For a veterinary surgeon, even a relatively routine operation on a horse is a potentially dangerous and time consuming undertaking. If the horse needs a surgical operation, the very size of the patient demands special facilities to enable the vet to work safely and effectively. The size of the bill will often reflect the size of the challenge, so the owner must expect to pay many hundreds, often thousands of pounds. Unlike the car, the horse owner is not likely to lightly write off the old model and buy a new one. After all, the horse is a living breathing creature with an individual character that is no doubt loved by all the family, so the responsible owner will want the best possible treatment for it if it falls ill or is injured. Of course, horse insurance is not entirely about the welfare of the animal. Horse insurance policies generally include public liability cover that will pay for any damage or injury inflicted by your horse. It will pay for recovery costs or compensation if the horse strays or is stolen. Tack and saddlery can also be covered as can the horse box or trailer. So with the costs of treatment rising beyond inflation each year and the other potential expenses involved in caring for your horse, taking out an insurance policy should be given careful consideration.

There are two basic types of horse insurance offered by most insurance companies. The first is the Comprehensive policy. This generally covers:

• Death. This will pay the insured sum if your horse dies as a result of an accident or illness. It will also cover the costs involved in disposing of the body.
• Theft and Straying. If your horse is not recovered within an agreed time as stipulated by the policy this cover will pay the value of the animal and will also cover the advertising costs.

Other expenses that may be covered include:Vets Fees, Dentistry, Tack and Saddlery, Personal Accident and Horse Box Damage.

The second type of cover is known as ‘selective’. This enables the owner to tailor their insurance policy to suit individual needs. For instance horse box cover may not be required. This type of policy is often the cheaper option.

Of course all policies vary in cost. Things such as the value, age and breed of the horse will affect the premium. The intended use of the horse – is it a hunter or just a gentle hack? Where will it be kept, in an isolated stable or a professional livery yard? Freeze branding the animal will reduce the cost of the premium as the insured horse can be identified easily in the event of loss through theft or straying. Most policies will also place ceilings on the sums payable for treatment and there will usually be an agreed excess payment that you will be required to make in the event of a claim.

Like all insurances, different policies offer different levels of cover, so it does pay to shop around to find the best for you and your horse. Do remember – always read the small print before agreeing to any policy.