Horse insurance warning for owners

Horse insurance is a vital part of owning a horse and those who do not have any horse insurance could face financial ruin, it has been claimed.

03/01/2008 11:56:55

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) has issued the warning after a new case being brought to court in 2008 could have huge implications for owners of horses and the issue highlights how crucial horse insurance is in reducing the cost of an accident caused by a horse to the owner. The case involves an assistant racehorse trainer who was kicked by a horse and suffered injuries so severe that he now needs constant medical attention.

Chris Kinane will continue to receive care for the rest of his life and as a result, is suing the owner of the horse for compensation. If he is successful, it will result in horse owners everywhere needing to check their horse insurance policies to ensure that they are covered for accident liability. While horse insurance can be important to cover vets' fees and other costs relating to the welfare of the animal, horse insurance will become increasingly important in protecting owners from the impact of accidents caused by the animals.

ROA chief executive Michael Harris said: "The tragic accident of Chris Kinane has left many racehorse owners concerned about the risk of a claim - and potentially a multi million pound claim - being brought against them by a third party for which they have no [horse insurance] protection or inadequate protection.

He added: "There is a requirement for racehorse trainers to have public liability [horse insurance], but there is no mandatory requirement for that cover to extend to owners who may also be exposed to a claim when their horse is resting away from the training yard or is being kept at home."

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