Answer

By Your Horse

A basic package typically covers:
Death or loss by theft or straying – you’ll receive a sum if your horse disappears (through theft or straying), or if he dies or has to be put down on a vet’s recommendation to prevent further suffering. If the horse is unusable but can be retired, you don’t get paid.  
Public liability – you are liable for any damage or injury your horse does to other people, regardless of whether or not you’re negligent. Even if you have no other insurance, make sure you have public liability cover.

Optional extras
Some companies include the following in their basic packages as standard; others offer them as a ‘bolt-on’ option:
Veterinary fees – this is cover for non-routine treatment. You may be able to choose the level of cover but, while it may be tempting to try to keep your premiums low, bear in mind many vets now recommend a £5,000 minimum.
The most common claims are for colic, injuries and lameness (of which there can be countless causes), and the cost of diagnostic tests and treatment can rocket. Once you’ve embarked on a course of treatment it can be heartbreaking if cover runs out and your personal finances can’t stretch to continuing.
Permanent loss of use – this offers payment only if your horse suffers a permanent disability that prevents him from doing the activity he was insured for. You may opt for loss of use through injury, illness or both, or choose the percentage of his value that will be paid out. You might opt to retire your horse and receive a lower value, rather than having him destroyed.  This cover can be expensive, and claims may be lengthy while the horse’s chances of recovery are assessed. You may need to produce a full five-stage vetting certificate to secure cover.
Personal accident – this usually covers death or permanent disability to you or whoever is riding, driving, leading or handling your horse (with your permission). Varying levels of cover are offered and some include dental treatment, but it is not designed to be a comprehensive health plan.
Further options – optional cover is offered for eventualities including saddlery and tack theft, loss of stables by fire, replacement horse hire, disposal costs after equine euthanasia, foaling risks, reimbursement of show entry fees and theft or damage to trailers or horse-drawn vehicles, so bear this in mind.

Sporting options
Most companies offer cover for horses and ponies from the age of 30 days; some even for unborn foals. Others offer special rates for ponies, donkeys, bloodstock or high-value horses. Typically, your horse will be placed in a category or ‘class of use’ depending on the activities he does. The basic category usually covers hacking, gymkhanas, showing, Pony Club and riding club events and perhaps show jumping and dressage. Activities deemed more risky, such as affiliated competitions and hunting, are generally grouped in a higher category.