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Source: Acera Insurance

Let’s talk about death. Yes, you read that right. 

Unfortunately, horses often die untimely deaths. Colic happens. Horses are injured in the safest pens. Galloping across the field can cause irreparable damage. 

When those things happen, competition riders lose their top rides. Trail riders lose their heart horses. Breeders lose the best ones they’ve produced. It’s an unpleasant reality of working, living, and playing in the horse industry. 

But what if you could buy mortality insurance for your horse without having to produce endless paperwork first? What if, having checked a few boxes, funds were available to replace your horse in the event it passed away? It wouldn’t stop the heartache but could certainly help your financial picture. 

Well, as of January 1, 2026 that type of equine mortality insurance is a reality. No joke. When you purchase your 2026 equestrian annual provincial/territorial sport organization (PTSO) membership, you can also purchase mortality insurance for your horse without having a veterinarian inspection or filling out forms. 

Acera Insurance has served the Canadian equine industry for over 30 years, and they know the challenges that horse people face in trying to protect their four-legged investments. They also know how difficult and expensive it can be to produce vet certificates, valuations, and other documents simply to buy mortality insurance. 

So, they’re skipping the paperwork on the front end. Instead, Acera is offering full mortality insurance for healthy and sound horses when you become a member of your PTSO. There will be no requirement for a medical exam by a veterinarian — just a few questions to be answered by the owner as part of the membership process (some conditions apply). The member’s horse will then be instantly covered, without any wait time.  

What does this mean?  

It means that everyone who chooses to become a PTSO member can easily access full mortality insurance for their horse. Of course, if the horse dies, then some paperwork will be required. However, purchasing mortality insurance in the first place will be a simple and affordable process. 

This also means there’s yet another excellent reason to become a PTSO member beyond $5 million personal liability insurance, $40,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage, coaching and rider levels, funding assistance, competitions, and an organization that advocates for horse owners and riders tirelessly throughout the year. 

“This new online approach is a significant change in how mortality insurance for horses is managed in Canada,” says Mike King, Partner and National Director of Equine Programming at Acera. “We know this will encourage more members to cover what is important to them, at a cost that makes sense.” 

The takeaway? 

If you don’t have the cash to replace your horse in the event it dies tomorrow, then buy a 2026 PTSO membership and simple horse mortality insurance. That small investment could pay big returns at the most untimely moment. 

Acera Insurance

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