Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 457 i Your Horse

I CAN’T BELIEVE that Your Horse Live 2019 is almost upon us and wow, what a line-up we have planned. I can’t wait — it’s going to be an amazing three days. With fantastic demonstrations taking place over the long weekend, plus over 400 tradestands to look around, you’ll come away brimming with new exercises to try on your horse and perhaps a few cheeky purchases for you and him too. Our Your Horse Live preview will give you the lowdown on what’s happening over the three days of the show (p79). We all know that owning a horse is a big commitment, and anything you can do to save a bit of time or money is always welcome. However, have you ever considered that the way you keep your…

MEG AND LAUREN White describe themselves as ‘horse trainers with a difference’ as they work with clients to see the potential in their horse or pony. Based in Gloucestershire, their training business was established in 2012. They work with many rescue and problem horses and pride themselves on never turning any equine away. They started their Hack1000Miles challenge in June 2018 with the aim of raising money for a variety of charities, including Dogs Trust and The Racehorse Sanctuary, as well as funding their own work rescuing and rehabilitating horses. The inspiration originally came courtesy of their mother, who had the idea to hack the length of Europe. They thought this might be a bit extensive, so they scaled it back to the length of Britain. “We’d been talking about…

AUTUMN It’s still fairly warm, but not too hot, and there are fewer flies. Plus the colours of the countryside are beautiful. Karen Simons-Musilová SPRING After the winter, it’s lovely not to be restricted to weekend weather. Riding after work is great, and when the horses go out 24/7 in May, all the stable chores stop. It feels like the whole world is waking up after a long sleep. The weather can be beautiful — and, even better, no horseflies. Sally Hudson AUTUMN The flies aren’t too bad anymore, and the heat becomes bearable to ride in. I also love riding round the fields and having a gallop while the sun is setting — it’s an amazing sight and feeling. Emily Harris AUTUMN It’s not so hot, and you have…

ONE LUCKY READER will win an exclusive training session with international showjumper and Dodson & Horrell brand ambassador Holly Smith, plus a tailored feeding programme for your horse from Dodson & Horrell. The training session for you and your horse will take place at Holly’s yard in Loughborough. You’ll receive lots of advice on how to improve your showjumping from GB team rider Holly, fresh from competing at the European Championships last month. You’ll also get to meet Holly’s superstar horses, including Hearts Destiny. Following a consultation with one of Dodson & Horrell’s nutritionists, you’ll then win feed and branded merchandise to the value of £500. As royal warrant holder, Dodson & Horrell has been leading the way in equine nutrition for more than 80 years, pioneering manufacturing methods and…

■ VIP, from £93 — reserved seat in the BETA Arena, fast track show and arena entry, access to the VIP lounge with lunch and a glass of fizz, VIP parking, deluxe shop & drop ■ Standard plus, from £40 —guaranteed BETA Arena seat, fast track show and arena entry ■ Standard, from £21 — access all areas ■ Super shopper, £18 (not available on the gate) — access to all areas, excluding the BETA Arena ■ Saturday evening performance: an audience with Isabell Werth, from £49.50 (needs a separate ticket) ■ Friday evening performance with Tristan Tucker, from £35 ■ Book now at yourhorselive.co.uk…

■ VIP, from £93 — reserved seat in the BETA Arena, fast track show and arena entry, access to the VIP lounge with lunch and a glass of fizz, VIP parking, deluxe shop & drop ■ Standard plus, from £40 —guaranteed BETA Arena seat, fast track show and arena entry ■ Standard, from £21 — access all areas ■ Super shopper, £18 (not available on the gate) — access to all areas, excluding the BETA Arena ■ Saturday evening performance: an audience with Isabell Werth, from £49.50 (needs a separate ticket) ■ Friday evening performance with Tristan Tucker, from £35 ■ Book now at yourhorselive.co.uk…

Experimental treatment cover Q Does equine insurance cover costs when treatments are quite experimental and not guaranteed to work, for example, PENS treatments for horses who headshake? Marilyn Bennett, North Yorkshire Sarah says... This very much depends on your policy and insurer. Petplan Equine will cover the cost of veterinary treatment if carried out by a veterinary surgeon who is registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, unless something is specifically excluded in the insurance policy’s terms, for example, transplants. This treatment would be up to the maximum limit of your policy’s vet fees cover. End of days Q Is it true that owners need permission from their insurance company before a horse is euthanised? Mary Smith, Buckinghamshire Sarah says... Owners would not need permission from Petplan Equine before…

