You just moved up to Preliminary level. You call to renew your horse’s insurance. The agent asks, “What level are you competing?” You say “Prelim.” A week later, your premium jumps from 3.5% to 5.5%, and you see a new exclusion for “Rotational Falls.” You are paying more for less coverage just as the jumps get dangerous.
Key Takeaways
- The Risk Tier: Insurers categorize horses by discipline. Dressage is low risk (3%). Eventing is high risk (4-6%).
- Level Matters: Novice/Training level is often rated like Hunter/Jumper. Preliminary/Intermediate/Advanced triggers the “High Performance” rate.
- Exclusions: Some carriers exclude specific injuries common to eventing (e.g., suspensory ligaments) after a certain age or level.
- Frangible Pins: In 2026, some insurers offer a slight discount if you only compete at courses with certified frangible technology (safety jumps), though this is rare.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Actuarial Data
Eventers break. It’s a fact. The cross-country phase has the highest catastrophic injury and mortality rate of any sport horse discipline.
The Trap: If you lie and say “Pleasure/Dressage” to get a lower rate, and then crash at a recognized Horse Trial (which is public record), they will deny the claim for “Material Misrepresentation of Use.”
The Investigation: Shopping the Eventer
I quoted a $40,000 Irish Sport Horse competing at Preliminary.
Broadstone / The Hartford
- Rate: Approx 4.8% – 5.2%.
- Medical: Standard $10k limit.
- Vetting: Required extensive X-rays (hocks, stifles, front feet) to bind coverage at this value/use.
EQUI-PLUS / Great American
- Rate: Slightly higher (5.5%).
- Medical: Offered a higher $15k limit option, which is smart because eventing surgeries (fractures) are expensive.
Touchstone
- Rate: Competitive.
- Restrictions: Strict on previous soft-tissue injuries. One bowed tendon history = permanent exclusion on that leg.
Comparison Table: Discipline Rates
| Discipline | Mortality Rate (Avg) | Medical Availability | Risk Profile |
| Dressage | 3.0% – 3.4% | High | Low |
| Hunters | 3.2% – 3.6% | High | Medium |
| Eventing (Low Level) | 3.6% – 4.0% | High | Medium |
| Eventing (Upper Level) | 4.5% – 6.0% | Restricted | High |
[IMAGE: Bar chart comparing insurance premiums for a $50k horse across 4 disciplines]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Declare the Level Honestly: If you move up to Intermediate mid-year, notify the insurer.
- Maximize Medical: Eventers need the highest medical limit available ($15k+). One bad fence can cause multiple fractures.
- Loss of Use: Consider “External Trauma Only” Loss of Use. It’s cheaper and covers the trailer accident or rotational fall, but not the slow-onset arthritis.
- Join USEA: Check if your membership offers any group insurance benefits (sometimes liability or AD&D for the rider).
FAQ
Does insurance cover the entry fees if the horse goes lame?
No. Trip Cancellation insurance exists for humans, but rarely for horse entry fees.
What if I compete in a schooling show?
Covered. Insurance covers the horse 24/7, regardless of whether the show is recognized, as long as the use is declared.