur with vet cover. Equine insurance fraud can range from submitting extra items on a claim (such as an extra box of bute on a lameness claim) through to incorrectly declaring the date of onset of a condition, or failing to declare prior treatment history. This might be using several different veterinary practices but submitting the history from only one practice (owners are now required to sign a declaration that they have submitted all of the horse’s treatment history to prevent this). Simply asking a vet not to mention conditions on a vetting certificate constitutes an attempt at insurance fraud.

To someone prepared to commit fraud, it may feel that there’s no downsides as “it’s just a company”, but aside from the obvious risk of personal legal and financial problems if the fraud is uncovered, the loss to insurance firms means higher premiums and less generous cover in the future, so it is far from being without consequence.

Insurers are not a bottomless pit to refund horse owners, so therefore it is vital horse owners use insurance properly – or the option to have insurance may be lost completely.

Why insurance matters from a vet’s perspective

From a veterinary viewpoint, it is undoubtedly the case that veterinary fees insurance has allowed the development and provision of a high standard of veterinary care to the UK’s horses. This will have helped horse owners who may not otherwise have been able to afford treatment for their animals, and so has obvious benefits for equine welfare.

The flip side to this is that the improvement and development of veterinary treatments leads to more expensive claims, and certainly to claims inflation, which has resulted in veterinary fees insurance being a loss-maker for underwriters in recent years. Although perhaps not everyone feels sympathy for insurance companies, it is not sustainable for insurers to continue to make a financial loss. As a result, either premiums will rise, or fewer companies may offer veterinary fees insurance.

Having experienced equine insurance as a horse owner, vet in practice and insurance company advisor, I am convinced of the many mutual benefits of such insurance, and look forward to horse owners, vets and insurers working together to ensure that equine insurance continues to provide significant benefits for the horses of Britain.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to cut the cost of your horse insurance while staying protected

Martha Terry — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:30:06 +0000

Horse insurance is a significant monthly hit, but small tweaks can lower your premium. Sarah Isaacs finds out how to save costs while maintain the level of protection you feel comfortable with

Insurance is something people pay for that they will hopefully never have to use. Yet with costs on the rise – feed, livery bills, fuel and so on – you may be needing to save money on horse insurance and so the temptation to cancel it altogether becomes strong. But while doing this may lift the pressure on your monthly bills in the short term, it could be seriously damaging for you and your horse in the long run.

But there are levers you can pull to make horse insurance work harder for you, while still getting the cover you need to keep your horse protected.

Save money on horse insurance: check your level of cover

Whether it’s done by accident or on purpose, a lot of owners underinsure their horses. This can happen when you step up to a level in competition that isn’t covered by your current insurance, or because your horse’s value increases over time as they gain more training and a better competition record.

The problem is that if you’ve underinsured, this could affect your position in the event of a claim.

Equally, some people have cover that they don’t actually need. You may have plans to step up to a higher level of competition than you are currently competing at this year, but if you insure your horse for the higher level activity months before you are ready, you will be paying out more than you need to.

Give your insurers as much information as possible to avoid falling into the trap of underinsuring or overinsuring. The more they know, the better they can underwrite your insurance, and the more likely you are to have cover that accurately reflects what you’re doing with your horse.

It’s also important to make sure your horse is valued correctly if you’ve had them for several years. The valuation can come from a professional such as your trainer, or you can check current horses for sale, who are the same age and doing the same activities as your horse.

Decide what you really need

Deciding exactly what it is you want to insure is a fundamental way of making sure you’re mapping out a cost plan that you can afford.

Consider what’s important to you – what are the non-negotiables? Are you competing regularly and want cover against everything, which is expensive but gives you peace of mind? Do you own an older horse who you may not want to cover for surgery? Does group turnout make your horse more susceptible to injury?

Be honest with yourself – every owner, horse and situation is different. And don’t be afraid to contact your insurance company mid policy to make changes as necessary, not just when the time comes to renew it.

If your main concern is your horse injuring himself, then it’s worth looking at accident-only cover. This covers external injuries only, so the horse would need a visible wound for there to be a successful claim. This type of cover is typically cheaper than more extensive vet policies, but that is because it doesn’t include illness.

Some insurers offer catastrophe cover, which typically covers injuries where there is an open wound, as well as colic surgery, tendon sheath and joint flush, and surgery for pedal bone or pastern fractures, but every policy is slightly different so you will need to check with individual insurers to see exactly what they include.

This could be a good option for people who aren’t worried about their horse’s value, or who have a horse whose previous vet history has resulted in a lot of exclusions or pre-existing conditions, by protecting them against some of the more common massive vets bills that would be difficult to afford.

Making tweaks to save money on horse insurance

Small changes to your cover can make a big difference to your monthly payments. Most insurance companies will happily discuss the following adjustments with you to work out a plan that suits your needs and is affordable:

● Adjust your incident limit. Many insurers offer incident limits of £3,000 or £5,000, and some companies even up to £10,000. Your premium will increase as your limit does, but it is important that you’re comfortable with this limit.

● Pay a higher excess amount. Choosing to pay a £500 excess for each claim, instead of £100 or £250, will bring down your monthly payment. While it’s a lot to find in one go, some people can manage to find £500 for veterinary treatment, but need protection against the really large vet bills.

● Do you need death cover? While some policies will include this as standard, others offer it as an optional extra, which could help lower your premium. It’s worth noting that mortality cover will only pay out if the horse is euthanised in line with the BEVA guidelines. Owners of a horse that dies of natural causes, or is put down because the owner feels it is in the horse’s best interests to end their life on welfare grounds, but does not fulfil the BEVA guidelines, will not receive a payout.

● Consider co-insuring. A co-insurance policy means that you pay a certain percentage of each claim, along with your excess. For example, this might mean that your insurer will pay out 75% of the claim, while you pay 25%. This is a great option if you’re worried about big vet bills but want to keep your premium down.

● Look out for special discounts, such as introductory and multi-horse offers, as well as companies that offer bonuses and benefits to their customers that may save you pounds elsewhere.

Horse insurance is a significant monthly outlay, but it can save you thousands of pounds in the long run. By making appropriate tweaks you can ensure you’re paying for exactly what you need, with no wastage.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Insurance industry to work together – with vets — to ensure horse cover can continue

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 20:21:03 +0000

More than 100 representatives of major companies have agreed to work together to try to ensure the sustainability of insurance for horses and pets.

The Pet and Equine Insurance Sustainability Network, founded by industry leader Sharon Brown, held a “think tank” event on 21 November, to address challenges in equine and small animal insurance. Almost all those present agreed on collaborative action.

Ms Brown told H&H she came up with the idea as she has horses, dogs and cats, relies on insurance but has “watched the premiums climb”.

“After more than 30 years of working in the insurance industry, I’ve seen the pressures insurers face, too, and knew something needed to change,” she said.

“This gathering was so powerful because nearly everyone in the room had a horse or a pet. We weren’t just insurance professionals discussing business; we were animal lovers united by a shared commitment to protecting the bond between humans and their animals.”

The meeting focused on challenges including veterinary fees, “the need for greater transparency in pricing”, the importance of preventative care and ensuring insurance is affordable.

“By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the session facilitated open discussions and the exchange of practical insights, paving the way for meaningful collaboration and innovative solutions to benefit all parties involved – from insurers and service providers to animals and their owners,” Ms Brown said.

“This isn’t about insurers being greedy. Insurers are forced to pass increased costs on to policyholders through higher premiums. This creates a cycle that’s unsustainable for everyone.

“Routine care can be costly enough, but when faced with unexpected emergencies, the numbers can be overwhelming. Without insurance, some animal owners may face the devastating decision of putting their beloved horse or pet to sleep rather than pursuing unaffordable treatments. This isn’t just a financial issue – it’s a deeply emotional one with profound impacts on animal welfare and the wellbeing of their owners.”

Ms Brown said the meeting was a “critical” step, but only the first one. The aim now is to create a steering group to establish an industry-wide association that would unite insurers, vets, and service providers to “champion transparency, promote accountability and prioritise education”.

“We’re calling on all animal lovers to join the conversation,” she said. “Please share your experiences, thoughts, and ideas with H&H and help us shape a sustainable future for pet and equine insurance. Together, we can ensure every animal gets the care it deserves, and no one must make the impossible choice between their pet’s life and financial stability.”

Agria risk and compliance director Claudia Rodríguez said she was “profoundly moved” by the meeting’s focus on better outcomes for animals, owners and the industry.

“It’s clear that if we are to overcome challenges like rising veterinary fees and insurance premiums, we must keep the consumer’s needs at the centre of every decision we make,” she said. This event was more than just a discussion; it was a rallying call for action to make insurance not only accessible but meaningful. I’m genuinely excited to see where we can take this next and the progress we can achieve together.”

British Equine Veterinary Association chief executive David Mountford told H&H it is always positive to have different parts of an industry talking.

“Bringing together insurers, horse owners and vets will help everyone better understand the challenges each party faces and potentially identify opportunities that can benefit all,” he said.

Share your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Rider hit with £5,500 bill reminds others to check insurance small print

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:39:27 +0000

An owner who found herself with a £5,500 vet’s bill that her equine insurance company refused to pay is sharing her story in hope it will prevent others from facing a similar situation.

Emma Gardiner told H&H she mentioned the stem cell treatment her vets had recommended for her mare Apple’s arthritis to her insurers when she called them to check how much she could claim – but when she sent in the bill, the company rejected it.

“I think I forgot that the insurance company is not my friend,” she said. “It’s left me completely shocked, and in financial difficulty.”

Emma said the rejection came as a surprise as she had had no previous issues with the insurers, who had covered kissing spines surgery for Apple last year. It was then found that the then nine-year-old former racehorse had neck and hock arthritis, and Emma’s vets recommended the stem cell treatment.

“The vets went through all the options and said they would probably be the best thing to give her a chance of a decent recovery,” Emma said. “I went ahead thinking the insurance would pay; it was an open claim.

“I had called the insurers a few months before; there was apparently a stem cell shortage so I had to wait. I wanted to check how much I had left of the £6,000 per claim, as I knew the treatment was expensive, so I asked, and told them what I wanted to do, and the person I spoke to said that was fine. The problem was, it was only verbal.”

Emma said the insurers told her the claim was rejected as the company classes stem cell treatment under organ transplant or gene therapy, which are not covered by the policy.

“Arguably, I should have read the small print first,” she said. “But even now, I can’t see anything about stem cells in there, they just say it comes under that.”

Emma praised the fellow liveries at her yard for their support, including suggestions on legal advice, and her “wonderful” vets who have been fighting her corner. She believes the insurers may now pay up to £1,000 of the bill, but that leaves a significant amount.

“I didn’t even pay that much for the horse!” she said. “My vets said it was one of the biggest rejected claims they’ve had, and they’re now warning other clients with the same company.

“It ruined Christmas; my husband and I officially cancelled it because we couldn’t afford it.”

Emma said some of her followers on social media suggested setting up a GoFundMe page, which she has done, and that her vets are letting her pay the bill in instalments.

The silver lining, she added, is that Apple is looking much better, and the treatment appears to be working.

“She’s massively improved,” she said. “All I wanted was for her to be happy, comfortable and enjoying life.

“But I want to make people aware; I can’t be the only one this has happened to, so if this saves someone else getting in this position – I always try to find the positives but have struggled with this one! But if I can do that, at least that’s something.

“I really want to raise awareness of the importance of reading small print in insurance policies.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Equine gastric ulcers cause most insurance claims with many over £3,000

Becky Murray — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 20:03:41 +0000

Gastric ulcers remain one of the most claimed-for equine conditions, according to equestrian insurance providers.

