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Equestrian events can be exciting and rewarding, but the build-up can be busy and at times, stressful. There is a lot of pre-event planning and preparation to be done - training and grooming, making sure tack is clean and conditioned, buying feed and planning travel – the to-do list can seem endless.
Whether you’re show jumping or racing, competing in dressage, cross country or polo, it can be easy to get so caught up in event preparations that you overlook the seemingly minutiae - like insurance.
With soaring ownership costs and horse, tack and trailer theft on the rise, Kay Gross explains the insurance must-haves that Cliverton can provide to protect you when participating in equine events.
Horse events are enjoyable and exciting, but they also come with associated risks. You will need public liability insurance to cover if your horse causes injury to a third-party person or horse, or damage to third-party property. Although you may have this cover through your various memberships (British Eventing, Hurlingham Polo Association, British Dressage etc.), these policies will not pick up your claim if you are involved in commercial activities.
You must also remember that employers’ liability is a legal requirement if you employ a groom or any other staff. This will provide cover if a claim is brought against you for injury or illness whilst working for you – such claims are steadily increasing year-on-year so do not leave yourself vulnerable to a potentially life-changing claim.
The costs associated with horse ownership and attending events are rising. Unfortunately so are the instances of theft.
Make sure that your tack is insured whilst you are out competing, along with any equipment at home – be mindful that many home contents policies will not cover your tack whilst it is away from your house, which is unfortunately where many instances of theft occur.
Specialist policies that cover your residential property alongside your equestrian property, yard, tack or equine equipment at home and abroad are worth discussing with your broker.
Prior to an event, you should ensure that your horse is covered for the correct use. While you may have horse insurance, your policy may not cover you for specific disciplines or levels of competition, meaning that if your horse suffers an injury, the claim may be repudiated by insurers.
Our sister company Lycetts can help you check that your horse is insured or an accurate, fair and current market value to cover theft or mortality asthis value can fluctuate depending on the performance of the horse.
There are many preemptive and practical steps you can take to reduce therisks associated with equine events. But insurance from a specialist broker whois as passionate about horses as you should be a planning priority.
Cliverton and partners can ensure your policies are aligned to the unique requirements of you and your horse – and your equine property, equipment and activities.
With many years’ insurance experience and a horse owner herself, Katy understands that having specialist equine insurance is just as important as checking the stitching on your saddle and stirrups in thorough event preparation.
Her advice is simple; prepare for every eventuality so you can focus on the event with peace of mind that you have the right insurance in place should the worst happen. It is always sensible to contact your broker if you are uncertain about the scope of your insurance for added reassurance that your cherished horse, home, equine property and equipment are all properly protected– before, during and after the event.