Something a little different Q I’m not a fan of the traditional disciplines and have always wanted to try endurance. What kind of skills or training does a beginner need? Lisa Gooding, Ayrshire Esther says... Many of us found our way to endurance riding because we didn’t feel a natural fit with the traditional disciplines, so you’ll probably find yourself right at home with us! A bit of ‘cross-training’ is still worthwhile, though. Dressage training, for example, will help with balance and straightness for both horse and rider, while polework will assist athleticism and gymnastic ability. Generally speaking, the skills that you use in hacking will stand you in good stead for endurance riding, including: ■ A reasonable level of fitness. ■ Being able to open and shut gates. ■…

PERFECT PLAITS For great-looking plaits every time, try Plaiting Mist from Lincoln Horse Care. Once applied, the hair can be gripped firmly, enabling tight, neat plaits without any stickiness or greasiness. RRP £6.99 for 250ml FOR STOCKISTS lincolnhorsecare.com STUNNING IN DENIM Sieta Equestrian Jeans from Georgian Dollar are made from the softest denim for day-long comfort. Designed to look and feel good both on and off your horse, they feature a discreet functional silicone grip and smooth lycra ankle cuffs for a non-bulky fit. RRP £75 BUY AT georgiandollar.co.uk SUPER BEDDING Terravesta Miscanthus horse bedding is super absorbent and good for the environment too. It’s made from 100% finely chopped miscanthus grass, a carbon-negative renewable crop grown by British farmers that absorbs more carbon than it releases in its 20-year…

RAMBO MICKLEM MULTIBRIDLE RRP £174 FOR STOCKISTS horseware.com With this bridle there are three alternative configurations, from mild to strong, so there will be one that suits your horse. It works on the principle of a ‘whole head hug’ action, where pressure travels through the reins, along the cross-under straps and over the poll. Pressure is evenly and painlessly spread over the whole head. CLARIDGE HOUSE BITLESS BRIDLE RRP £54.90 BUY AT kramer.co.uk This leather bridle has a padded nose and browband and also includes a pair of web reins. The cross-over design works on pressure and release. When you use the reins, pressure is put on the poll, nose and under the chin; when your horse responds and you soften the reins, the pressure is released. STAR BITLESS BRIDLE…

Also in this issue... ❋ MARK TODD on new beginnings after his retirement from eventing ❋ RIDE A FOCUSED WARM UP to produce a winning dressage test ❋ GET BACK TO NATURE with your horse and improve your relationship ❋ PREPARE FOR YOUR BEST WINTER EVER Practical tips to help you breeze through the months ahead PLUS 2019 WINTER RUG GUIDE ■ Turnout and stable rugs ■ Cooler rugs on test ■ Therapy rugs that can improve your horse’s way of going…

AS OWNERS, WE’RE all too aware how adept horses are at getting into scrapes, and if a minor scrape turns into something major, having insurance cover can save the day on vets’ bills. The same goes for if your horse strays, or if the worst happens. It doesn’t matter how much you paid for your horse, keeping him is a costly affair and insurance is a responsible option, bringing peace of mind that your sometimes clumsy best friend is covered. Planning and research Before you start your search for insurance, it’s important to consider exactly what cover you need. The minimum should be public liability insurance — this protects you if your horse injures somebody or damages someone else’s property. See page 15 for more details. You can then opt…

“It was a Sunday morning at the end of April. I can remember the day like it was yesterday,” says Tessa Hill. “I arrived at the yard as usual, but the whicker I received from one of my horses sounded different from normal — a little distressed. My other horse wasn’t looking out over his stable door, which I thought was odd. I found my horse lying down in his stable and unable to get up. I gave him a few minutes while I sorted their breakfasts to see if he got up, but he didn’t. This was totally out of character and I could tell by the look in his eyes that something was seriously wrong. “I called my vet and he came immediately. After checking my horse over,…

HAVING A HORSE go missing is heartbreaking and something we hope will never happen to us. But if it does, your insurance policy has you covered. Loss through theft or straying is included in most insurance policies, so you don’t need to add on anything more to have complete peace of mind. The process You must tell the police as soon as you discover your horse has been stolen or is missing and obtain a crime reference number. Once this has been done, send the crime reference number and full details to your insurance company. You must do everything possible to recover your horse before making a claim. If your horse strays or is stolen, some policies will cover the cost of advertising up to a certain amount. If he’s…

