Are you planning a trip with your horse? Whether you have plans to enter a competition or are just traveling to greener pastures, traveling with your horse can be a unique and rewarding experience. However, it also requires a bit of careful planning. From finding the right transport to ensuring you have the right equestrian insurance, here are the top five tips for a successful trip.
1. Choose the Right Mode of Transportation
When it comes to transporting your horse, you have a few options available to get from Point A to Point B. What you choose will likely depend on how far you plan on traveling, the size of your horse, and your budget.
One option is to transport your horse in a trailer. This is probably the most common way for people to move their horses around, as it offers the most security and safety for your horse during the journey. If you plan on doing long-distance trips with your horse, purchasing is likely the best option, but keep in mind: it can be an expensive option, depending on the size and type of trailer you need.
Another option is to hire a professional horse transportation service—a great option if you don’t have the time or ability to transport your horse yourself. Professional services will make sure that your horse is comfortable and safe throughout the trip and can take care of any potential paperwork needed, and they can offer door-to-door service, which can save you a lot of hassle.
If you’re planning on a shorter trip and you have access to a reliable vehicle, you could always opt to drive your horse yourself. While this is definitely the most cost-effective option (all you would need to pay for is gas), it may not be the safest option and you’ll need to make sure that you’re comfortable driving with a large animal in tow.
2. Consider Your Horse’s Health and Well-Being
Traveling with a horse can be a great way to explore something new, but you need to make sure your horse is safe and healthy throughout the journey. Before you leave, consider doing the following:
Have your horse checked by a vet. Make sure your horse has had all its necessary vaccinations and is free of any contagious diseases. Also have the vet check for any signs of illness or injury, as these can quickly become an issue when traveling.
Prepare a first aid kit. Put together a kit of items to help deal with minor injuries or illnesses while on the road. Include items such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic spray, a thermometer, and a list of phone numbers of vets in the area.
Check the weather. Check the temperature and the weather forecast for your route and your destination. If you’re traveling to a warmer climate, ensure that your horse has adequate protection from the sun and heat, including a fly sheet or hood and plenty of shade.
Pack plenty of water. Make sure you pack enough water for both yourself and your horse for the entire journey. Pack more than you think you’ll need just in case you get delayed or stuck somewhere.
Make rest stops. Plan frequent stops along the way so that your horse can rest and stretch his legs. This will help reduce stress levels, and provide him with an opportunity to eat and drink before continuing on.
3. Get Your Paperwork in Order
You wouldn’t think that taking a trip would require a file folder of documents, but when traveling with a horse, it’s important to have your paperwork in order to avoid any unnecessary hassle. Here are some of the most important documents that you should have in place when traveling with a horse:
A valid passport for your horse.
Your horse’s passport should include information such as its name, breed, microchip number, and description.
Proof of vaccinations.
It’s essential to make sure that your horse’s vaccinations are up to date in order to avoid any potential health risks during your travels.
Health certificate.
Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need to obtain a health certificate from a certified veterinarian in order to prove that your horse is healthy.
Identification documents.
It’s also important to have identification documents such as a valid driver’s license or other government-issued ID when traveling with a horse
Shipping documentation.
If you’re planning on shipping your horse, make sure that all necessary shipping documents are in place before you depart.
Keep in mind, you’ll also want to keep copies of all of these documents in case they are requested at any point during your travels.
4. Make Sure You’re Fully Insured
Traveling with your horse can be a stressful experience, but having the right insurance coverage in place provides peace of mind and makes the journey a lot smoother. It is important to make sure you are covered in case of an accident or other unexpected events that could cause harm to your horse or your property.
Equine insurance typically covers things like medical care, loss of use, death and theft, and depending on the policy you choose, it may also cover liability for property damage or bodily injury caused by your horse. However, it is also a good idea to investigate travel policies that may provide extra coverage while traveling, so you can have additional coverage for unique risks associated with horse travel, such as trailer damage or breakdowns. Some policies will even provide coverage for loss of entry fees for competitions if you have to cancel due to your horse becoming ill or injured.
Regardless of the kind of policy you choose, make sure that you have the coverage you need, understand the details of your coverage and know how to file a claim if necessary—before you hit the road.
5. Always Have a Plan B
Traveling with a horse requires planning and preparation, but even the best-laid plans can go awry. That’s why it’s essential to always have a Plan B in place in case something doesn’t go as planned. Here are some scenarios to consider:
1. A Backup Plan for Transportation.
If you’re driving with your horse, have a backup plan in case of car trouble or delays. Make sure you know the routes and locations of nearby stables, trailer parks, and other horse-friendly places so that you can make alternate arrangements if necessary.
2. Emergency Contacts on Hand.
Have contact information for your veterinarian and other horse professionals you may need in case of an emergency. You should also have contact information for local authorities and the nearest equine hospital on hand.
3. Carry Emergency Supplies.
Bring along all the supplies you may need in an emergency, such as medication, medical supplies, and items for quick repairs (like duct tape). You may also want to bring along food and water for both yourself and your horse in case you get stranded.