Data released by SEIB Insurance Brokers showed that for the second year running, digestive disorders, including colic and ulcers, are the number one cause for claims. External trauma was second and degenerative disease third.

“There are so many wonderful advances in veterinary treatment and technology which help our horses live longer, happier and healthier lives. However, this has resulted in the cost of treatments going up significantly, meaning that having correct and effective insurance for our horses is more important than ever before,” said Nicolina Mackenzie, SEIB marketing manager.

“We never know what is around the corner, but insurance helps ensure the wellbeing of our horses and provides peace of mind to owners.”

Last year, The Insurance Emporium paid out £724 on average for disease claims affecting the legs, including stifles, hocks, and fetlocks – and hindlimb lameness. The other most common conditions for claims were “disease” affecting tendons and ligaments, digestive issues, bone disease, and back, spine and pelvis problems. The average paid claim for ulcers was £949, external accidents £719, and the average teeth and gum paid claim was £713.

The Insurance Emporium CEO Francis Martin told H&H that at a recent equine insurance providers’ forum, it was noted that due to inflation and the cost of living crisis, fees for providing treatment had “significantly increased”.

“This is when horse owners will truly feel the value of insurance as the cost to treat even the least severe of conditions is considerably more than it was only a few years ago,” he said.

“When considering what equine insurance is right for you, you might look at it as if the worst-case scenario were to happen, could you afford to pay for their treatment? If not, ensure your insurance does cover those types of cases.”

Personal accident insurance for riders: what it is and why you might need it

Madeleine Silver — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:32:12 +0000

Are you covered as a rider in case of an accident? Here we explain all you need to know about personal accident insurance for riders…

What is personal accident insurance?

While insuring our horses is high on our priority lists, riders often leave themselves completely uncovered. Personal accident insurance typically provides a lump sum if you are permanently disabled, lose a limb or your sight, or die in a riding accident. Some policies include income protection, will also cover your loss of income if an injury stops you from working temporarily, but these are much more expensive than a basic personal accident policy, so make sure you read the small print so you know what cover is included.

Why should you have it?

Personal cover is not just an issue for professional riders — who rely on being fit and healthy to compete and pay the bills. It is a matter that amateur riders should take on board as well.

“If you are self-employed and break your arm, for example, you might be just as badly affected [as the professionals],” says Suzy Middleton from SEIB. “Even if you are employed and are entitled to sick pay, you have to take into consideration the additional cost of someone looking after your horse if you can’t.”

What personal accident cover comes with society membership?

If you are a member of a society or organisation that offers insurance as part of the membership package, find out exactly what it covers you for — and more crucially what it doesn’t include.

How much personal accident insurance for riders cost?

The price for personal accident insurance varies dramatically, depending on the level at which you compete and the level of cover that you require. There are also brokers that specialise in cover for extreme sports and professionals.

Cover with the Equestrian Employment Association starts at £126 per year, while British Grooms bespoke insurance through KBIS starts at £63.58 per year, but doesn’t include temporary total disablement until their next pricing band, which is priced at £145.08 per year. Cover with the BHS is priced at £85 per year. Insurance Emporium has personal accident insurance for £7.56 per month and KBIS’ bespoke British Eventing package starts at £152.72.

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How sustainable is equine insurance? The experts explain…

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:02:00 +0000

An equine insurance policy provides financial support in a crisis, but it is essential to understand what any such policy really involves. Howard Newitt MRCVS, who advises insurers, explains what is fair and reasonable.

Equine insurance provides policyholders with reassurance and financial protection against mortality (death), theft, veterinary fees, loss of use and tack cover. But how sustainable is it, given ever-increasing costs of medical care?

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about equine insurance. Horse owners may debate whether or not insurance is a justifiable expense, sometimes citing examples where insurance claims were not paid. However, there are usually justifiable reasons for non-settlement of a disputed claim. Most such claims are due to misunderstandings concerning the level of cover taken out in the first place – unfortunately, we are all guilty of not reading the small print until problems arise, even though we really should do so.

One common area of misconception is when exclusions are applied based on a pre-purchase veterinary certificate when the horse was considered suitable for purchase. For example, a small sarcoid is noted on the certificate, which in the opinion of the examining vet is unlikely to affect the horse’s performance as an eventer. However, from an insurance viewpoint, there is an increased likelihood of this horse needing veterinary treatment for the sarcoid and an exclusion may be applied to represent this increased risk.

Equally, insurance will only cover problems that develop after the policy has been agreed. If, for example, the insured horse is reported to have flat feet with low heels on a pre-purchase vetting certificate, then insurers are extremely unlikely to agree to a claim for foot bruising and heel pain that develops as soon as the horse gallops on hard ground. Similarly, any pre-existing poor foot conformation and associated lameness will not be covered.

Karen Coumbe, vet at the Bell Equine vet clinic and veterinary correspondent for H&H would advise everyone to insure their horses “unless they can afford not to”, and she would strongly recommend everybody is insured against third party claims as well.

“If a horse strays on to a road and causes a crash there could be an enormous multi-million-pound claim,” says Karen. “While veterinary claims can easily run into thousands of pounds if surgery or expensive diagnostic work is required.

“At the equine hospital I work at, all horse owners have asked to settle their account before they can take their horse home, unless they have made some form of prior arrangement.

“We discuss the cost of treatments with clients when they come in and ask them if they have insurance for one reason — some insurance companies will not accept a claim unless they are notified in advance. Other than that, it is not relevant. We try to provide a daily update, on costs for our patients, where possible.”

Worst-case scenarios with equine insurance

Another area of confusion is the massive difference between permanent loss of use and mortality cover. All risks mortality (ARM) cover features within most policies and is designed for cases in which euthanasia is required because the horse is in severe pain and no treatment options are available: either an emergency situation such as a catastrophic fracture; or a non-emergency situation but one in which the horse is showing severe and unremitting pain, and retirement on a safe dose of medication is not possible. It will not cover the loss of a horse after prolonged treatment such as arthritis or other situations, in which the horse is no longer rideable but can be retired. Instead there is loss of use (LOU) cover available for this eventuality at the cost of an extra premium.

EJHWH2 Cart horses in field in New Forest, England (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Mortality insurance is cover that most horse owners will hope to never use, but it is worth being aware of the limitations of such cover at what is already a distressing time.

Multiple conditions

intravenous bute (Image credit: Lucy Merrell MANDATORY CREDIT LI)

Sustaining the support

But what can be done to help the situation? The following may be of benefit:

There may be a case for co-insurance whereby the policyholder pays a percentage of the veterinary fees, which would reduce the policy premium.

Insurers may choose to deal only with certain practices (as is the case with some human health policies).

Insurers may choose to set price limits for certain procedures and medications.

Types of equine insurance cover

Third party liability

This will cover the horse against claims resulting from injury to other persons or property. For example, if your horse breaks out of a field and causes a car crash then the owners of the car might sue you for damages. Such claims would be covered by a third party public liability policy. This level of insurance is considered absolutely essential. Some organisations, for example the British Horse Society, offer memberships that provide this cover and it may be available on some domestic policies, but it’s important to check if there are any limitations.

All risks mortality

Also known as accidental death cover, this kind of policy is more limited than many realise. It will only cover the horse against claims for the value of the animal in case of death by severe disease or accident. Policies vary, but in essence the horse is covered only if it is found dead or if it has to be humanely destroyed as an emergency due to an untreatable and incurable condition.

Veterinary fee

This cover will reimburse the owner for non-routine veterinary treatment following accident or illness to their horse. The amount of cover available for each incident will depend on the various policies, and is designed to provide cover for the unexpected costs of treatment following disease, accident or injury.

Current figures would suggest that it is prudent to insure your horse or pony for £5,000 per incident to cover major treatment (although there is no upward limit on potential cost, and even this figure may prove insufficient). Limited cover for only a few hundred pounds or even £1,000 to £2,000 will not, in the event of a more serious condition such as colic surgery, provide sufficient cover. Most insurers put an exclusion on any new policy for any condition after a year of claims.

So-called catastrophic vet fees

This is insurance against severe and potentially expensive vet fees, usually between £500 and £5,000. It has a considerably higher excess to pay, however it does lower your premium.

Loss of use

This cover provides you for reimbursement of your loss if your horse is permanently unable to perform its stated insured use following accident, illness or disease. It is important that you inform the company exactly what activities you will be doing with your horse.

A horse with a freezemark of a white “L” within a circle is an animal that has been the subject of a loss of use claim; the brand having been stipulated by the insurer so that it can be positively identified.

vet watching a horse trot up in a lameness work up / examination (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Fraud: not a victimless crime

Insurers are not a bottomless pit to refund horse owners, so therefore it is vital horse owners use insurance properly – or the option to have insurance may be lost completely.

7 things you really need to know about equine insurance

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Equine insurance: choosing the right policy

Insuring your horse can be a confusing and time consuming process, so follow our top tips to choose the best

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9 insurance blunders (and how to avoid them)

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Horse insurance: questions to ask before buying

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:32:13 +0000

Horse insurance is not a ‘one size fits all’ product and you need to understand what types of cover your horse’s insurance policy includes to ensure it is suitable for you and your horse’s needs.

A typical horse insurance police may cover:

Veterinary fees: this covers many non-routine vet’s bills for injuries and diseases during the policy period
All risks mortality (ARM) insurance: this will reimburse you all or part of the value of your insured horse if he dies in a particular way during the duration of the policy. However, insurance may not pay out if you choose to have the horse put down, even if you believe this is in the horse’s best interests on welfare grounds
Permanent loss-of-use cover: this insures against permanent loss of use of an insured horse for a specific task/sport due to accident, disease or illness
Other cover: such as public liability, which can involve big claims, personal accident and theft of tack or horsebox/trailers. Some of these may be covered under your household policy

Important horse insurance questions to ask

Before taking out a policy you need to make sure you understand what is and what isn’t included in the cover. You may find it useful to ask the underwriter/broker the following questions:

What is the excess that I will have to pay? Is it a percentage of the claim or a fixed amount?
Up to what age is my horse covered by my policy?
Is there a limit to the amount I can claim for diagnostic investigation?
Does the veterinary fee limit apply to each illness or is it a total limit?
If my horse has to go to an equine hospital, are livery costs covered during his stay?
Does the policy cover physiotherapy, alternative or complementary treatments for my horse? And is there a limit to the amount that I can claim for these?
What are the insurance exclusions?
What activities am I covered for?

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7 things you really need to know about equine insurance

Stephanie Bateman — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:02:50 +0000

Understanding equine insurance policies can be mind-boggling. H&H asks the experts to answer the questions that you thought were too obvious to ask.

1. When taking out insurance, do I need to have my horse vetted and should I tell the company about pre-existing conditions, previous illness and injuries?

Guy Prest from KBIS says: “At the inception or renewal of the policy, you will be asked various questions about the health of the horse. These must be answered in full so that the insurers are in a position to accurately underwrite your policy. If pertinent information is withheld, it may result in claims being denied, or at worst, the policy being cancelled.

“Requirements for vet certificates will vary depending on the type of cover, value and from company to company, but in general, a vet certificate is needed if the value is over £6,000 with vets fee cover or whenever permanent loss of use is included.”

“It is important to advise your insurance company of everything you know about your horses’ medical history; when you first take out cover, and throughout the duration of your policy,” says Kate Hopkins, Petplan equine marketing consultant. “The more your insurer knows about your horse’s history, the more accurate exclusions will be, leaving as much covered as possible.”

People often think that if they don’t make a claim or tell their insurer that their horse has been injured or unwell then an exclusion will not be placed.

