Horse Insurance: A guide to equestrian sports and activities

The bond you share with your horse comes from all the time you’ve spent together, whether it’s relaxed trail rides or the thrill of competition. But have you thought about how your horse’s activities impact their insurance? Choosing the right policy isn’t just about vet bills; it’s about finding cover that matches your horse’s lifestyle, the risks they face, and the demands of equestrian sports.
A retired paddock pony doesn’t need the same cover as a high-level eventer. Understanding how insurers group activities can help you find a policy that suits your horse and avoids unnecessary costs. In this guide, we’ll cover what activities mean for your insurance, how premiums are calculated, and how to pick a policy that works for you.

Jump to:

• Why your horse’s activities matter for insurance
• Understanding activity groups
• How activities affect your premium
• Choosing the right cover
• Tips for responsible horse ownership

Why your horse’s activities matter for insurance

Every equestrian activity comes with its own risks. Whether you’re enjoying quiet trail rides or competing in cross-country, your policy needs to reflect the risks involved.

Insurers group activities by risk level to calculate premiums. For example, polo or advanced eventing is higher risk than hacking or groundwork, so it costs more to insure. On the other hand, a retired horse or one used for light riding will cost less to cover because the risks are lower.

By choosing a policy based on your horse’s activity level, you can make sure you’re paying for cover that suits your needs – without paying for more than you need.

How your horse’s activities affect your policy

Higher-risk activities mean higher premiums. Petcover sorts horse activities into four groups, from low-risk leisure to high-risk sports. When you choose a group, your horse is automatically covered for all activities in that group and any lower-risk groups. This tiered approach keeps your policy flexible if your horse’s activity level changes.

Group 1: Low-risk & leisure activities

This group is perfect if your horse is in light work, used for pleasure, or retired. It covers low-impact activities with minimal risks, such as:

• Hacking and pleasure riding
• Showing and groundwork
• Breeding or retired horses
• Pony Club and Adult Riding Clubs
• Non-competitive carriage driving
• Western showing and pleasure
• Foals (from 30 days old) and young horses in training

Group 2: Moderate competition

For horses competing at entry-level or doing activities with moderate risk, this group offers the right protection:

• Show jumping and dressage
• Cross country
• Eventing (intro to pre-novice levels)
• Endurance riding
• Working equitation
• Western sports like barrel racing, reining, and cutting
• Competitive carriage driving

Group 3: High-level performance

Group 3 is for horses performing at advanced levels, where physical demand and risks increase:

• Advanced and three-day eventing (1-star to 4-star)

Group 4: Extreme-risk sports

For horses involved in high-speed, high-impact disciplines:

• Polo and polocrosse
• Hunting
• Team chasing
• Point-to-point racing

Can you insure a racehorse?

Unfortunately, Petcover can’t cover racehorses. Since racehorses are considered bloodstock, they fall under a different category and are only insured as livestock.

How much does equestrian sport insurance cost?

Let’s talk numbers – because when it comes to insuring your horse, understanding the costs is just as important as knowing what’s covered. The good news? Equestrian sport insurance can be surprisingly affordable, especially for horses in lower-risk activities.

For a 1-year-old Quarter Horse with basic vet cover of $2,000, here’s what you can expect to pay monthly:

• Groups 1-3: Low to high-level performance – $17.09 a month
  Whether your horse is enjoying light work like hacking and groundwork (Group 1), competing in entry-level disciplines like dressage or show jumping (Group 2), or performing at advanced levels such as three-day eventing (Group 3), the starting premium remains the same. This makes it easy to adjust your cover as your horse’s activity level changes, without worrying about a jump in cost.
• Group 4: Extreme-risk sports – $25.15 a month
  For horses involved in high-speed, high-impact sports like polo, hunting, or point-to-point racing, premiums increase to reflect the added risks. This ensures your horse is properly covered for the demands of these intense disciplines.

As you can see, the cost of cover depends on the level of risk associated with your horse’s activities. Groups 1 through 3 share the same affordable monthly cost, making it simple to find a policy that fits your horse’s lifestyle. It’s only when you move into extreme-risk sports that premiums start to rise.

Remember, these prices are just a starting point. Factors like your horse’s age, breed, and the type of coveryou choose can influence the final cost. The key is to match your policy to your horse’s needs so you’re covered for what matters most without paying for extras you don’t need.

Choosing the right cover

Picking the right activity group is key to making sure your horse is properly covered. Here’s how to get it right:

• Be honest about activities: List every activity your horse does, even if it’s only occasional. It’s better to be slightly over-insured than to find out you’re underinsured when you need to make a claim.
• Plan ahead: If you’re aiming to step up a level or try a new discipline, consider moving to a higher group now to avoid gaps in cover later.
• Review annually: Your horse’s activities can change, so make sure your policy stays relevant.
• Ask if unsure: Not sure which group fits your activities? Get in touch with a member of our team who will be happy to help.

Tips for responsible horse ownership

Insurance is just one part of keeping your horse safe and happy. These extra steps can help protect your horse while lowering risks:

• Schedule regular vet checks: Early detection of issues can save money and discomfort.
• Use quality gear: Well-fitted, maintained tack reduces injury risks.
• Train gradually: Build fitness and skills over time to prevent strain or accidents.
• Stay on top of care: Keep up with vaccinations, deworming, and dental checks.
• Keep records: Track your horse’s activities, treatments, and competitions (useful for claims.)

Protecting your horse

Your horse is more than just a pet – they’re your partner. The right horse insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can enjoy your time together knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.

At Petcover, we offer flexible plans for all kinds of horses, from paddock pals to elite competitors. Find out more about our horse insurance policies, or get a quote today to make sure your horse is covered for whatever the future holds.