It can be a very expensive hobby, owning a horse. Making sure you have pony insurance will protect you against a financial crisis, such as your pony getting an injury and you picking up very expensive veterinary bills.
Most pony insurance policies cover all types of vets’ bills, plus they cover public liability up to £2 million. Common features of such policies also cover your pony trailer or pony drawn vehicle.
As no two horses are the same owners prefer to find policies that are individual to their horses needs. There are many such policies on the market. Many policies provide cover for a wide range of uses for example dressage, show jumping, hacking, cross country and hunting. The specialist horse insurance companies will definitely cover your particular usage. If a horse suffers an accident while doing one of the activities listed above, insurance providers often pay out between 60 - 100% of the value of the horse - this really does give an owner piece of mind.
An additional advantage of taking out comprehensive pony insurance is that not only is the horse or pony covered but also the rider. The policy covers you as the pony rider, riding gear and equipment. When this is added to the already included horse trailer cover; it’s reassuring to know nothing is left out of the policy.
Regarding the level of cover, the minimum cover recommended for both ponies and horses is Death of Horse, Theft and Straying and Public liability cover. Interesting to note - if you are already a member of BHS or BSJA then you receive Public Liability cover from the date you register as a member. Additional options include vets fees, tack and saddler, and personal accident.
As stated earlier including ‘Loss of Use and Trailers and Horse Drawn Vehicles’ is becoming a more popular addition to policies these days.
Discounts are often available if you are insuring more than one horse at a time on the same policy. Also some insurers will cover you and you pony whilst you are not in the UK, for example competing abroad.
One last note on pony insurance, bear in mind that all insurers have an upper age limit as standard in their insurance policies. When a horse reaches the age of 15-20 years old they are classed as ‘veteran’ and cover will be reduced to accidental injury only and it covers death and vets fees.