Local Riding

Five Common Causes of Equine Accidents.

by Clive
(Saxilby, Lincoln)

Five of the most common causes of equine accidents..... According to Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Services, the most common equestrian accidents are caused by inexperience and a failure to check the hazards around your horse ........

Top accident causes in no particular order :

POOR DRIVING

Inexperienced drivers are the most common causes of accidents involving horses, Not having the correct tyre pressure when towing a horsebox and driving to fast.

A FALL WHILE HACKING

If you fall off your horse and they bolt for home, they are liable to fall into a ditch, slurry pit, muddy bog or through a cattle grid.

IN THE STABLE

It is common for a horse to become cast in the stable or to get it's legs caught over the stable door.

RIVERS AND DITCHES

If a horse grazes near a river beware as they can fall in, accidently.

Lincoln is criss-crossed by drainage ditches and riders should be extra careful when hacking or riding out on a road or track with a ditch either side.

SWIMMING POOLS

Horses have been known to wander off into a nearby garden and mistake the pool covering for firm ground and fall in.

Best to take care and to make sure you are aware of all the hazards around your horse.

Riders should also ensure they have a mobile phone with them if they are riding on their own. Mobile phones have been known to save riders and horses lives, when they've got into serious trouble.

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The Top 10 Claims against horse insurance are:

1. Vets fees for illness.
2. Vets fees for accident.
3. Death by illness.
4. Death by accident.
5. Saddlery and tack.
6. Permanent incapacity.
7. Public liability.
8. Theft or straying.
9. Dental cover.
10 Personal accident

Horse insurance can insure you for practically every eventuality from minimum cover including death, theft and public liability to comprehensive cover including tack, trailers and loss of use.

You will also need to consider when the cover will start, excess policies, whether you need to supply vets certificates and what cover your yard or stables offer.

If you are a member of the British Horse Society or BSJA you may automatically have public liability and personal accident cover included in your membership. Make sure you check.

When contacting potential insurance companies it is essential you ask about all of the above and to make sure you obtain the best insurance cover for you and your horse.