It seems like somebody I know always has a horse on the injured list. Do you have insurance on your equine partner? Have you thought about it? Some farm policies will offer “basic” coverage for your horse, but not comprehensive coverage. We asked Carol Terry, avid Missouri Fox Trotting Horse breeder and agent with FCNB Insurance, to give us some basic information about how you can protect yourself financially in the event you lose your horse.
Carol says, “a few insurance companies offer Equine Mortality policies that provide you with coverage in the event your horse should die. In most cases, this comprehensive policy will also provides coverage in the event your horse should develop colic and need surgery and any emergency transportation costs. The mortality portion would pay if the horse died during transport, fire, lightning, theft, drowning. And, those unfortunate situations where you go to feed and find your horse laying there dead, although they were fine the night before.”
How much do base policies cost? “Equine Mortality is a low cost way of being able to hopefully replace your partner and/or recoup your training fees. Most people don’t realize that this coverage is available for trail, show and breeding stock. Really about every aspect of owning a horse.”
Come to find out, the cost is relatively low. Carol’s company offers a policy through Hartford for $250 per year, which has approximately $5,000 in coverage. Policies that offer more and varied coverage are also available. Insurance isn’t something that we ever want to need, but it’s certainly nice to have and a great way to protect your investment.
Carol Terry, and husband Kenneth, own KT’s Foxtrotters in Gainesville, MO. If you are interested in learning more about policies from Carol, she can be reached at FCNB Insurance Services, Inc. in Ava, MO at 417-683-2139 or cterry@fcnbinsurance.com.