4. Have an Emergency Fund.
Unexpected expenses can pop up when traveling with horses. Be prepared by having an emergency fund set aside for any unplanned costs.
Traveling with your horse can be a wonderful experience, but it takes planning and preparation to make sure that you and your horse have a safe and successful journey. Before you leave, make sure to contact your insurance broker to make sure that your horse and your trip are covered. If you’re looking for a new policy, or want to ensure you’re fully covered for all your insurance needs, contact us at Penny Insurance to schedule a consultation and get a quote.
Horse owners have known the importance of equine insurance for decades; those who don’t often discover it the hard way. Whether you own one horse or an entire stable, it’s important to make sure you and your animals are protected in case they fall ill or sustain an injury while you’re away from home. The best horse insurance policy can cover all of your most valuable assets at reasonable prices, so if you aren’t sure where to start looking, consult this guide on why equine insurance is important and how to get the best coverage possible.
What is Equine Insurance?
Equine insurance is a type of insurance that covers horses and their owners against injuries and other losses. There are two main types of equine coverage: liability insurance, which pays for any damage done by your horse, and property insurance, which covers anything your horse damages while in your care. There are many more types of equine insurance policies available today than there were decades ago; it’s important to read up on the differences between these policies before deciding which one is right for you.
Why should I have insurance on my horse?
It’s a sad reality that we live in a world where accidents can happen at any time, but if you own a horse, it’s important for you to have equine insurance, which can help cover veterinary costs and lost earnings due to injury. Having coverage will also help you avoid going into debt if your horse needs expensive medical treatment. But more than anything, you want to have peace of mind that if something does happen, your horse will be taken care of, and your financial investments will be well-protected.
Our Policy Solutions
At Penny Insurance, we always want to find the best solution to the daily challenges that our clients face. For our equestrian clientele, it was important to us to find coverage that not only protected the animal themself but also reinforced the relationships that most owners have with their animals.
For this reason, we have recently expanded our policy coverage for horses and their owners—and include options in both areas of life and health insurance through Core Specialty Equine. We truly believe that we can offer some of the best insurance options through this new program. Here’s a quick download on what makes these policies so great:
Major Medical Coverage
If you own a horse and have bought health insurance before, you may be aware that not only do you have to consider the deductible for each visit, but typically will also have a percentage-based co-pay as well—something that can quickly add up in the case of a problem. But with our policies, you don’t have to worry about that sneaking up on you; we can offer plans with no co-pay requirements at all.
In-House Claims
When you purchase an equine policy through Penny Insurance, you don’t have to worry about claims taking forever or being “farmed out” to other claims departments. With Core Specialty, the claims department is all in-house, allowing them to respond quickly. And not only that, but they are in the same space as underwriting, allowing them to know each policy and its benefits intimately.
Loss of Use; Not Loss of Horse
If your horse is an income generator—whether riding, breeding or racing—then a loss of use policy is a must-have, and will protect you in case something happens to your major breadwinner. But should the worst happen, you don’t want your only option to be euthanization—something that most other policies require in order to gain your payout. With Penny Insurance, you have options: either rehab the horse in an adoptive scenario for the full payout, or keep your four-legged friend for half. Either way, your loss of use doesn’t have to mean the end of an era.
If you’re looking for a new policy for your equine companion, you’ll want to take a look at our new policies immediately. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or get a quote for any of your home, family or business needs, please contact us and let us know.
In recent years, pet insurance has become more and more popular, offering owners peace of mind to cover sudden illness. But for larger members of the animal kingdom like horses, insurance is either not available, or can be cost prohibitive. For that reason, equine insurance exists—to protect horses used for business or personal use in the case of illness, theft or death.
What is equine insurance?
Equine insurance is a type of insurance purchased for the care of a horse—for either personal or business purposes. This type of insurance provides coverage in case of illness or death, injury or property damage.
What types of equine insurance are there?
Generally, there are two types of equine insurance: all-risk mortality and medical insurance. Each type focuses on a different facet to insure; we’ll break them down here.
All-Risk Mortality and Theft insurance
All-Risk Mortality insurance protects you, the owner, from loss if your horse must be put down, dies, or is stolen. Most policies will cover any type of death, but can only be purchased if the horse is between 2 and 17 years of age; typically, a horse 20 years old or older will not be eligible for coverage. Additionally, policy premiums are based not only on the age of the horse, but also with the following considerations:
Purchase price.
Training or competition records.
Breeding record.
Appraisals and Market comparison.
Medical and Surgical insurance
Medical insurance covers your horse if they need veterinary care or treatment in order to recover from an illness or injury—costs that can be significant, depending on the situation. However, medical insurance can usually only be purchased as an additional policy to a mortality and theft policy.
What should I know if I am considering an equine insurance policy?
While all insurance policies have basically the same functionality, equine insurance policies have many parameters that should be considered. For this reason, finding an agent who understands policies and coverage is very important. However, here are a few things to understand if you are considering purchasing an equine insurance policy.