ALTHOUGH WE ALL hope we’ll never have to, where horses are involved it’s likely you’ll need to make an insurance claim at some point. When this happens, the first thing to remind yourself is not to worry — your insurance company and veterinary surgeon are on hand to give you support and advice. Here are some of the things to consider. The claims process “As soon as you know you’ll need to claim on your insurance, it’s important that you contact your insurer straight away. You can do this by phone or email,” explains KBIS. “You and your vet will then need to fill in a claim form providing all the necessary information and documents so that your claim can be assessed correctly.” This claim form can either be sent…

Features editor Stephanie Anthony: If you think hacking 1,000 miles in a year is a challenge, Meg and Lauren from Hesteyri Horses completed the distance in a mere 44 days! Find out about their adventure on page 10. Freelance features writer Julie Brown: It’s hard to believe that Your Horse Live is getting so close! This month I’ve really enjoyed putting together the show preview. It was fab to wax lyrical about the celebrity riders and trainers who are going to be there, and to remind myself just how many shopping opportunities there are. Over 400 stands to browse. Must get saving! Page 79 Behaviour consultant Justine Harrison: The problem of separation anxiety is stressful for you and your horse. Find out why it happens and how to overcome it…

Autumn was given to Hoofbeats Equine Rehabilitation Sanctuary by a kindhearted supporter who wanted to prevent her from falling into the wrong hands. The mare was nervous and flighty when she first arrived and, due to her time previously as a broodmare, she could no longer be ridden due to suffering some damage to her pelvis. The charity worked with Autumn to slowly rebuild her trust, introducing natural horsemanship methods, as well as in-hand hacking through the countryside. After becoming a firm favourite among the volunteers, it was a happy day when she found her forever loan home in July 2018 with Elaine Pinkett. “Autumn lives happily with her field mate Breeze,” said Elaine. “She’s been nicknamed ‘Duchess of the yard’ as she gets pampered to her heart’s content.”…

■ 18 MONTHS TO GO: Starting to think about conversations with the riders and experts likely to appear. ■ 12 MONTHS TO GO: Firming up the invites with the stars/trainers and booking contractors. ■ 6 MONTHS TO GO: All the content is secured and all contracts are signed. ■ 3 MONTHS TO GO: All the timetables are worked out, including the build schedule, and the team touches base with the experts to make sure they haven’t experienced any hitches. (There are contingency plans in place in case of any last-minute injuries and so on). ■ 10 DAYS TO GO: The final checks are undertaken — for example, whether the relevant personnel have passes. ■ 3 DAYS TO GO: The team arrives on site to start the build. Emma goes to…

Star prize Our star letter from Natasha sees her win a bag of Blue Chip Original Feed Balancer for maintaining topline, condition and a healthy coat. Correct daily requirements of vitamins and minerals; whole cereal and molasses free.Visit bluechipfeed.com. Star letter ‘I jumped a horse for the first time in 20 years’ When I was 18 I was showjumping and had a nasty accident. I had a rotational fall and cracked my left hip. I didn’t think I’d ever ride again. I had to learn everything from scratch and I did get there, but I think I pushed myself too quickly. Around 10 years ago, after my third C-section, I was showing a Clydesdale at Essex County show and when I got off I suffered from crippling pain and lumbar…

Catching some zzz Selfie with one very sleepy ‘Fluffy One’. Amanda Millard, West Midlands Big picture My Clydesdale May loves a selfie. Louise Westpfel, Kent Birthday boy Here’s me and Independence with his 25th birthday cards. Gill Keeton, Sheffield Get my good side This is my gelding Tom — 10 years together, 21 years young. Gale Quigley, Warwickshire Cute cuddles I bought Spirit after his mother died when he was four months old. He’s a Quarter Horse and is the most loveable baby. Kym Burrows, Somerset Photobomb This is me with Sam, my Standardbred. Jess Boulton, Bristol Lazy days Sleepy pony in the sunshine. Joanna Sidebottom, Kent In safe hands This is Kath on Henry and Beth on Vi Vi when they were looking after my horses, dogs and pony…

Cross-country technique p96 Helen Bell is a former three-day event rider with top 10 placings at both Badminton and Burghley. She’s now a BE coach and organiser of Breckenbrough Horse Trials. Insurance p98 Sarah Sullivan is an experienced technical manager for leading insurance company Petplan. Equine photoshoots p100 Equestrian photographer Anna Kemp is based in North Yorkshire. She started her business Hoofprints Photography at the age of 17, photographing horses while studying. Endurance p102 Esther Young is the operations director of Endurance GB with 20 years’ experience of endurance riding. She and her team manage the Endurance GB rulebook and national ride calendar.…

