What is Equine Insurance and Why Every Horse Owner Needs It

Owning a horse is both a privilege and a responsibility. Whether your horse is a companion, competitor, or performance animal, it represents a significant investment of time, money, and care. But like any valuable asset, horses come with risks: illness, injury, theft, and even death. That’s where equine horse insurance becomes essential.

Equine horse insurance offers peace of mind by helping horse owners manage the financial impact of unexpected events. Just as you wouldn’t leave your car or home uninsured, your horse deserves the same protection. The right policy can cover a range of incidents from veterinary emergencies to permanent loss of use, or even liability liabilities if your horse causes injury or damage.

At Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers, we understand the unique needs of horse owners. With over 60 years of experience in the equine industry, our dedicated team offers tailored insurance solutions for horses of all breeds and disciplines. Whether you own a single pleasure horse or manage a small stable, we can help you protect what matters most—without being taken for a ride.

Types of Equine Insurance Coverage: Mortality, Major Medical, and Loss of Use

Equine insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. Instead, it consists of various coverage types designed to meet your specific needs. At Gow-Gates, we help horse owners build customised policies that offer real protection, without unnecessary extras.

Here are the core coverage types every horse owner should consider:

• Mortality Insurance: Covers the death of your horse due to accident, illness, or humane euthanasia on veterinary advice. Theft or loss may also be covered.
• Major Medical Insurance: Like health insurance for your horse, this covers eligible veterinary treatments, surgeries, and diagnostics following an accident or illness.
• Loss of Use Insurance: If your horse becomes permanently unable to perform its insured function, such as show jumping, dressage, or eventing. This type of policy may provide a financial payout.
• Equine Liability: If third parties suffer bodily injury or property damage as a result of negligence arising from your business activities and/or horse ownership. This policy would indemnify you for your legal liability in accordance with its terms and conditions.

Depending on your needs, Gow-Gates can also help you access a range of specialist cover, including:

• Performance Horse Insurance
• Bloodstock Mortality
• Public & Products Liability Insurance
• Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Farm and Business Property Insurance
• Association Liability
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance
• Voluntary Workers Insurance

These additional options are particularly important for horse owners involved in breeding, competition, or who manage equine businesses and properties. Our team works closely with you to ensure your policy not only protects your horse but also your broader operations, staff, and reputation.

How Much Does Bloodstock and Equine Insurance Cost? Factors That Affect Your Premium

Understanding the cost of equine horse insurance can help you choose the right policy with confidence. While premiums vary, several common factors influence what you’ll pay:

• Horse’s Insured Value: Naturally, higher-value horses attract higher premiums.
• Age and Breed: Older horses and some high-risk breeds may increase the cost of cover.
• Intended Use: Competition horses usually have higher risk profiles than pleasure or paddock horses.
• Medical History: Pre-existing conditions or previous claims may limit or increase the price of your coverage.
• Location and Travel: Horses that travel frequently or participate in events may require broader coverage, which affects pricing.

At Gow-Gates, we aim to provide cost-effective coverage without compromising on quality. Our policies are designed to deliver the right protection at the right price, offering exceptional value through tailored solutions.

Choosing the Right Equine Insurance Policy: Key Questions to Ask Your Broker

Before committing to a policy, it’s important to understand exactly what you're buying. Choosing the right insurance broker can make all the difference, not just at the time of purchase, but when it’s time to make a claim.

Here are essential questions to ask your broker:

• What coverage is included as standard, and what are the optional add-ons?
• Are there any exclusions that could affect my ability to claim?
• How are claims assessed and processed?
• Can I adjust my coverage if my horse’s role or value changes?
• How do premium costs evolve over time?

At Gow-Gates, we pride ourselves on transparency and advocacy. We take the time to walk you through your options, highlight any limitations or conditions, and ensure you’re getting a policy that suits your needs, not just one that checks the box.

As your trusted advocate in the equine insurance industry, we offer more than just policies—we provide partnership, guidance, and protection backed by decades of experience.

Ready to Protect Your Horse Investment?

Let Gow-Gates help you build an equine horse insurance solution tailored to your needs. Contact our equine team today for a confidential, obligation-free discussion.

Speak with Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers today to tailor equine insurance coverage that protects your valuable horse investment and gives you peace of mind.

Disclaimer:

This information is general in advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You must therefore assess whether it is appropriate, in the light of your own individual circumstances, to act on this advice. If this advice contains information about a financial product, you should ensure you obtain the Policy Schedule (with Important Notices), Policy Wording, and any applicable Product Disclosure Statement or any other relevant information, in respect of that product prior to making a decision to purchase. The response of an insurance policy to a claim can vary depending on each particular circumstance and the terms and conditions of the policy.