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Breaking Covid-19 regulations could mean you’re not covered by your insurance policy in the event of a claim. The Insurance Emporium shares its advice for looking after your horse while lockdown and national restrictions are still in place.

Looking for horse insurance? Get a discount on new policies exclusive to Your Horse readers — read more below*

The end of another national lockdown is in sight, but until then there are restrictions in place that you still need to adhere to. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t look after your horse. Taking care of your equine friend can be challenging in these times, especially if, like many of us, you don’t keep your horse at home.

Will being in lockdown affect my horse’s insurance cover?

We can’t speak for all insurers, but as long as you adhere to the terms and conditions set out in your policy documents, your horse insurance should remain valid and provide the same level of cover as normal.

If you’re unable to see a vet in person to handle a claim form for you, at The Insurance Emporium, we can email one to you or directly to your vet. If you have the Vet’s Fees Optional Benefit, we can also cover consultations with a specialist or referral practice if it’s required.

Remember — stay safe

The most important advice we can give during this time is to follow the guidelines set by the government in your country. Everyone should follow social distancing rules, make only essential journeys, always stay at least two metres away from people from different households, and only go out for one form of exercise per day.

Can I still travel to look after my horse?

Fortunately for you and your equine friend, driving to look after an animal is considered essential travel, so you should be fine to care for your horse. There may be some changes you need to make to their routine, though.

Your livery yard might have different rules to allow for social distancing. There may also be increased hygiene measures in place to protect staff and visitors. As far as possible, you should only make the journey to care for your horse once a day.

Can I ride my horse during lockdown?

You are allowed to ride your horse in lockdown, but you might need to change their exercise routine, for example by hacking out alone. Check the latest government advice for your country.

You’ll also need to consider the risk of the exercise you’re doing. Hospitals and healthcare services may be stretched, so it would be irresponsible to take part in any activity which may pose unnecessary risk.

How else can I exercise my horse?

Activities like jumping are inadvisable, as is riding a young horse who might be scared easily, as these come with some inherent risk. If you’re avoiding riding your horse completely, they’ll still need exercise in other forms.

Turning out to pasture could be enough exercise for some horses, while walking your horse in-hand or lungeing is sufficient for others, reducing the risk of injury for both you and your horse.

Keep in mind that many insurance policies do not provide cover when policyholders are breaking the law. If you fail to stop riding your horse after being instructed to by the police, you may not be covered if an incident occurs giving rise to a claim.

What about vet/farrier visits?

Again, travel to care for animals is deemed essential. This means visits from your farrier and vet should be able to continue during lockdown. There may be some changes to their normal working routines, and each practice will have their own guidelines and rules.

It’s always worth calling ahead to check how vets, farriers or other services you use may be operating before booking an appointment.

Vets might be providing remote telephone or video consultations rather than routine check-ups, and many will only travel to see an animal physically in case of emergency.

Insuring your horse — plus exclusive discount for Your Horse readers!

You might be thinking about taking out insurance for your horse. At The Insurance Emporium, our Horse Insurance starts with just one Standard Benefit covering Death, Theft or Straying. Then you can customise your cover with a range of Optional Benefits, including cover for Vet Fees, Saddlery & Tack and Personal Accident. You could even receive up to 30% discount* on new policies…

What’s more, Your Horse readers can receive an additional 5% discount^! Head on over to theinsuranceemporium.co.uk/YH99 and use code YH99 for your extra 5% discount^.

* The 30% discount is made up of 20% Introductory Discount plus 10% Multi-Horse discount (if appropriate). The Introductory Discount is available for the first 12 premium payments on lunar or calendar monthly policies, or one premium payment on annual policies.

^ Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only redeemable on new lunar and calendar monthly Horse Insurance policies and not where premiums are paid annually. Offer ends 31/12/2021 and is not available in conjunction with any other promo code.

For more information, visit theinsuranceemporium.co.uk or call 03300 244 0050