Good old British weather Q I’d like to book a photoshoot as a Christmas present, but winter weather is so unreliable. If it’s not sunny for my shoot, would I need to reschedule? Sheryl Jones, Merseyside Anna says... Believe it or not, perfect sunny weather isn’t always ideal for a photoshoot. Bright sunlight creates harsh shadows, which can make for unflattering photos — plus, on equine shoots, flies can be a real pest. In these conditions, many photographers would search for shadier areas to create a softer look anyway. For me, the ideal conditions are bright but overcast, so the clouds create a natural diffuser for the sunlight and give a more even tone to the photographs. However, if the weather forecast is for heavy rain or high winds, I…

■ This year, Endurance GB has introduced ‘Foundation’ Novice Graded Endurance Rides, which are between 20 and 30km in length. These are ideal for horses and riders who are new to the sport. A special trophy (the Sue Taylor-Green Memorial Trophy) will be awarded at the end of the year to the combination with the best six results in these classes. ■ Novices also have the opportunity to compete as part of a regional team in the Inter-Regional Championships. This year’s championships were held at Cirencester in July. ■ Pony Club members can take part in the Pony Club Championships each year. ■ Members of riding club teams will have the opportunity to qualify for and compete in the National Riding Club Championships at the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon…

As owners we’ve all become much more aware of the impact an unhealthy gut can have on our horse. As well as causing problems such as colic and gastric ulcers, if his gut isn’t balanced it can affect his temperament and willingness to work too. There are a whole host of supplements and feeds that promote good gut health. However, the EquiBiome Test Kit takes the guesswork out of knowing what’s going on in your horse’s gut and provides you with a snapshot of the internal microbial community. The test kit is simple to use and just requires you to send a faecal sample from your horse for analysis. The team at EquiBiome uses Illumina MiSeq, which is the most accurate and up-to-date technology that allows sophisticated analysis of hind…

LOVE IT OR hate it, mucking out is part and parcel of owning a horse, but this daily task can be made all the more easy if you pick the right tools to suit the bedding you use and your stable routine. With the right kit you can save time, effort, bedding and money — and your yard will look spick and span too. With so many different types of bedding available now, it’s inevitable that there’s a growing number of different mucking out tools on the market too. So what should you be looking for when buying tools for mucking out? “When you’re looking for a mucking out fork, it must be lightweight but well balanced,” explains Leon Fynn, general manager of Fyna-Lite. “The use of modern high-tech materials…

1 If you can drive through it, you can reverse through it. 2 Don’t do too much steering — less is more. 3 Be patient, take your time. 4 Use your mirrors to gauge which way your trailer is going. 5 Keep your vehicle speed low. 6 Always return the steering to the centre once you have started to reverse. 7 Don’t be afraid to pull forwards and try again. 8 The type of terrain can change your trailer’s turning speed. 9 Own it — don’t let it own you. 10 Invest in some professional training.…

1 Don’t choose your equine insurance by price alone. 2 Vets’ fees and third party liability are the key parts of insurance cover. Make sure you know what you’re covered for. 3 Ask your vet and horse owner friends who they would recommend. 4 Discounts may be available if you buy your policy online. 5 Read the small print so you know what you’re getting for your money. 6 Contact at least three companies for comparison purposes. 7 Choose an insurance provider that specialises in insuring horses. 8 Paying the total premium in one go can be cheaper than monthly instalments. 9 Although insuring your horse for less than his actual value may keep your premiums lower, you won’t get back what he’s worth if the worst happens. It is…

“The age at which your horse is defined as a veteran by insurance companies does vary — some class 15 years old as a veteran” JUST LIKE HUMANS, our equine friends are living longer. Largely thanks to improved veterinary care and the fact that, as owners, we now understand more about how to maintain our horse’s health, it’s not uncommon to hear of horses living into their late-20s, early-30s and beyond, with many of them still in work. There are a whole host of competitions aimed at veterans too, but being able to get full insurance cover for them may not be so easy. The age at which your horse is defined as a veteran by insurance companies does vary — some class 15 years old as a veteran. However,…

“MY MARE, WISH, hadn’t felt quite right for a while, but she wasn’t obviously lame — her dressage scores had dropped and she wasn’t so willing to work,” explains acting editor Allison Lowther. “I discussed my concerns with my vet who suggested giving her time off to see if she improved with rest. I’d also noticed the shape of her right hind hoof had changed, becoming more upright. “Wish was rested for a few weeks, but with no improvement I took her to the vet hospital for a lameness work up. Flexion tests established that the issue was in her right hind, but with no heat or swelling it was still hard to pinpoint the problem. Scans and X-rays didn’t reveal anything, so then it was on to nerve blocks…

