As horse owners, we all want to keep our horses healthy, happy and safe, and while we all tend to think that the worst won’t happen, factoring in the unexpected is a huge part of owning any animal — especially one that’s as big and unpredictable as a horse. 

What if they develop a serious health condition or need surgery? What if they damage someone else’s property, or are stolen? 

Our animals don’t have access to the kind of health care that we do, and vet’s fees can really add up. But while we all know that horse insurance can help protect against unexpected costs, we’re also very aware of the rising cost of living and so we want to be sure that we’re getting the right policy and only paying for the things we need. 

To help understand horse insurance a bit better, the experts at The Insurance Emporium, who have been providing specialist horse insurance for years, have put together this short guide to answer some of the most common questions when it comes to choosing a policy. 

Why should I consider horse insurance?

Whether you’re an owner, a breeder, a trainer or a rider, you’ll know how fulfilling it is to be around horses, but you’ll also know that they’re not the cheapest animal to look after. 

After the initial cost of buying them, you have to think about livery costs, food, forage and bedding, as well as regular visits to the vet, farrier and dentist. 

This is before you even factor in them being ill, or involved in an accident, or even stolen. It would be good to be able to base their treatment on what they need. 

What does horse insurance cover?

At The Insurance Emporium, horse insurance comes with one standard benefit: Death, Theft or Straying.

This is for if the horse dies or is put to sleep or is not found within 90 days of straying or being stolen from the stabling address. You can then tweak your policy to suit you and your horse with a choice of optional benefits, which include: 

Vet’s Fees

  • The cost of treatment and/or complementary treatment of each injury, illness or condition. 

Complimentary Therapy

  • This must be carried out by your vet or a qualified practitioner. 

Referral Vet Transportation and Livery

  • The cost of transportation to and from a livery yard whilst the horse remains at the referral vets. 

Disposal Costs

  • The cost of removal and disposal of the horse’s body if the horse dies or is put to sleep by a vet. 

Saddlery and Tack

  • Where your saddlery and tack are stolen or accidentally damaged whilst you are taking part in or preparing for an activity specified in your type of use. 

Loss of Use (Permanent Incapacity)

  • An illness, injury or condition that prevents your horse carrying out the functions for which it was insured. 

Public Liability (Standard)

  • Your legal liability to others for compensation and costs arising out of the ownership or use of your horse. 

Personal Accident

  • Death, permanent disablement, loss of hearing, sight, or limbs as a result of an injury sustained whilst riding, leading, handling or caring for the horse. 

Dental Treatment

  • Dental treatment following an accidental bodily injury to your mouth and/or teeth whilst riding your horse. 

What do I need to consider when taking out horse insurance?

  • Their age. 
  • Their health. 
  • Their breed. 
  • Their intended use. 
  • Exclusions — certain treatments and pre-existing conditions may not be covered and you’ll need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible if there are any changes to your circumstances that could affect your policy. 

What other questions should I ask?

Does horse insurance cover injuries to riders? 

Yes, when the personal accident optional benefit is included in a policy, you’re covered if you sustain an accidental bodily injury as a result of riding, handling, caring for, or interacting with your horse and that injury results in your death, loss of hearing, sight or limbs or renders you totally permanently disabled for a consecutive period of 365 days. 

Do I need to insure my horse trailer? 

You’re not legally obliged to have horse trailer insurance, but towing a trailer does come with risks and so taking out cover might be worth considering, particularly if you attend horse shows/events, buy or sell horses, own stables or train horses.

You can also get insurance if you hire a horse trailer. 

Can I get horse insurance for pre-existing conditions? 

No, your horse won’t be covered for pre-existing conditions, which means injuries or illnesses that existed before your policy started. 

Are racehorses and competition horses covered by standard horse insurance? 

We do not insure racehorses at The Insurance Emporium, but our horse policy allows you to compete — just make sure you select the appropriate type of equestrian activities when going through the quotation. 

What if I have an older horse? 

Our veteran horse insurance covers horses 20 years and over. There is no upper age limit. 

Do horses need insurance on the road?  

While there’s no legal requirement to have insurance when riding on the road, most responsible riders have insurance that includes public liability. 

Do horse riders need insurance? 

If you don’t own a horse, but ride one, a Horse Rider Only policy will provide cover for you, and some emergency cover for the horse, for example, emergency vet fees. 

What’s the maximum value that you can insure a horse for? 

This figure may differ between insurance companies. A horse can be insured with us for up to £15,000. 

What if my horse is ridden by someone else? 

Your horse or veteran horse policy will usually cover any person, aged between five and 75, who is riding, leading, handling or caring for your horse with your permission. 

What does excess mean? 

An excess is the part you pay towards a claim. With our horse insurance policies, there’s no excess to pay on our Standard Benefit, but there are three optional benefits where you need to pay an excess.

This applies to Vet’s Fees, Saddlery and Tack, and Public Liability (Standard), so it’s important to check your policy schedule. 

What does loss of use mean? 

There are two types of Loss of Use:

  • Complete: this is where your horse cannot undertake any functions for which it was vetted and insured, and it is put to sleep.
  • Partial: where your horse cannot undertake any functions for which it was vetted and insured but can undertake other equestrian activities, or you choose to breed or retire them. 

Are there any conditions for keeping my saddlery and tack safe? 

Yes, when not in use you need to adhere to security requirements, such as these, otherwise your insurance may be invalid, and your claim may be rejected. 

Can I insure more than one horse? 

Yes, you can insure more than one horse, and you may even be eligible for a multi-horse discount.

At The Insurance Emporium, if you insure more than one horse, you will be eligible for an extra 10% discount on each of your horse insurance policies. The multi-horse discount is either applied at the start of any new horse policies or at renewal of existing horse policies. 

Having horse insurance in place could mean that if you are faced with an unexpected bill for an injury, illness or accident etc, then you know you have the right cover for you, your horse and your budget. 

Visit The Insurance Emporium website, or give them a call and get a free, no-strings quote today. 

Lifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no:202748. 

 All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. We will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. We will not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time. 

 We offer a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations. 

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