“This is not true; insurance is for the unexpected, so if a horse has a previous condition, that condition will not be covered,” adds Kate. “It’s the length of time the condition will not be covered for and exactly what is excluded that is determined by the information you and your vet share with the insurer.

“Petplan Equine review exclusions on a regular basis and often they can be removed following a period of the horse being well again.”

Even when an exclusion cannot be removed, it can often be narrowed down to something very specific.

“The review criteria can differ depending on the condition and its severity, so it’s important to speak with your insurer before asking the vet to provide any information,” says Kate.

2. Why has horse and pony insurance become so much more expensive?

“Insurance premiums reflect the risk. An insurer cannot pay for claims if they have not received enough premium to cover the payments,” explains Nicolina MacKenzie of South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB). “With advances in treatment some conditions that once would have been considered terminal can now be treated, but at a cost. In addition, the options for diagnostics have increased dramatically, for example, MRI scanning, which is a very important tool for veterinary surgeons. But the machinery is expensive and each scan costly for the horse owner or insurer.

“As veterinary costs rise year on year the insurance premiums increase so that the insurers can continue to afford to provide the cover. Just because a horse is insured doesn’t mean the treatment is free; the insurer pays for the costs, protecting the owner.”

3. How can you reduce your premiums while still remaining protected?

“As horse insurance premiums rise to reflect the claims experience of the insurer, there are still ways to reduce the premium,” says Nicolina.

These include:

Do not over-insure for the activities the horse participates in. For example, don’t insure for hunting or eventing if you just hack around the block. The activities have a direct effect on the premium paid.
The other option is to consider increasing the excess paid following a claim. By increasing the excess from around £100 to £250 or maybe £500 for each and every claim made, the premium reduces considerably. Many horse owners can afford to pay £500 for veterinary treatment, but need to be protected against a large bill, which could end up being thousands of pounds.
Another option is to ask for co-insurance, which means that you pay a percentage of the cost of the treatment, as this can also reduce the cost of the premium.
Do not pay for cover that you already have elsewhere. For example, tack and saddlery may be covered under the all-risks section of your household cover, and you may have liability insurance included within the membership of an equestrian organisation.
Don’t under-insure as this would be a false economy. If there is a complete loss [that is, the death of the horse], the insurer will not pay for a full replacement if the appropriate premium has not been paid. But don’t over-insure either, as the insurer will only pay out on market value.

4. Do I have to have third-party cover to ride on the road?

“Unlike with motor vehicles, there is no legal requirement to hold third-party liability cover to ride on the roads,” says a spokesperson from Shearwater Insurance. “However, it is always advisable to have this cover as, in our experience, the most common claims made on this type of insurance are for motor accidents. Although third party can normally be added to a horse policy, it is not always the case as not all insurers are licensed to write this type of cover.

“There are other ways of ensuring you are covered as many organisations, such as the British Horse Society, British Showjumping, British Dressage and British Eventing, offer this cover as a benefit of membership.”

5. Am I covered if other people ride my horse or I put my horse on loan?

“Normally cover is not affected by who is riding your horse for any section of the policy, as long as the person is riding with the policy holder’s permission,” explains the Shearwater Insurance spokesperson. “However, you should be aware that a person who has permission to ride your horse cannot claim against you on the public liability section of the policy if anything happens to them.

“Personal accident sections of a horse policy will normally cover anyone who is riding or handling the horse (unless it is a commercial arrangement). There are special arrangements for horses on loan depending on whether the policy is in the name of the owner or the loaner regarding who gets paid out for each section of the policy.”

6. Can I just insure for vet fees?

Kathleen says: “Vet fee-only insurance is not possible with any of the companies we use, nor have we heard of any offering it recently. It is usually offered as part of a package.”

KBIS’s Guy Prest agrees: “Most companies want an element of mortality cover if insuring for full veterinary fees, however it is sometimes possible to under insure your horse’s value meaning that you get a cheaper policy with the vets fee cover you require. You can also buy more limited vets fee cover as a standalone policy, such as KBIS catastrophe cover (which offers cover for accidental external injuries, joint and tendon sheath flushing due to sepsis, colic surgery (surgery costs only) and surgery for pastern and pedal bone fractures) or cover for accidental external injuries only which tends to be popular with owners of retired horses.”

7. How easy is it to claim?

Kate advises: “With Petplan Equine, claiming is a really simple process, you just need to fill out a claim form and send it to your vet to complete their section and return to Petplan Equine with your horse’s veterinary history. Some insurers, like Petplan Equine, have the option to pay your vet directly so that the client doesn’t have to pay for treatment first and they can focus on looking after their horse.”

Having the correct documentation will cut time, as Guy explains: “Make sure all the documentation is completed accurately by the policy holder and vet, and all invoices are included. If these are supplied at KBIS, we try to turn claims around in 48hours. The ones that take longer are either due to incomplete documentation (either from the current claim or inception of the policy) or issues over non-disclosure.”

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Major legal ruling on liability has implications for horse owners

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 16:37:17 +0000

A “LANDMARK” court case may have implications for all horse owners in relation to their liability if an animal causes an accident.

The High Court has ruled that owner Vicki Ball was an “innocent party” in relation to a collision between her horse Lowri, who had escaped on to the A3, and a taxi, in 2015. The passenger in the taxi suffered catastrophic injuries and made a claim, which was contested by Ms Ball’s insurers.

According to the court’s judgement, unless the escaped animal had been frightened or panicked into acting erratically, its owner may not be found strictly liable under the Animals Act 1971.

Law firm Clyde & Co, which acted for Ms Ball’s insurers, said the judgement made it clear that, under the Animals Act, claimants need to demonstrate that an animal was displaying an “abnormal characteristic” such as fright or panic to claim successfully under the Act.

Her Honour Judge Melissa Clark, who sympathised with the claimant, said: “My findings about Lowri’s behaviour on the night of the collision do not support the claimant’s pleaded case that Lowri acted unpredictably (and ‘reacted with force’) in circumstances where she was frightened/panicked…Accordingly I cannot find, as the claimant asks me to find, that the likelihood of the damage to the claimant, or of its being severe, was due to characteristics of Lowri which are not normally found in horses except at particular times or in particular circumstances.”

Clyde & Co partner Clare Garnett told H&H that although the firm is pleased with the case’s outcome, “we have enormous sympathy for the claimant”.

“We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that someone has been terribly injured,” she said.

She added: “This judgement is particularly encouraging for both animal owners and their insurers. What it means is the mere fact that your horse or animal escaped from a commercial facility, such as a stable in which you had confidence, does not automatically render you liable if it is then involved in an accident on the highway.

“If animals such as cows, dogs, foxes or deer are found on the road and cause an accident by mere result of them being there, claimants will no longer have a smooth route to recovery in law. What this judgement makes clear is that it is all about the circumstances leading to the accident, including the behaviours of the animals and any external stimulus acting upon them.”

The judge found it is likely the horses who had escaped left their field by walking over “inadequately installed” and collapsed fencing, rather than the fact they were frightened or chased. It was found they went some way along the B280, more likely in response to an “adverse stimulus” from which they recovered quickly, and that it is likely Lowri was “stationary and calm” at the time of the collision.

For strict liability to be found under the Animals Act, the animal must be shown to have a dangerous behavioural characteristic, which may only be seen at particular times or in particular circumstances, and it is that which must have caused the damage.

“The leading case is still Mirvahedy v Henley, in the Supreme Court, so this hasn’t got as much weight but it’s certainly positive, and moving in the right direction,” Ms Garnett told H&H.

In Mirvahedy v Henley, it was eventually ruled that the owner of some horses who escaped from a field and were involved in a collision in which a driver was badly injured was liable.

“I had a livery yard then and my insurance doubled overnight,” she said. “It had an impact on anyone who owned a horse but this case, I hope, will be persuasive.”

Ms Garnett added that the case shows the importance of having public liability insurance, with which Suzy Middleton, CEO of South Essex Insurance Brokers, agrees.

“It highlights how important it is to buy liability cover,” she told H&H. “People may see their horses in a field and think the only issues are vets’ bills or when they’re riding them. Until you see these claims, which can be quite significant, you may not see how important the insurance is. If the cover hadn’t been in place in this case, it would have dropped back on the owner, and the costs would have been significant.”

Mrs Middleton said the insurance industry is still absorbing the impact of this judgement, and she believes “it will be tested again, and the next case will probably be the telling one”.

“Each case is judged individually but this is a stepping stone, I think,” she said. “It’s questioning strict liability, which I think is good.

She added that horse owners should also check their livery yards have appropriate liability insurance, which is not a legal requirement but would also have covered costs in a case such as this.

“A judge in another case might say something different,” she says. “As this stands, it is a good result but people need to be mindful that there are different circumstances, and the best protection is buying liability insurance.”

Horse insurance policy offering lifelong cover among new innovations

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:30:13 +0000

Lifetime policies, investing in the sport’s social licence and an overhaul of the industry are initiatives being introduced or proposed for equine insurance.

This type of cover has always had its issues, including the high percentage of claims compared to other insurance, and exclusions after certain claims, but changes are being made and planned.

Agria has become the first insurer to offer lifetime policies for horses, which it already had for domestic pets, and which offers up to £10,000 for vets’ fees every year, and no exclusions for injuries or conditions, as long as they did not exist when the policy was taken out.

Agria Equine CEO Vicki Wentworth told H&H: “It’s about the long-term health and welfare of the horse. Rather than insuring the owner, the policy can move with the horse. You can insure a foal from 30 days old for the whole of its life.”

Ms Wentworth added that she is a rider and horse owner, and has been “on the wrong side of insurance policies”.

“It’s awful really when you pay so much, but when you really need it, no one’s willing to fork out,” she said. “Especially with competition horses; they do get ulcers and go lame, and if you’ve claimed for ulcers when a horse was seven, you can’t claim if it needs treatment again when it’s eight. Then it might need surgery when it’s 12. We’re trying to keep horses healthy in the long-term, and this policy is utterly amazing.”

Ms Wentworth said premiums vary as with all policies, so a two-star eventer’s cover will cost more than that of a pleasure horse, for example. The policy will be renewed every year, at which point the owner can adjust the horse’s value if necessary, and payment can be made annually or monthly.

“The whole point is that if you insure your horse from 30 days old, everything you ever need is paid for. As an equestrian, this was something I felt strongly about, and I’m so chuffed we can offer it.”

South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) has been supporting the equestrian industry’s social licence to operate – essentially public approval of involving horses in sport, which is vital for the industry’s future. The broker won the marketing and consumer engagement category at the UK Broker Awards last month, in recognition of this work.

“In achieving this national win, SEIB has highlighted its commitment and ability to support the industries in which the company operates,” a spokesman for the broker said. “As key players in the equestrian insurance market, the team at SEIB go out of their way to highlight and address issues affecting their industry.”

“At SEIB, we have subsequently been working to provide support to [The Showing Council chair and webinar host] Jane Nixon and industry leaders, including World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers, on this most pressing of issues. We are delighted at SEIB to be rewarded with this national award as recognition.”

Ms MacKenzie told H&H: “We are delighted to be in a position to support open dialogue about an issue that is just so crucial to the future of our industry. At SEIB we take pride in supporting and giving something back to the causes and issues that are important to our customers.”

Laura Upton, principal of Brookhurst Risk Solutions, told H&H the broker has seen an increase of clients taking catastrophe cover to protect their horses but at a lower price.

“Horse insurance is a tricky subject, I think horse insurance needs a major overhaul in the UK,” she said. “It’s different to what’s offered in other countries; the biggest problem is that it’s hard for insurers to make a profit, so there are only a handful of insurers willing to underwrite the leisure horse and this has meant prices increase.