IT’S A WRAP Ease your aches and pains with these wheat bag body wraps. They can either be placed in a microwave and heated, or chilled for use on sprains. With a choice of unscented or relaxing lavender fragrance, they’re useful for any equestrian to have to hand. RRP £13.99 thewheatbagcompany.co.uk NOW YOU SEE ME Albedo100 Animal is a reflective spray that helps to keep pets safe when you’re exercising them at night or early in the morning. The safe-to-use spray is easily washed off with water, soap or shampoo and doesn’t affect the animal’s coat. RRP £19.99 for 200ml albedo100.co.uk BOTTOMS UP! This quirky horse bottle stopper/ wine saver makes a great talking point. A fun way to keep your bottled drinks fresh, it’s made from resin and hand…

DESPITE BOASTING an average height of just 8hh, the Falabella is classed as a miniature horse, rather than a pony. In conformation, the breed is similar to the Arab and Thoroughbred, yet its reduced proportions mean that some larger individuals can even be ridden by a very small child. It is believed to hail from Argentina, where it was first developed by the Falabella family in an attempt to develop an animal the size of a pony, but with the conformation of a horse. A breeding programme began in the 19th century and was continued by successive generations of the family, selectively breeding the smallest mares and stallions from a variety of breeds, including the Criollo, Thoroughbred and Shetland. With each equine generation, the offspring became smaller in size. Through…

Clare Hall is an event sales manager at Bauer Media, working on our very own extravaganza, Your Horse Live. She has two horses, a Dutch Warmblood and a Thoroughbred ex-racer, and loves dressage. My job… I work solely on Your Horse Live, so my year revolves around that. I deal with more than 450 exhibitors and am responsible for stand sales, sponsorship, the show guide and helping out with demos, among other things. My role is varied, which I love. I’m based in the Peterborough office mostly, but I go to all the equestrian shows and get to meet some fantastic people along the way. I’m so excited about this year’s show — we have so much going on. For me, being something of a dressage diva, I’m beside myself…

Cheeky Dexter What a cute little pony! Jess Norton, by email Give us a grin When I said ‘cheese’ to my daughter Rio, Morgan (never to be outshone) gives his cheesy grin too. Dionne Codona, by email Grub’s up Shannon looking for more food. Gail Everitt, by email Where’s your head at? Hubby Geoff and Bob clowning around. Nothing like messing about with the boys. Carol Rewt, by email Pawfect fan My Miniature Pinscher enjoying my copy of Your Horse magazine. Ebony Davies, by email Join us on facebook at facebook.com/yourhorse Tweet us on twitter.com/yourhorse Follow us on instagram.com/yourhorse…

FRIDAY AT YOUR HORSE LIVE is a true learning experience. We’ve brought together a number of famous riders and coaches who are poised to share their top training tips with you. You’ll end the day super inspired, motivated and confident, ready to put all this new knowledge into practice so you can continue to enjoy your horse and have the successes you deserve. Showjumping SUCCESSFUL TRAINING Fred Bergendorff, European gold medallist, is in the house to share with us his secret training plan for jumping success. Head coach to the Swedish eventing team and an Excel coach for British Showjumping, Fred has a wealth of knowledge and experience, having competed successfully in showjumping and eventing around the world. Fred works with a clear structure that can be used either at…

CHARLOTTE IN THE SPOTLIGHT No stranger to the BETA Arena, Charlotte Dujardin is back in the saddle on Saturday and Sunday with more incredible performances. Riding some of her stunning horses, Charlotte will demonstrate a number of useful exercises and share inspirational insights into her success. This is your chance to learn from one of the best dressage riders in the world, so prepare to be inspired. With her down to earth approach to teaching, Charlotte aims to give you lots to work on with your own horse, whether you compete or just enjoy schooling at home. Spot prizes to be won — just for being in the audience — thanks to BETA A DATE WITH VALEGRO When Valegro makes an appearance at Your Horse Live, everyone goes a bit…

DANCING HOOVES Dressage rider and trainer Alison Kenward is back at Your Horse Live and this weekend she will be sharing her simple tips for competing in freestyle dressage to music. She’ll be explaining how to get started and what is important to remember when designing your test and choosing your music. Alison will also show us why schooling to music can enhance your horse’s way of going, even if you don’t plan to compete. FULL BODY WORKOUT Get a taste for equi-gym style polework with rider and trainer Claire Llewellyn. She’ll be showcasing exercises to develop your horse’s strength, suppleness and self-carriage, while working with riders to help with their balance, core strength and feel. All simple to replicate at home. IMPROVE YOUR POSITION WITH SCIENCE We’ve seen Russell…