Policy Terms Matter
If you are considering a new policy, it’s vital that you understand the details of the policy. As an example, in a mortality policy, the payout may be made in a previously-agreed-upon amount (that will be reflected in the coverage), or at a fair market value. Either can provide good coverage, but if a horse dies after illness or injury has taken a toll, it may also affect what is considered “fair market value.” Talk through your questions or concerns with your agent to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered, and how much it will return in case of a claim.
Policies are Non-Transferrable
It’s important to know that equine policies are non-transferrable, which means that if something happens to an uninsured horse, you cannot use the policy from another horse to cover the costs.
Insurable Value is Not Always a Fixed Number
While many equine policies only cost a few hundred dollars each year for coverage, the value of a horse is not a fixed amount, and neither is the cost of coverage. As you talk with your agent, make sure you discuss coverage terms in detail, as well as the different aspects of your horse that might affect your coverage or premium.
If you’re considering equine insurance, Penny Insurance has the experience and expertise to walk you through it, every step of the way. Should you have any questions about coverage or insurance types, or if you would like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
Penny Insurance Agency has been serving our local areas and beyond since 1931. With deep roots in Hendersonville, NC, Lynn NC, and the surrounding areas, our agency understands the local economy, culture, and how our clients earn their livelihood. We are also licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Florida to better serve our clients’ needs.
The areas surrounding our local offices in Hendersonville, NC, Lynn, NC and beyond are agribusiness hubs with crop farms, equestrian operations, and more. “Agribusiness is NC’s #1 industry and makes up 20% of gross local product.” In fact, “Ornamentals, apples and berries are three of the large producers in Henderson County and the community enjoys a variety of other crops as well – sweet corn, strawberries, tomatoes and much more. We also have several livestock operations. Henderson County is blessed with a wonderful agribusiness industry.”
We understand the work agribusiness owners put into their farms and the resources it takes, and we are here to protect it. With Chubb Agribusiness Insurance, we can customize coverage plans for equine operations, hobby farms, dairy farms, small to mid-sized hog confinements, hay operations vegetable, fruit, and nut operations, and grain and other crop farms. Policies cover risks associated with dwellings, farm buildings, recreational vehicles, hay, machinery and other equipment, automobile and farm trucks, and livestock.
Our agents are conveniently accessible to agribusiness owners in Henderson county with our office Downtown Hendersonville, NC, but are not limited to insuring those in our area. While we love our locals, many of our clients own properties out of state and beyond our office.
In addition to our office in Downtown Hendersonville, we also have an office in Lynn, NC. We understand the rich history in equestrian sport in the area and involvement in the equestrian community, and we’re here to protect it. With the Tryon International Equestrian Center just 15 minutes away from our office and the local area brimming with equestrian enthusiasts and professionals, our agents are accessible and ready to discuss the right equine coverage for you.
“Chubb Agribusiness offers a broad range of equine insurance products and services, which were created to specifically address the risks of horse owners and boarders. From equine liability to equine property and casualty insurance, we have the flexibility to customize an insurance program to specifically fit the needs of our customers. The Chubb Agribusiness products provide complete property and liability packages for most equine properties. Whether you own a small horse farm for pleasure, an equestrian estate or commercial equine operation, we can design an equine coverage program to suit your unique needs.”
Our Chubb Equine Agribusiness Coverage protects against risks included liability, tack, hay, feed, dwellings and content, umbrella coverage, recreational vehicles, barns and outbuildings, automobiles and farm trucks, specifically scheduled items of value, and machinery and equipment.
Additionally, Agribusiness Equine Insurance can be customized further to cover scenarios such as increased liability limits and coverages, replacement cost coverage available for dwellings, household, personal property and farm buildings, farm extra expense, farm continuation coverage, extended replacement cost, livestock care, custody and control, tack away from premises, stable liability, riding academy liability, boarding liability, and shows and competition liability. We also offer increased coverage with two equine endorsements for owned tack equipment, signs and gates, hay in buildings, computer equipment, tack equipment in care, custody or control, rental reimbursement for horse transportation, rented golf carts, and newly acquired terrain vehicles.
At Penny Insurance Agency, our agents truly understand the local communities we live, work and play in, and our ultimate goal is to provide the best coverage for those in our area and beyond.
Deciding whether or not to insure your horse can be a difficult decision. You may not think your horse is very valuable, or that insurance will be too much of an added cost on top of the other expenses that come with horse ownership. However, when it comes to protecting your assets (and a horse is an asset), there’s more to consider than just the market value of your horse, or whether or not you want to pay it. Whether your horse is a top competitor at the Tryon International Equestrian Center or your kids’ favorite pet to ride in the yard, you may find after careful research that you can’t afford to NOT insure.
The Value of Your Horse’s Replacement
You may think that equestrian insurance is something only those with very expensive horses ($50K+) would consider. However, replacing a horse that costs only $10,000 can seem insurmountable if you’re also working to pay your mortgage and fund your kids’ college. The important question to ask yourself is, “If I lost my horse tomorrow, could I afford to replace it?” If the answer is “no,” then you may be putting yourself at risk by not purchasing protection. (more…)