“I’d like to see a system that rewards people for not claiming, but doesn’t necessarily mean exclusions. It has to be in a way that protects insurers too, so they can keep offering the cover, but horse insurance is a difficult line, because we all know horses!”

Warning to unlicensed coaches over offering ‘schoolmaster’ lessons on their own horses

Becky Murray — Tue, 10 May 2022 16:37:26 +0000

Coaches have been reminded that they must hold a licence to provide lessons on their own horses – and are breaking the law if they do so without one.

There have been reports of an increase in adverts on social media from coaches, who are not operating as part of a riding school, offering lessons on their own horses – for example, providing lessons on “schoolmasters”. The British Horse Society (BHS) confirmed to H&H that to do this, a licence is required by law.

“Failure to do so could lead to a fine or even imprisonment,” said BHS chief operating officer Sarah Phillips. “They may also be disqualified from holding such a licence for such time as the court thinks fit.”

BHS Fellow Pammy Hutton, owner of Talland School of Equitation, told H&H she has noticed people regularly advertising lessons on their own horses without a licence, including top riders.

“Riding schools are struggling and the situation is not helped by people doing this. I don’t see why we should have to go through all the hoops to have a licence and insurance when somebody else doesn’t bother,” she said.

Tim Downes, BHS Fellow and co-owner of Ingestre Stables shared Pammy’s concerns and told H&H the situation is getting worse.

“There are more and more people that have got older schoolmasters, they’re struggling to afford to keep them and if they can earn a few pounds every week by giving the odd lesson on them, two or three lessons pays for the keep of that horse,” he said.

“They tend to teach people they know on the basis that if those riders had an accident, they wouldn’t sue them – so therefore think it’s OK. There needs to be much more awareness about this and the fact it’s illegal.”

An SEIB Insurance Brokers spokesman confirmed to H&H if a coach disclosed to insurers they were giving lessons on their own horse(s), underwriters would have asked whether a riding establishment licence was in place – and if the answer was no, insurers would not have issued a policy.

“On the other hand, if the coach did not mention giving lessons on their own horse(s) and a policy was issued, insurers could consider this to be a breach of the duty of fair presentation and consequently reduce the amount paid on a claim, or even seek to avoid a claim completely,” he said.

The spokesman added that if a coach may not have been giving lessons on their own horses when they first applied or renewed their insurance, but they started offering this at a later date, insurers would consider this to be a “material change in risk”. And if this information was not disclosed, they may reduce any claim payment or not pay at all.

‘Think the unthinkable’: concerns raised over uninsured coaches

Becky Murray — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 08:03:29 +0000

The topic of coach insurance has come under discussion, and how this can affect venues and riders where a coach is operating without it.

Solicitor Hannah Bradley of the Equine Law Firm told H&H that although it is not a legal requirement for a coach to have insurance, many choose to do so, and she recommends riders check with a coach whether they are insured. Public liability insurance provides cover for a coach in the event of a claim where their actions have caused injury to a third party or damage to their property .

Ms Bradley added that it is also important to check that the policy is held with a reputable insurer, the sum insured is “sufficient” and the coach is operating within the terms of the policy.

“A professional may hold insurance up to a cap of £1m – that may seem like a lot of money, but if a rider suffers from catastrophic or life-changing injuries, and they will require care and support on a long-term basis, that may not be sufficient,” she said.

“If a coach has insurance to teach only certain types of riding, and they breach that term, their insurance will be invalid. IIt is also important to note an insurance policy will only provide coverage if the trainer, and their actions have caused the loss.”

Ms Bradley said in “most circumstances” there is no obligation for a venue to check a visiting coach’s insurance, but added that they may do this as good practice, or their insurance policy may require them to do so. And in the event of an accident, liability depends on a number of circumstances, including what caused it and who the rider has a relationship with. If a rider has booked a clinic directly with a venue they will have a “contractual relationship” with the venue instead of the coach, and it may be possible for them to bring a claim against a venue for any financial loss, if the venue has failed to supply their services with reasonable care and skill. What constitutes reasonable care and skill depends on individual circumstances.

An SEIB Insurance Brokers spokesman told H&H SEIB “strongly recommends” yard owners request proof of public liability insurance from any coach teaching at their venue. This can be a coach providing their insurance certificate, which should be readily available from insurers and outlines the coach’s cover, and SEIB recommends checking the limit of indemnity and business description.

“If the coach booked the venue, we would expect the yard owner to request proof of insurance as a key part of the booking process,” said the spokesman.

“It is possible that if the rider booked the venue, they may assume that the visiting coach will be covered by the yard’s insurance. This further underlines why yard owners need to maintain tight control of all those coming and going at their business premises.”

BHSI performance coach Jen Morris told H&H she believes all coaches should hold insurance, and riders and venues should feel comfortable asking the coach if they are insured.

“Insurance provides security for the coach, and for the client. We are all trying to enhance best practice, and injuries can happen. As a coach, being asked to see insurance details should be normal, but it isn’t,” she said.

British Horse Society (BHS) director of education Tracy Casstles said the society “strongly advises” coaches have appropriate insurance – and that riders use insured coaches.

“Your personal assets could be at risk if you are legally liable for an accident to a third party, as compensation claims and associated legal costs can sometimes run into millions. No one wants to think about the unthinkable, but you need a plan – and cover – in place,” she said.

“When learning to ride or looking to improve your riding skills, choosing a BHS-accredited professional coach who has recognised qualifications, is first-aid trained, meets safeguarding requirements and is fully insured will give peace of mind you are in the safest of hands.”

Vet who dishonestly tried to make insurance claim for her own horse is struck off

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 24 May 2021 14:53:14 +0000

A vet who created an inaccurate clinical history for her own horse and dishonestly tried to make an insurance claim for his treatment has been struck off the register.

In a hearing held between 4 and 12 May, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) disciplinary committee found Nicola Burrows guilty of serious professional misconduct in respect of all 11 charges against her, stating that her conduct “could be characterised as deplorable”.

The first charge against Cardiff-based vet Dr Burrows alleged that she had, in November 2017, “allowed or caused” her horse to be re-registered at the Cardiff equine practice where she worked under a different name, and had failed to “consolidate and cross-reference this new record with the previous one”.

The second charge alleged that between November 2017 and the following March, she failed to record details of her horse’s history of nosebleeds, and investigations into this.

The third to ninth charges concern communications with Dr Burrows’ insurer, NFU Mutual, in which she failed to disclose her horse’s full clinical history and “knowingly gave false statements to the effect that the horse’s condition of [nosebleeds] had started more recently than it actually had”. These charges also include asking an admin colleague in the practice to, unknowingly, provide false information to the insurance company.

The 10th charge alleged that Dr Burrows asked a vet colleague to provide incorrect and/or dishonest information to the insurers in relation to an endoscopy on her horse in late 2017, and the 11th alleged that in relation to all previous charges, Dr Burrows had acted dishonestly.

Dr Burrows admitted charges two to nine and 11 at the outset of the hearing, and disgraceful conduct in relation to them, but denied she had allowed the creation of a new record for her horse, saying she did not know how to do this on the practice system and that she had been abroad at the time. She also denied the conversation with her vet colleague, which was the basis of charge 10, and said her horse was scoped after her insurance policy started, in January 2018, rather than the previous November, which is when her colleague remembered doing it.

Mr Bradly, representing the RCVS, said Dr Burrows was “not a truthful witness”, who “had told a number of lies to further her interests”. He reminded the committee that her actions were concealed for some months and intended to result in financial gain.

The committee found all charges proven and found Dr Burrows guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.

The horse was put down in October 2018.

Disciplinary committee chairman Cerys Jones said: “The committee noted that, in the event, no actual harm had been occasioned to any animal or person. There had been an attempt at, but no actual, financial gain. The committee had not been informed of any previous regulatory findings against Dr Burrows.

“In addition, Dr Burrows had made some, limited, admissions to the college in her responses to it and has admitted a number of the charges, including her dishonesty, before the committee. Dr Burrows has apologised for that to which she admitted and in the committee’s view has displayed a limited degree of insight.”

Before the decision on sanctions, Dr Burrows “acknowledged that she had let the profession down, multiple breaches of the code, and highlighted that her actions had prejudiced the delicate relationship between the public and the profession and had tarnished the reputation of the profession”.

She asked the committee for the opportunity for a second chance, saying she had started her own vet practice, and “honesty and integrity were now integral to her practice”.

The committee heard character witnesses and testimonials, from Dr Burrows’ clients and colleagues, “attesting to her integrity and capabilities as a veterinary surgeon”.

“Dr Burrows’ counsel also highlighted that at the time of the misconduct, she was young and relatively new to veterinary practice and had been going through a difficult time, both professionally and personally,” an RCVS spokesman said.

But the committee decided removal from the register was the “most appropriate and proportionate sanction”.

Ms Jones said: “In the view of the committee, honesty in a veterinary surgeon is a fundamental professional issue, and that is the case regardless of age and experience. The public, other professionals and insurers all at times rely on the word of a professional veterinary surgeon to honestly attest to matters of importance. All need to be able to trust the veterinary surgeon. Any departure from a standard of honesty undermines public confidence in the profession.

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“In the committee’s determination, Dr Burrows had shown a repeated disregard for the principle of honesty on a number of occasions. Moreover, the committee had found that Dr Burrows had caused or allowed the preparation of documentation concealing the full history of her horse and attempted to involve another professional in the matter.

“The committee determined that Dr Burrows had put her own interests ahead of those of the public and undermined the trust that underpins the relationship with insurers.”

Dr Burrows has 28 days from being informed of the outcome to appeal. The removal from the register is indefinite, but she is entitled to apply to rejoin some 10 months after her removal.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Equine insurance: choosing the right policy

Mike Hawkins — Sat, 08 May 2021 07:24:05 +0000

Choosing which horse insurance policy to take out isn’t an easy decision, but, as a horse owner, it’s an important consideration. With all the different packages and bands of equine insurance to pick from, insuring your horse can be a confusing process.

As vet costs have risen, so have the price of most people’s polices. While there are budget equine insurance policies out there, it’s important to read the small print and ensure they are suitable for your needs. Vet fees are, unsurprisingly, the biggest pay out for insurers to horse owners and you may find a cheaper policy offers limited cover. So, although it may be tempting to choose a cheaper premium, often it’s not always the most cost effective decision in the long run.

It’s also important to remember that ‘one-size-fits-all’ doesn’t apply when it comes to horse insurance, as each horse and situation is different. Many insurers will allow horse owners to select the types of cover that suit their needs and by building an insurance policy that is individual to you, you should end up with cover that protects your needs if something does go wrong.

Article continues below…

9 insurance blunders (and how to avoid them)

Madeleine Silver — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:04:41 +0000

Insurance may be one of the least attractive parts of horse ownership — your paperwork is likely to sit at the bottom of an increasingly large pile. But digging out your policy and rereading between the lines is time well spent, finds Hanna Lindon

When did you last have a flick through your horse insurance policy? It’s tempting to rush through the renewal process and then bury the documents at the bottom of your filing cabinet — but failure to spot problems with your insurance could leave you paying over the odds, jeopardise your chance of making a successful claim or even invalidate your policy. Here’s how to avoid the most common gaffes.

1. Non-disclosure

It’s tempting to tick the “nothing to declare” box when your insurer asks you about pre-existing conditions, but keeping shtoom could invalidate your entire policy.

Kathy Tansey, head of equine insurance at Shearwater, says that failing to inform your insurance company of illnesses or injuries your horse has previously suffered is one of the biggest blunders owners can make.

