Sponsored 

Source: Acera Insurance

Everyone who’s involved in the horse industry undoubtedly has at least one sad tale of an equine injury or illness that was hard on their bank account or riding goals. According to Mike King, Partner and National Director of Equine Programming at Acera Insurance, the three most common equine insurance claims are for colic, ulcers, and lameness. Here’s why they’re prevalent, along with tips for prevention. 

#1 Colic 

“Colic, which includes any issues of the gastrointestinal tract, is the number one reason that horse owners submit insurance claims,” says King. Those claims cover every level of severity, from a few hours of pain to sudden death caused by a twisted gut.  

Due to the prevalence and potential expense of colic — including loss of a horse — many owners choose to protect themselves from financial risk through insurance. But not all policies cover colic. 

“A standard Named Perils policy doesn’t cover colic,” say King. Named perils generally include death by wildfire, lightning, flood, transport, or being destroyed due to government legislation (such as for a positive Coggins test for equine infectious anemia). In contrast, a Full Mortality policy covers colic, plus Major Medical coverage can help with the cost of treating colic events. 

However, prevention is better than cure. Creating a healthy, horse-friendly lifestyle for your four-legged partner, which limits the stresses of travel and competition, can go a long way towards preventing a harrowing colic experience and the need for an insurance claim. 

#2 Ulcers 

Fifteen years ago, nobody in the horse industry had heard of ulcers. That doesn’t mean they didn’t exist — they just hadn’t been discovered yet. Today, scientific evidence suggests that horses have had ulcers since humans started using them for work. Now, ulcers are the second most common equine insurance claim. 

“Western and English disciplines, which put higher physical demands and emotional stresses on horses, have higher incidences of ulcer claims,” says King. That only makes sense. Horses that live most of their lives in the same herd on large pasture are under significantly less stress than those training, travelling, competing, and living in small areas with no everyday friends. 

However, due to the prevalence of ulcers in horses, particularly in equines used for sport, insurance policies limit claims to specific financial and time-based treatments. 

“Acera will help with those expenses but there are limitations to how long the treatments are covered," says King. 

There’s a lot that horse owners can do to prevent ulcers in the first place. Choosing a life for your horse that embraces a horse-first lifestyle can dramatically reduce the prevalence of ulcers and the need to make an insurance claim for treatment. Housing horses in ways that adhere to the principles of good horse welfare — food, freedom, friends — is an excellent start. Feeding free choice roughage (grass or hay) is key. Keeping horses in large enough spaces that allow them to move freely at all paces is imperative. Having a constant group of friends (herd) also provides emotional stability and reduces stress, thereby helping prevent ulcers. Making lifestyle adjustments is significantly more effective than medical intervention. 

#3 Lameness  

Horses are wonderful willing beasts that often perform well beyond their fitness or physical abilities, which is precisely when injury occurs and lameness appears.  

“Injuries in horses that are worked beyond their physical capacities — usually by mistake — are the third most common insurance claim,” says King. 

Injuries can occur for all sorts of reasons. But, like colic and ulcers, injuries are more likely to occur when riders or owners put pressure on themselves and their horses to train harder or be more competitive. That’s when it’s easy to push just a little too much and have the horse suffer an injury. 

As with colic and ulcers, good horsemanship makes a difference and can significantly decrease the likelihood of an insurance claim. Training programs that slowly develop fitness and skills needed for the type of work the horse is expected to do are imperative.  

Horses are a large investment. So, consider the financial risks you’re willing to bear while taking into account the use, health, age, and value of your horse. Full Mortality and/or Major Medical insurance that protects you if your horse colics, gets ulcers, or goes lame might make sense. Choosing everyday care that supports your horse’s inherent needs will also pay huge dividends in their happiness, performance, and good health.  

Acera Insurance

More Articles by Acera

Main Photo: iStock/Emholk