Ditch the stops Q I need serious help preventing stops during our cross-country rounds. My horse loves going across country and most of the course goes really well, but there’s always one obstacle he won’t entertain, usually a ditch or water jump. I so want to go clear for once. Please help. Tanya Jones, Shrewsbury Helen says... If you’re having problems with a similar type of fence each time, then more homework is required before you go to a competition. This will involve training over the type of fence you struggle with at various different venues, so your horse knows that you will persevere wherever you are. Slow down Try going at a slower pace into the tricky fence — preferably at a walk for water jumps and ditches so…

It’s a good idea to have the following items with you for your photoshoot: ■ A few treats on hand to reward your horse for standing still and doing his best poses. ■ A smart leather headcollar goes a long way, particularly for headshots. ■ Your bridle can also be useful to have around. Even if you’re not having any riding pictures taken, it can still help to add some variety to different shots and may be handy if you need a bit more control over a nervous or excitable horse. ■ A cloth or two to clean up any slobber or dirty marks during the shoot is also a bonus, and don’t forget to get your horse gleaming before your shoot so you both look your very best.…

The owner: Sandy Nicholson The horse: Romeo a 16.hh eight-year-old Warmblood gelding The problem: Does Romeo need any hard feed? Sandy bought Romeo approximately 18 months ago and they are currently competing at elementary level in dressage. Romeo lives out 24/7 during the summer and keeps his weight well. He has plenty of energy for his current schedule of daily hacking or schooling, plus two dressage competitions a month, but Sandy is wondering if he needs to be given hard feed too. Clare says: It sounds as if Romeo is in great condition and is doing his job very well, but it’s highly unlikely that summer grass alone is giving him all the nutrients he requires for optimum health. Romeo would benefit from a daily balancer. A balancer will supply…

STUBBS HIGH MANURE COLLECTOR AND SCRAPER RAKE RRP £19.99 FOR STOCKISTS abbeyengland.com Perfect for use in the stable or arena, as well as the paddock. The rake has a scraper on the back, which is excellent for shavings, wet bedding and on concrete/rubber floors or grass. This taller version will save you from having to bend down too. MULTI MUCKA STABLE FORK RRP FROM £29.36 FOR STOCKISTS fynalite.co.uk One fork for all types of bedding and for use in the field too — the sharpened and pointed prongs remove bedding with ease. Very strong but also lightweight, this stable fork is perfectly balanced and makes mucking out much less back breaking. BIG TIDEE WITH LONG RAKE RRP £28.07 BUY AT redgorilla.red Weather resistant, with a long-handled rake designed to make…

HAVING OWNED HORSES for 30 years, taking out insurance for them is something I’ve always done and budget for. I make sure that the minimum cover I have is third party liability and vets’ fees. Over the years I’ve needed to make a few claims and, thankfully, each time my insurance company has been on hand to help and cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment. Finding the right insurance for your horse can be confusing, though, so to give you a better understanding of the world of equine insurance we’ve put together this useful supplement. We’ve covered everything you need to know, from the questions to ask before taking out insurance to explaining in more detail some of the different policies on offer from insurance providers. I’m sure you…

■ Are the team members at the insurance company knowledgeable about horses? ■ How much is the policy excess? Are there any additional sums you might have to pay? ■ Are livery costs included if your horse is hospitalised? ■ What age are horses insured up to? Does the company offer separate veteran insurance? ■ Does the policy cover alternative and complementary treatments? ■ Is there a limit to what you can claim for veterinary fees, including diagnostics? ■ Does the vet fee limit apply to each claim, or is it a total limit for the year? ■ How long is the average pay out time? ■ Is it a UK-based company?…

When you’re sorting out your policy, you’ll be asked what activities your horse is used for. This is because the disciplines and level of activity determine the rates charged. Higher-level activities increase the risk of injury to your horse and therefore pose a greater risk to underwriters as more claims are paid out for horses participating in higher-risk activities. This is referred to as a class of use list. The list breaks down the activities you may do with your horse, and this will affect the premium you pay. “It’s important that your horse is covered in the correct class of use for the activities you’re doing with him,” says Petplan Equine. “If you don’t do this, it can affect you if you make a claim.” Each insurance company will…