“It’s essential that you declare problems the horse has had, even if they are only minor ones,” she explains. “People think, ‘I won’t tell them and I won’t get an exclusion’, but that counts as non-disclosure and could prevent your claims from being paid in the future. The solution is to remain transparent in all communications you have with your insurer.”

2. Skimping on the research

Let’s face it, comparing a long line-up of different policies and reading thoroughly through the small print of each one isn’t how most of us would choose to spend an evening. Unfortunately, putting in the research spadework is the only way to find the perfect insurance cover.

“Many people use comparison sites, but these only compare the price of the insurance and not other crucial factors such as the excess and standard of service,” explains SEIB’s founder and chief executive Barry Fehler. “It’s important to research your insurer properly, looking into how good they are at paying claims, whether they are UK-based, whether the staff are knowledgeable about horses and how long they have been established.”

3. Buying first, insuring later

In the market for a new horse? Guy Prest, managing director at KBIS, recommends contacting an insurance company before even arranging the vetting.

“The most frequent problem we see is when a horse is vetted and purchased before checking out if it is fully insurable,” he says. “Ask your intended insurer what documentation (such as a vetting or x-rays) is required. Once vetted, send the certificate and x-rays (when taken) to your insurer to review (there may be a charge for this which will generally be deducted from the policy premium) and see if they are going to place any exclusions on the policy. This may stop you buying the horse, or you could accept that a specific risk is excluded from the policy.”

He also emphasises the importance of insuring the horse at purchase — not days or even weeks later, when the vet’s certificate will be out of date.

“This is important because if you have purchased a horse within seven days and vetted it within 14 days of inception of the policy, at KBIS, your policy will have no limitation period meaning you are fully insured straight away (this applies to KBIS leisure and competition horse policies). If you are not vetting your horse, it is still worth purchasing cover as soon as money changes hands as then you can get your limitation period over as soon as possible and your horse will still be covered for any accidental external injuries. It is also worth noting that cover for public liability and personal accident kicks in with all policies straight away.”

4. Forgetting to update your policy

It is extremely important that you notify your insurer of any changes to your information. If you do not update insurers you could find that in the event of a claim it could be declined. You could also find that your policy is invalidated if material facts have been withheld from insurers either at the inception of the policy or at renewal. When an insurer issues a policy or offers renewal terms they are doing so based on the information you have told them and therefore in good faith.

5. Doubling up on insurance

Insuring yourself twice for the same activity can cause almost as many problems as not insuring at all. There are two areas where this is a particular issue: public liability, and tack insurance.

“People tend to put public liability on their horse insurance, but if you’re a member of an organisation such as British Dressage then you should already be covered,” says Kathy.

“Similarly, if you keep your tack at home, it will probably be covered by your home insurance. Double insurance will up your premium and cause potential issues when you make a claim.”

While doubling up isn’t illegal or invalidating, it can cause a claim to be delayed while the insurers sort out who’s paying what — and it’s a waste of money.

6. Not insuring for the right activity

Moving up the ranks within your sport or dabbling in a new discipline? You need to look at updating your insurance policy.

“Insurers rate each riding activity based on their view of the risk factors, for example prelim dressage is likely to be classified as a lower risk than novice eventing,” says Guy. “In principle, the higher the risk of claims the more the premium.”

He adds that it’s essential to make sure that your policy reflects the activities you currently take part in.

7. Overvaluing your horse

Most horse insurers offer market value policies. That means you’ll receive the market price for your horse in the event of loss of use or death, regardless of how much you’ve insured it for.

Something that’s all too common with equine insurance is owners often overvalue their horses. It’s similar to thinking about how a car often depreciates in value the older it gets,” says Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium. “Successful claims for ‘death, theft or straying’ will either be paid 100% of the sum insured or its market value, whichever is less, and this is what confuses owners.”

“While you may have paid £12,000 when you bought your horse at four years of age, it doesn’t mean two years on it is still worth that much. Furthermore, you could be paying a higher premium on your insurance if you continue to value the horse above its market value.”

“You might have paid £15,000 for a horse as a five-year-old and continued to insure it for that amount, even though its value has decreased,” says Kathy Tansey.

“That means you’re paying the premium for a £15,000 horse. However, in the event of a claim you would only receive the reduced amount that is its market value. It’s important to be realistic and to keep your policy updated with the horse’s current worth.”

According to Kathy it doesn’t work both ways, so if you paid £5,000 for a horse that is now worth much more than this then it’s important to increase its value on your insurance policy.

8. Ignoring the small print

Few of us slog through the reams of terms and conditions that accompany insurance policies, but it’s important to be clear about exactly what you’re signing up for. Insurers have a responsibility to provide information regarding the policy terms and conditions in a clear, fair and unmisleading way. While you may not feel inclined to read the whole policy document, the policy summary is an essential read. You should do so as soon as you buy the policy because if you don’t like what you read you are entitled to cancel the policy within 14 days and get your money back if you haven’t made a claim — although there may be an administration fee for this.

Customer service departments are there to help, but in the end it’s down to you to be aware of the appropriate level of protection you require. Time to get that magnifying glass out…

9. Not insuring at all

The largest and most obvious insurance blunder is the failure to take out cover altogether. Forget to renew your policy, and you could find yourself left with vet bills amounting to thousands of pounds.

“Especially with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis it can be tempting to self-insure with a view of saving money however, it’s not without its risks,” says Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium. “Having equine insurance tailored to your needs doesn’t have to cost the earth and on the flip side, could save you thousands of pounds should the unexpected happen.”

“Allowing for insurance in your budget is important as veterinary fees can quickly add up if your horse is unwell says Kate Hopkins, Petplan Equine marketing consultant. “Without insurance, you would not be able to provide the level of care needed to treat your horse and look after him during recovery.”

“Petplan Equine’s statistics for the most claimed for conditions in 2019 showed an overall rise in claims which highlights just how crucial insurance is when caring for your horse,” comments Kate.

“In 2019 arthritis returned to the top of the list for the first time in three years with veterinary fees paid out totalling over £847,000, an increase of over 8% when compared to 2018. Although dropping from first to second place, gastric ulcer claims remained consistent with a small increase in the value of claims paid out compared to 2018, just under £1.1 million.”

“These figures show how important it is to have quality horse insurance should the worst happen and your horse requires unexpected veterinary treatment. We know how much our customers love their horses and treat them like a member of the family, so we are always here to reassure and support them whenever we are needed.”

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Equine insurance: choosing the right policy

Insuring your horse can be a confusing and time consuming process, so follow our top tips to choose the best

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How to get the most out of your horse insurance

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 03 May 2021 07:24:13 +0000

Getting horse insurance right — or wrong — can make a huge difference to both your horse’s welfare and your monthly outgoings. So how can you ensure you aren’t spending more than you need to, but still have the cover you require?

Here’s H&H’s tips for getting the most out of your horse insurance policy:

When choosing your policy, ensure any short-term saving on your premium won’t cause you long-term problems
ALWAYS read the small print and familiarise yourself with your policy’s terms and conditions. Confused? Discuss with your insurer
Make sure your horse has the right level of cover, but don’t insure him for activities he won’t be competing in. Target your insurance for the best value
Two savvy ways to save on your premium without compromising your horse’s well-being are to consider taking out a higher excess and, if you have owned your horse for a year or longer and have loss of use cover, consider dropping that part of your policy
Always keep an open line of dialogue with your insurer if your horse is ill/undergoing treatment.
If you are buying a new horse, ALWAYS get him vetted. It’s almost a form of insurance in itself

Article continues below…

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Equine insurance: choosing the right policy

Insuring your horse can be a confusing and time consuming process, so follow our top tips to choose the best

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Petplan Equine’s statistics for the most claimed for conditions in 2019 showed an overall rise in claims which highlights just how crucial insurance is when caring for your horse,” comments Kate Hopkins, marketing consultant for Petplan Equine.

“In 2019 arthritis returned to the top of the list for the first time in three years with veterinary fees paid out totalling over £847,000, an increase of over 8% when compared to 2018. Although dropping from first to second place, gastric ulcer claims remained consistent with a small increase in the value of claims paid out compared to 2018, just under £1.1 million.”

“These figures show how important it is to have quality horse insurance should the worst happen and your horse requires unexpected veterinary treatment. We know how much our customers love their horses and treat them like a member of the family, so we are always here to reassure and support them whenever we are needed.”

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When equine insurance saves the day… H&H Plus

Emily Bevan — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 08:09:53 +0000

Your monthly insurance bill may seem like an avoidable drain on resources, until disaster strikes and you find out just how valuable it really is, as these four stories demonstrate...

“A 50% chance he wouldn’t return to eventing”

JUSTINE PARKER knew something was wrong with her beloved three-star eventer Alfie by the way he was standing in the field one morning last May.

Scans revealed the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse had damaged the sheath of the deep digital tendon flexor in his right fore and he was given a 50% chance of returning to eventing.

“I was devastated as not only do I adore him but it has taken me five years to get him to that level,” says Justine, who is national director of sport at British Showjumping.

Alfie underwent treatment, which included platelet-rich plasma therapy and a stay at a hydrotherapy spa, and Justine meticulously followed rehab instructions from vet Spike Milligan.

However, in October it was determined that Alfie wasn’t progressing as desired so he underwent tenoscopy surgery at Newmarket Equine Hospital.

Justine’s insurance policy with SEIB Insurance Brokers covered all of Alfie’s treatment and included £1,000 cover for alternative therapies, which Justine used for the cold water therapy at the spa and radiofrequency treatment. The excess was £300.

“These situations are stressful and emotional enough without the worry of whether your insurance is going to cover the best treatment,” says Justine. “I was relieved to have a good insurance provider which was quick to process the surgery pre-authorisation paperwork, pay any invoices and settle the balance at the vets directly.”

Justine pays £75 per month for her policy, which includes £5,000 for veterinary cover.

Alfie is currently sound and resulting scans have been positive. Spike is pleased with how the horse’s leg looks and is optimistic Alfie will be able to resume his eventing career this year.

“He was scrawny with no topline”

WHEN, as a five-year-old, Foxfolly Jovial Darco, who had previously enjoyed jumping, started stopping at fences, Suzanne Homewood called the vet. Jovi’s insurance policy, which is with KBIS and has incident cover for a 15-month period rather than the standard 12, included £500 for complementary therapies, so he was able to receive physio under sedation.

“After lots of investigation, the vet and physio believed there were two areas of issue possibly relating to the sacroiliac,” explains Suzanne. “The poll and neck were released under sedation over a period of three months. While this helped, he soon started stopping again, so he was given a cortisone injection into the sacroiliac joint to lubricate.”

Having the injection allowed Suzanne to concentrate on building up muscle strength around the joint, and a period followed when Jovi enjoyed jumping and won several BE90 competitions.

However, following a second injection 10 months later, it became apparent that while the injections gave release, the underlying issue was the pain Jovi experienced while jumping, so Suzanne decided to focus on dressage.

“He’s working at medium level and is so much happier,” Suzanne says. “He was always scrawny in the neck and didn’t have much topline because he couldn’t use his back and neck properly, but he’s now much stronger.”

Suzanne is full of praise for KBIS, their efficient and helpful team, and the policy that enabled her to have the best combination of treatments for her horse.

Jovi still has physio every three months but hasn’t needed an injection for nearly two years.

“I would have had to put Val to sleep”

EVIE HAYDON’S 10-year-old thoroughbred mare Valentine has been through the wars in recent years. The ex-racehorse underwent colic surgery in 2017 after she experienced displacement of the large intestine, was diagnosed with kissing spine just four months later, and then in 2019 she suffered from a nasty cut on her front leg that required stitches.

All of Valentine’s treatment and surgeries – her kissing spine diagnosis required the ligament snip operation on five vertebrae – were covered by Evie’s £48 per month level three insurance policy with Petplan Equine. Evie was required to pay the £145 excess.

“I was so grateful to have insurance as otherwise I would have had to put Val to sleep as I wouldn’t have been able to afford the surgery,” explains Evie, who lost her previous horse Shannon to colic in 2014.

“At every stage Petplan were helpful, friendly and understanding – I couldn’t fault them,” she adds. “They appreciated it was a stressful time and didn’t pressure me into sending in my forms. I know my vets also have a good relationship with them and they paid any bills promptly.”

Valentine, who has struggled with lameness since 2017, has now been retired.

“She’s very sensible and makes a useful field ornament; she’s not bothered that she isn’t ridden and is happy being out in the field. We have a close bond and she is very special to me. She will stay with me for the rest of her life,” adds Evie.

“He’s already had two traumatic incidents”

LAST March, while owner Jemma Mills was leading yearling Brackenspa Washington (Boe, pictured, above) around an indoor school, a mirror fell off the wall, causing Boe to spook, rear and fall.

On initial inspection, the Kinsky Abraham-sired warmblood seemed fine, but an hour later he began acting strangely, lying on the floor in his stable and moving his head in circles.

The vets diagnosed concussion and monitored him for several days, during which time it was revealed that he had also bruised his liver. He was given medication and returned home with no further issues.

Eight months later Jemma received a call to say that Boe was bleeding from his mouth in the stable, the result of what was later diagnosed as a cracked lower mandible.

Surgery ensued, during which time Boe’s jaw was levelled off and wire was inserted around the teeth and gums to hold it in place. After four days Boe returned home and Jemma was instructed to put as little pressure on his head as possible and give him liquid food and soaked hay. One set of X-rays and six weeks later, Boe has been signed off.

“He’s not even two yet and he’s already had two traumatic incidents,” said Jemma, whose basic annual insurance policy with the Insurance Emporium cost £290.94 a year, has a £150 excess and covers up to £4,500 in vet fees.

“The whole process of claiming was really easy, I only had to complete the initial form and then they dealt with the vet directly.”

This exclusive feature is also available in H&H magazine, 18 March 2021 issue

Supreme court insurance ruling could be good news for equestrian industry H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 18:29:52 +0000

The Supreme Court has made a ruling on business interruption insurance that could affect riding schools and other equestrian businesses. H&H speaks to the experts to find out what this means

A SUPREME Court ruling in favour of small businesses’ receiving payments from business interruption insurance policies during the pandemic could be good news for the equestrian industry.

In May 2020, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched proceedings to gain clarity for businesses trying to claim on business interruption policies owing to the coronavirus. The FCA stated there was a widespread concern about the lack of positive responses to claims and the basis on which some insurers were making decisions in relation to claims.

The FCA asked 56 insurance companies to provide information on their business interruption policies, following which a representative sample of policy wordings was selected. Eight insurers were then asked to participate in a High Court test case to review the sample. The FCA argued that clauses around “disease” and “denial of access” provide cover in the circumstances of the pandemic.

In September, the High Court ruled in favour of the FCA on the majority of the key issues. The judgement found that most of the disease clauses did provide cover, as did certain denial of access clauses – but because the FCA and insurers could not reach agreement, the FCA launched a “leapfrog” appeal to the Supreme Court.

On 15 January, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the FCA. This means thousands of policyholders will now have their claims for coronavirus-related business interruption losses paid – but each policy needs to be considered against the judgement for a decision to be made.

Solicitor Hannah Bradley of the Equine Law Firm told H&H this was an “important judgement” for small businesses who have been affected by the pandemic. “Those who believe they may have cover, or who believe their insurer has wrongfully refused to pay them, should take action,” she said.

“The court has only reviewed a sample of policy wordings from the insurers who participated in the proceedings. However, it enables businesses to apply that guidance to their own policies.”

Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) chairman Jane Williams told H&H the ruling was “positive” but that it is a “complex” matter, and the ABRS advises its members to speak to their insurers.

“Any payment at the moment is a salvation for centres who have had a tough year,” she said. “If a payment is enough to pay a feed bill or pay one member of staff, it all helps.”

Sally McCarthy, of Aberdeen Riding Club, told H&H the centre has a business interruption policy.

“It’s such an unprecedented situation, business interruption for Covid was never thought of. We had our business interruption in place for a horse infectious disease such as strangles, rather than any thought a pandemic would hit.

“We’re lucky that we have a diverse income source between having liveries and offering online training – whereas there are centres not in that position, and for them the business interruption insurance would be a crucial part of their crisis management,” she said.

Association of British Insurers director general Huw Evans said the insurance industry expects to pay out more than £1.8bn in Covid-related claims across a range of products, including business interruption policies.

“Customers who have made claims that are affected by the test case will be contacted by their insurer to discuss what the judgement means for their claim,” he said.

“All valid claims will be settled as soon as possible and in many cases, the process of settling claims has begun.”

A spokesman for insurance provider NFU Mutual told H&H the ruling does not alter the business’s previous assessment that its policies do not respond to Covid-related losses. He added that NFU Mutual’s policy wordings were not put forward by the FCA for consideration and the insurer was not part of the test case.

“Our policy wordings are written to be as clear as possible, reflecting that cover for the cost of a pandemic is beyond our risk appetite,” he said.

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Higher insurance premiums in store owing to ‘hard’ market H&H Plus

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 10:59:43 +0000

Insurance costs look set to increase — and not just because of the effects of the coronavirus. H&H finds out more about what to expect and what you can do

THE equestrian industry should prepare for increasing insurance premiums owing to the first “hard market” for years, caused by a “perfect storm” of factors.

Even before the coronavirus hit, the insurance market was being affected by a number of factors, but the pandemic has exacerbated the situation, resulting in the first hard market for years. This means premiums rise at a rate higher than would otherwise be expected.

SEIB Insurance Brokers deputy CEO Suzy Middleton told H&H significant fires in late 2019 affected property insurance – more than 20 resulted in payouts of over £10 million each – then last winter’s storms meant insurance settlements of over £400 million. The Ogden rate, a multiplier used to determine payouts for personal injury claims, has increased, while “low interest rates and high reinsurance rates compounded these problems, all of which have now been dwarfed by Covid-19”.

“I’d highly recommend people understand their premiums will be going up, and it’s not just because of the pandemic,” Mrs Middleton said, adding that clients may not expect the increase if they have not been doing as much business, or as much riding, as normal.

She stressed that holders of all types of insurance should be prepared well before their renewal dates, to allow time to check policies, and use a specialist broker.

“You need a broker who knows what they’re talking about, and has sustainable options on where to place the cover,” she said.

“Be careful who you use as some insurers may be unrated or not financially stable. The last thing you need is to be trying to reclaim costs in a pandemic situation if the underwriter goes under.”

Mrs Middleton said different types of policy will be affected more than others, and those who have a high history of claims will be worse affected.

“We haven’t seen a hard market since 2001 and therefore many have not experienced the volatility that could follow,” she said. “It is imperative for those looking for insurance cover not to chase the cheapest rate but to check very carefully that you have the cover you need with a reputable company.

“It’s not a buyers’ market but brokers are working as hard as they can to protect their clients.”

SEIB CEO Barry Fehler added: “My advice is to work with a specialist broker who understands your needs, and prepare for your renewal earlier than normal. This will give more time to find the best package for you in the current market.

“Be flexible. The market has changed and you might need to make changes to your cover, to ensure you get what you need at a desirable price.”

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Clarity sought on insurance for Covid-hit businesses H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:13:55 +0000

Following the Financial Conduct Authority’s test case on business interruption insurance at the High Court, Horse & Hound has spoken to the British Equestrian Trade Association and equestrian insurance specialists SEIB to find out what the ruling means for equestrian businesses...

A TEST case looking at whether businesses impacted by Covid-19 can claim on their insurance could spell good news for some equestrian companies, but not for others.

Business interruption insurance covers a company in the event that they cannot operate, usually relating to physical damage – for example, temporarily renting another yard in the event of a flood.

As the coronavirus pandemic forced a number of businesses, including riding schools, to close their doors, questions were raised as to whether pandemic losses would be covered by business interruption insurance.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) arranged a test case at the High Court involving eight insurers to help bring clarity.

“There has been widespread concern about the lack of clarity and certainty for some customers making these claims, and the basis on which some firms are making decisions in relation to claims,” explained the FCA statement, adding there are “genuine doubts” over the appropriate interpretation of wording in some cases, which have led to uncertainty and disputes.

“The test case was not intended to encompass all possible disputes, but to resolve some key contractual uncertainties and causation issues to provide clarity for policyholders and insurers.”

The FCA argued for policyholders that the “disease” and/or “denial of access” clauses in the representative sample of policy wordings provide cover in the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that the trigger for cover caused policyholders’ losses.

It adds that most, but not all, of the “disease” clauses in the sample provide cover, and that certain “denial of access” clauses in the sample provide cover. However this also depends on other factors, including the detailed wording of the clause and how the business was affected by the Government response to the pandemic.

As a range of equestrian businesses were unable to operate during lockdown, clarity will help those companies who hold business interruption insurance to know where they stand.

The judgement on 15 September ruled in favour of policyholders on the majority of the main issues up for dispute – but this is not the end of the road.

FCA interim chief executive Christopher Woolard said the result was a “significant step” in resolving the uncertainty faced by policyholders and removed “a large number of those roadblocks to successful claims as well as clarifying those that may not be successful”.

However, the case is complex and further action and appeals are ongoing.

British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams told H&H the outcome may well be of use for those companies who had this insurance in place.

“It would appear that there are still some details to be clarified and so it may be too early to know how much and indeed whether companies will be able to benefit,” she added.

The British Horse Society has been seeking clarification from SEIB on what it could mean for policyholders in the equine world.

“The answer to that is different for every policyholder whose claims are likely to be affected by the test case,” said an SEIB spokesman.

“However, all policyholders who have made claims against their policies and may be impacted should have been contacted by their insurers.

“In some instances, the judgement may have very little impact as certain insurers may have confirmed coverage and/or supported policyholders on a commercial basis prior to the commencement of the test case.

“For those policyholders that may be impacted, while this decision brought some clarity to the issues being considered, the judgement is not final. Several parties, including the FCA, have made applications to appeal. As such, other insurers are taking the position that no indemnity payments or final decisions on coverage will take place until all rights of appeal have been concluded.

“It is possible that the SEIB policies may respond. However, there are a wide variety of possible outcomes and if riding centres want clarity over their policy coverage they should speak to their broker.”

H&H 22 October 2020

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Owner’s public liability insurance warning after £14m injury claim H&H Plus

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 14:15:20 +0000

A recent case where the part-owner of a racehorse received a claim for £14m after a work rider was injured in a fall on the gallops, has highlighted the need for all owners to have sufficient public liability cover, even if the horse is not in their day-to-day care. H&H speaks to legal experts to find out more, including how this relates to horses on loan...

Owners must ensure they have the right public liability cover in place for their horses, even if the animals are not in their care, or face “losing everything”.

Under the Animals Act 1971, “strict liability” for damage or injury caused by animals falls to their owners or keepers, both of whom could therefore face sizeable claims for compensation.

Glynn Linder found himself in this position when a rider suffered life-changing injuries in a fall from a racehorse he part-owned, and submitted a claim for £14m.

Mr Linder, who had only ever seen the horse once and was unaware there had been a fall until he was named in the claim, had public liability cover as part of his household insurance and the case settled out of court.

But he wants owners to be aware they could be liable, even if horses are not in their keeping.

“People are held responsible for an animal even if they have no involvement with it,” he told H&H. “If you’re the registered owner, you’re leaving yourself open without insurance.”

Mr Linder cited another case, of a part-owner who lost his house and was declared bankrupt after the racehorse he part-owned kicked an assistant trainer.

“They took everything,” he said. “I’m not involved with horses; I only see them run; it shows how easily you can be liable.”

Mr Linder pointed out that the same law would apply to horses on loan, and his case has made his friend Kristine Wilson reconsider.

Ms Wilson told H&H she had loaned her retired police horse to another force for public events.

“I’ve asked the force if he’s covered, and would they accept liability if there was an accident, because Glynn’s incident rang alarm bells,” she said. “He’s now withdrawn from everything until I get written confirmation on the liability when he’s out.

“This is a real wake-up call to people who loan horses out.”

Barrister Louis Weston, who specialises in the Act, told H&H claimants do not have to prove there was negligent action on the owner’s behalf if they have suffered injury. And while certain criteria have to be met, such as whether the animal concerned was acting in a way likely owing to the species’ nature, both owner and keeper may be held liable.

“This is a ludicrously badly drafted Act,” he said. “Most sensible owners know horses can spook or bolt in  certain circumstances, but there’s always a risk this Act might impose strict liability.

“H&H readers need to know that if they own a horse, they don’t escape liability by loaning it to someone.”

Mr Weston said in the event of an accident, claimants will usually go for whoever has the animal in their possession. But if that person is uninsured, or insured for less than the claim, “the intelligent claimant will find out who the owner is and sue them; you want to follow the money”.

Mr Weston added that claims for life-changing injuries can be vast, especially if the victim is young as care will be needed for a long time, so claimants may “sue as many people as they can to get more insurance money in the pot”.

“If you loan a horse to someone, you need to make sure there’s high cover,” he added.

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Horsebox breakdown insurance: why you need to check the small print H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:10:35 +0000

Does your horsebox breakdown insurance cover everything you think it does? Drivers are being encouraged to check their policies carefully to ensure they will received the help they expect should things go wrong. H&H finds out more...

Owners have been reminded to check the small print when choosing a horsebox breakdown recovery service to ensure they are aware of what policies do and do not cover.

As demand for recovery has increased since competition restarted (news 30 July), PRP Rescue Services managing director Jon Phillips told H&H owners should choose a policy with a reliable equine breakdown provider.

“Cover should include recovery by professional agents for the lorry, and separate transport for the horses, to any destination of your choice,” he said. “Some policies will only take the lorry to the nearest garage – but bury that in the small print.”

Mr Phillips advises against policies that insist horseboxes carry spare tyres. He said because by law a tyre fitter must only fit a tyre which is in excellent condition, many owners can be caught out if the tyre on board is not in good enough condition as the fitter will refuse to use it.

Owner Jo Turner was travelling with her daughter and her horse on 8 August when, on hitting a pothole, a safety mechanism in the horsebox aimed at preventing fire when the vehicle hits something with force was triggered. This meant the fuel tank was cut off and the engine stopped.

Ms Turner contacted her breakdown agent Equine Rescue Services (ERS), via her insurer, and was told she was not covered and would be charged as it had been an accident, not a mechanical failure.

ERS has since told H&H an error was made and Ms Turner should have been covered, and has apologised for this.

“Since the incident I’ve been thinking of scenarios that could happen and whether I’m covered or not,” said Ms Turner. “I assumed when you pay for recovery you get whatever you need, and this will make me look at it more carefully.”

ERS network and business development manager Chris Facer told H&H the company covers most aspects of a breakdown, including mechanical issues such as engine failure, tyre blow-outs, electrical or ramp issues.

Incidents caused by “human error” such as leaving lights on or using the wrong fuel are not covered and are chargeable, as is a road traffic collision, which falls under the owners’ horsebox insurance.

“Where we can’t do a repair roadside, we would recover the vehicle and arrange horse transport. We never recover a horse on the back of a recovery vehicle – that’s a big no-no,” he said. “When looking for cover these are the sorts of things people should be asking because there are people who unfortunately who would recover horses on low-loaders and things like that and it’s not in the best interest of the horse.”

Mr Facer urged owners to be aware of “cheap” policies and limitations.

“You don’t always get what you think so make sure you’re getting what you really want. If someone is only travelling locally a certain policy might suit, but if they’re travelling nationally they might need more.”

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May identified as key period for veterinary insurance claims

Becky Murray — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:57:40 +0000

After Petplan Equine released its annual review of most-claimed for conditions, H&H spoke to other equine insurers to find out if they saw similar claim patterns and asked a member of the British Equine Veterinary Association’s health and medicines committee for his thoughts...

The top five most claimed-for conditions in 2019 have been revealed – with three of the conditions peaking in May, according to an equine insurance provider.

Petplan Equine’s most claimed-for condition was arthritis – which overtook gastric ulcers in 2019. Colic, desmitis (inflamation of a ligament) and laminitis made up the remainder of the top five. The insurer also found that ulcer, colic and laminitis claims peaked in May.

Petplan Equine’s veterinary expert Gil Riley MRCVS said he would expect seasonal peaks for some conditions, but looking at three years of claims figures showed how significant May is in horse care.

“For three of the conditions to peak at the same time is concerning and we need to be aware of how changes we make to management in the spring can affect our horses,” he said.

David Rendle, member of the British Equine Veterinary Association’s health and medicines committee, said Petplan’s data is interesting but should be “interpreted with caution”, adding other studies provide reliable indicators of disease prevalence at different times of the year.

Mr Rendle said an increase in colic cases in the spring is associated with horses spending more time turned out, eating more grass of a higher sugar content. And he added that obesity is the biggest risk factor in the development of laminitis.

“The identification of greater numbers of horses with gastric disease in spring is surprising as horses turned out are considered less likely to get gastric disease,” he said. “There may be greater numbers of claims at this time of year because more horses are being examined for gastric disease.”

Insurance broker SEIB’s most claimed-for condition was external wounds and fractures, followed by tendon and ligament injuries, gastric ulcers, colic and spavin.

An SEIB spokesman said although most claims were for external injuries, the highest claim cost was for tendons and ligament injuries.

“What is interesting is the top two reasons to make a claim in 2019 are for accident and injury, but most people fear colic, which was fourth,” he said.

“These figures show owners should not decide to suddenly stop insuring because they are in lockdown and not able to go out to competitions. Accidents happen at home and the top reasons to claim can happen at any time.”

Insurer KBIS found that over a three-year average, lameness was the most claimed-for condition, with colic (including gastric ulcer treatment) in second.

“We have seen an increase in the number of claims for gastric ulcers in recent years,” said a KBIS spokesman. “We have also seen a significant increase in the use of technologies for low-grade lameness claims, contributing to a rise in the average claim amount from previous years.”

Insurance remains key during pandemic as rumours are debunked H&H Plus

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 15:02:58 +0000

As rumours about how the crisis will impact on equine insurance claims circulate online, H&H asks a number of insurance professionals for their expert assessment of the situation...

Equestrians are encouraged to talk to their insurers and avoid listening to hearsay during the coronavirus pandemic.

As rumours spread online, insurers have assured clients they will consider cases carefully – and that they are there for guidance and advice, including on how premiums could be reduced.

A spokesman for SEIB Insurance Brokers told H&H communication is key in these unprecedented circumstances.

“Talk to your insurer and keep them informed of any relevant changes to circumstances at every stage,” she said. “SEIB is continuing to service our clients and is in constant communication with our insurers.”

Clients have raised questions such as to whether the 12-month window in which to claim could be extended while vets and those providing alternative therapy are unable to carry out routine work.

“All our insurers have advised they will look at claims on an individual basis. If a client is concerned, they should contact SEIB and let us know how their horse’s treatment or recovery has been adversely affected and SEIB can then put it to the insurers to consider,” the spokesman said.

She added that to remain covered, policyholders must abide by government and local authority advice, and it is important people speak to their insurers rather than listening to rumour.

“These are uncertain times and fearmongers often take advantage, so don’t let them,” she said. “Talk to your provider and ask them about where you stand with your insurance.”

The spokesman added that claims for flu or tetanus treatment would not be rejected if it was not reasonable for vaccinations to be given, as is currently the case. SEIB is also inviting clients to get in touch and can reduce horses’ cover – such as to exclude competing – and so decrease premium cost.

“It is definitely worth speaking to your insurer to discover if there is a way to reduce overheads in these difficult times,” she said, adding that it is unlikely refunds will be considered if there has been any claim during the current period of insurance.

Will Wenyon, co-founder of Peliwica Insurance, agreed that dropping cover and premiums is simple, and that this can be increased again when needed.

He told H&H that his company too will look at each case individually in terms of the indemnity period, so if a horse becomes slightly lame but does not warrant a vet visit now, for an injury that may be the subject of a claim in future, the 12 months in which to claim will not necessarily apply from the date the signs were first noticed, as is standard. The same consideration will apply if an owner were nearing the end of the 12 months and still claiming for rehab.

“We always treat each policy and claim individually, and if it’s in the interest of treating customers fairly, we’ll extend it,” he said. “This is an act of God and couldn’t be predicted, but I feel insurers should take a sympathetic approach as everyone’s in this position.”

Mr Wenyon added that it would be in breach of contract for an insurer to refuse to pay a claim for an issue caused by a horse’s being ridden when the rider had been advised against it by authorities. He also said lack of vaccination would not prevent riders claiming for related treatment.

“We’re there to look after the customer and the horse; that’s our job,” he said.

Laura Upton, principal of Brookhurst Risk Solutions brokers, pointed out other issues that had been raised by her clients.

She said horses bought from videos, or whose sale was secured before the lockdown, could be insured with a full vet history in lieu of a vetting, with some cover of more expensive horses subject to X-rays when possible.

She told H&H she had also been approached by some clients about cancelling horsebox cover but advised strongly against this, and not only because the lorry might be needed to transport a horse for emergency vet treatment.

“Lorry insurance is subject to short price rates, like car cover, so you probably wouldn’t get the pro rata amount back, and it would be subject to cancellation fees,” she said. “And also, if it was stolen or vandalised, or caught fire, you wouldn’t be covered.

“People aren’t renewing breakdown cover, because they won’t need it till they’re back out, but there’s no point cancelling that mid-policy as it will not be refunded.”

Mrs Upton said some riding school clients had been asking about liability cover.

“Employers’ liability is a legal requirement and you still need it even if your staff are furloughed,” she said. “And you’ll still need the public liability in case, for example, a horse gets out on a road and causes an accident. Livery yards and centres that look after horses will also need the care, custody and control element if they’re looking after clients’ horses.”

Lucy Katan, executive director of the British Grooms Association, had a final word on the subject for grooms.

“Now, more than ever, it is critical for those working in the industry to have, and retain, their personal accident insurance policy,” she told H&H. “With fresh horses and a change of routine, accidents in the workplace are a real concern, and we strongly advise grooms to protect their income.”

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Insurance warning: unvaccinated horses risk invalidating cover for flu claims

Lucy Elder — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 06:49:58 +0000

An insurance broker has reminded owners to check their horses’ vaccinations are up to date to prevent the risk of invalidating their policies.

Lycetts, an independently-run broker, warned horse owners risk being uninsured for flu treatment if their animals are not vaccinated against the virus.

Racing under Rules and point-to-pointing has been abandoned in Britain until at least Wednesday (13 February) due to confirmed cases of equine flu in vaccinated horses in a racing yard.

There have also been other outbreaks recorded across the country.

Richard Freeman, from Lycetts, recommended owners check their policies and contact their brokers or insurers if they are unclear.

“Equine flu is generally not specifically excluded from equine insurance cover, but it is commonly a condition of a policy that the insured horse must be vaccinated against equine flu,” he said.

“It is always the case that the insured must at all times provide proper care and attention to the insured horse and do all things possible to minimise any loss.”

This strain of the virus has affected both vaccinated and unvaccinated horses, although signs are usually milder in inoculated animals and include a raised temperature, a cough and nasal discharge.

“This is a serious situation for all horse owners, who wait with bated breath to see what the full impact of this disease will be,” added Mr Freeman.

A spokesman for Petplan Equine told H&H it provides cover for treatment recommended by a vet up to the full veterinary fee limit policy holders have chosen.

“This includes treatment for equine flu, as long as the horse is up to date with their vaccinations and it is not a pre-existing condition,” said the spokesman.

“Petplan Equine urges owners to contact their vets if they have any concern for their horses’ health and to be mindful of the recent guidelines set by the British Equine Veterinary Association.”

A spokesman for Shearwater Insurance advised owners to check their own policy wording and to call if they have any questions.

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Emma Cover, from KBIS, told H&H all horses insured with them must have up-to-date vaccinations for flu and tetanus under the policy terms and conditions.

“If a horse that is correctly vaccinated were to contract flu then the policy would kick in, in line with the cover they have chosen regarding the vets’ fees and mortality sections,” she said.

“If a horse’s vaccinations are not up to date a claim could not be considered as unfortunately the policy terms would not be met.

“As with any medical concerns owners should contact their vets for advice and treat the horse accordingly.

“All claims are subject to policy terms and conditions and if any policyholders have any queries regarding their policy please get in touch on 0345 2302323 or email ask@kbis.co.uk.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Arthritis tops equine insurance payouts

Caroline Bankes — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 07:25:24 +0000

Arthritis, colic, laminitis, Cushing’s disease and inflamed ligaments are among the most common problems in horses, according to new research.

These top five complaints accounted for nearly 20% of all Petplan Equine insurance claims last year.

In 2015 Petplan Equine paid more than £12m in insurance claims — £730,655 was paid out by the company for arthritis conditions; £672,216 for colic cases, £325,065 for laminitis, £177,380 for Cushing’s disease and £569,538 for inflamed ligaments.

“With most of the top five conditions being illnesses rather than injuries, they are often not preventable and are something any horse owner could find themselves having to deal with,” said Charlotte Gibbs at Petplan Equine.

According to the company’s survey, nearly half (49%) of owners said their horse had suffered from an illness or injury in the past year and 84% of these said they would seek immediate help if their horse was ill.

The data was based on 1,100 respondents, not all of whom are Petplan Equine customers.

“Claims are often for acute conditions that may need emergency surgery such as colic, or more chronic problems, for example Cushing’s disease, which will require ongoing veterinary attention and both of which can be expensive and complex,” said vet Gil Riley.

Figures for the previous year show slight variations on payments, but the top five conditions ranked on the number of claims are in the same order, with arthritis in first place followed by colic, laminitis, Cushing’s disease and desmitis (ligament damage).

H&H’s vet Karen Coumbe said it is “excellent news that horse injuries are not at the top of the list”.

However, she added it needs to be remembered that this will not necessarily reflect the whole equine population, just this group of insured animals.

“The news that Equine Cushing’s disease was in the top five problems in the insurer’s claims is interesting as the condition usually affects older horses and ponies.” said Karen. “This may reflect the relatively recent launch of an equine prescription treatment, which could explain why the condition has now become a more common reason for insurance claims.”

Ref: Horse and Hound, 17 March 2016

How to make sure you’re covered when trying a horse [H&H VIP]

Horse & Hound — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 11:55:03 +0000

Jo Winfield, FBHS and BHS director of education, advises that when trying an unfamiliar horse or pony, it is vital to apply common sense.

“Always ask relevant questions before getting on a horse, and don’t get on without seeing it ridden first,” she says. “Also, it is in the vendor’s interests to tell someone if they think the horse isn’t suitable for them, rather than risk someone damaging it.”

However, accidents can happen. Insurance cover falls into three main areas: personal accident, third-party liability and cover for the horse.

Trying a horse

Equine lawyer Jacqui Fulton feels it is unlikely, although not impossible, that a seller would pursue a potential buyer were the horse injured while being tried in their presence.

“If you were trying a horse with the seller watching, and they were happy with everything that’s going on, it is very unlikely that a court would find that the rider was negligent,” she says.

“Regarding third-party liability, the law says it’s the keeper or owner that’s responsible — it could be the person trying the horse or the owner. Ensure that one of you has third-party liability, but you shouldn’t need to take it out if the owner has a policy.”

If trying a pony under normal circumstances — not at home on a trial, for example — then it is worth checking with the vendor if they already have the pony insured.

You should consider a rider-only policy if personal accident cover is your main concern, as the vendor’s insurance will not usually provide cover.

“A personal accident insurance policy will cover the insured person for injuries that are defined in the policy. If the person’s son is under 16, they’re likely to be covered for capital benefits only — that is, death, loss of eyesight, loss of limb or permanent total disability,” says KBIS Insurance director Daniel Parry.

“A rider plan provides cover against death or injury as a result of an accident. It also covers you for third-party liability if the horse you’re riding causes injury to another person or damage to their property, and for emergency vets’ fees cover in case of injury to the horse,” adds Charlotte Collyer, senior marketing executive at Petplan.

Taking the horse on trial

If you are taking the horse or pony for a trial period, third-party liability is the minimum cover that should be considered.

“A more comprehensive approach would be to insure the horse for mortality/theft, vet fees, public liability and personal accidents,” advises Daniel. “These risks could be covered by the existing owner’s insurance, or by purchasing a new policy. In most cases when a horse or pony is on trial, it’s easier to maintain an existing insurance policy than to start a new one.

“Bear in mind that most new policies include some form of limited cover period, which means that not all types of claims will be covered.”

If an existing policy is not in place the potential buyer will need to take out a new full policy that they can cancel if they decide not to purchase the horse.

“If the horse is already insured, find out if the insurance company will transfer the policy into your name without a vetting. Petplan offer ‘like for like’ policies if the horse is already insured with us, providing the same cover if the horse’s value and activities are the same,” says Charlotte.

“Although a trial period is likely to be short, it is still advisable to draw up a loan agreement stating who is responsible for what while the horse is in your care,” adds Victoria Walton, Equine Specialist at NFU Mutual.

Policy options

Cover as part of existing memberships

Memberships such as BHS gold membership offer public liability up to £20million and personal accident up to £10,000.

Cost: inclusive with membership (£49 juniors, £66 adults)

Rider policy

Can cover for: varying levels of personal accident cover, emergency vets’ fees for the horse being ridden (usually £1,500-2,000), hospital benefit, tuition fees for children, third-party liability and custodial liability.

Cost: around £50 for under-18s, £70-100 for adults.

Horse insurance

Can cover for: the most basic policies cover for public liability, theft and mortality, and levels of cover can be increased to include vets’ fees (usually between £3,000-5,000), loss of use and tack and equipment.

Cost: varies widely according to level of cover and value of animal.

4 pitfalls to be aware of

If you are taking out a policy to cover a horse or pony while on trial, be aware that:

Many policies will not cover you for illness within the first 14 days — for example, colic.
For horses over a certain value, a five-stage vetting is often required before full cover can be granted. Check with your insurer how this might affect you if you are insuring for a trial period.
Be sure to advise the insurer about what you will be doing with the horse during the trial to make sure the correct level of cover applies
Check if any penalities apply for cancelling a policy. Some insurers allow you to cancel a policy at any point within the 12-month contract, and many will allow a full refund if cancelled
within the first 14 days assuming no claims have been made.

Ref: H&H 29 January, 2015

Equestrian insurance broker rebrands to reflect national status

Caroline Bankes — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:08:11 +0000

Equestrian insurance company South Essex Insurance Brokers changed its name to SEIB Insurance Brokers on 1 January 2015 to reflect the company’s national status.

“We have frequently had our name referred to in the short form of SEIB, and it is a natural progression to formalise this in our brand to reflect our position nationally in the market,” said Barry Fehler, the company’s founder and CEO.

He started the company from his parent’s home in 1963 and the company is now in the top 75 brokers in the UK.

“SEIB has grown steadily over the 50 years it has been in business and has nationwide clients in a number of niche business sectors,” said Fehler.

The company provides the member benefits for the British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare, British Showjumping and Arab Horse Society and also insures Redwings.

It is the preferred equine supplier for the British Insurance Brokers Association and offers a range of products through nationwide intermediaries.

Cover is available for horses, veterinary fees, equestrian business, horseboxes and trailers and equestrian liability.

SEIB is owned by specialist insurance group Ecclesiastical, which is owned by a registered charity.

Last year the group set itself an ambitious goal of giving £50m to charity over the next three years.

In 2014 it donated £16.5m from its profits to charity and SEIB will play a “key role” in Ecclesiastical reaching its target.

SEIB sponsor different charities from year to year including the Animal Health Trust where there is a donation from each policy for the Grass Sickness Fund.

In addition to its equestrian insurance products, SEIB specialises in providing cover for private hire, rural taxis and funeral directors.

For more information visit www.seib.co.uk

Perils of underinsuring highlighted by recent legal cases

Sophia Heath — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 08:55:35 +0000

Equestrian businesses are being warned of the potential dangers of being underinsured.

Two recent legal cases have highlighted the expense of defending personal injury claims.

In one case, defended by HorseSolicitor, which concluded in the autumn (28 October), an equine events display company was forced to pay out more than £15,000 after a sub-contractor was kicked by a partially sighted horse.

The claimant (not pictured), who suffered a fractured leg in the accident in Sheffield on 12 April, alleged that the company had provided an “unsafe place to work”.

The company was underinsured as it had specifically elected not to include cover for injury caused to employees/contractors by the horses.

Due to government changes to personal injury cases — implemented in April 2013 — even when a defendant successfully defeats a claim, there are very limited circumstances in which the court will allow the defendant to recover their legal fees incurred. Defence costs of a contested trial can run into tens of thousands of pounds.

“The defendant does not feel that they did anything to warrant the claim against them, however the commercial reality of defence costs being unrecoverable led them to choose to reach a settlement at an early stage,” explained the HorseSolicitor’s Neil Rees.

In another similar case, a livery yard owner in Usk, Monmouthshire, who was not insured for riding lessons, faced a claim after a child sustained back injuries in July 2013 on her property, requiring metal rods to be inserted into her spine.

The owner’s expenditure could potentially have been hundreds of thousands of pounds, but the case was closed on 12 January 2014 with legal fees of £1,500.

Both cases may have been avoided if the defendants had not been underinsured.

“Each policyholder should ensure that the level of cover and extent of the policy that they have meets the likely risks that they may face in the event of a claim,” Mr Rees added.

“Had the company paid for the increased insurance cover [in the first case] they would have had an indemnity from their insurer in respect of both the claimant’s claim for damages and legal costs, and also the costs of defending the case to trial.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 11 December 2014

Horse insurance survey: win Joules vouchers

Horse & Hound — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:50:22 +0000

While we all love our horses, we know they are not cheap to keep. For most owners horse insurance offers peace of mind to help protect your horse and your pocket should something go wrong.

With this in mind, we would like to get your thoughts on equine insurance via our short online survey. It should take around 5min to complete. To thank you for your time, all completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £20 Joules vouchers.

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