You paid $100,000 for a stallion prospect. You syndicate him. The first breeding season comes… and he fails to settle any mares. His sperm count is zero or mobility is poor. Your investment is worthless.
Key Takeaways
- AS&D Insurance: “Accident, Sickness, and Disease” Infertility coverage. This pays if he becomes infertile due to an illness or injury.
- Congenital Infertility: Standard policies do not cover a stallion who just “doesn’t have it” genetically (Congenital). They cover acquired infertility.
- First Season Infertility: A specific (expensive) type of insurance that covers the risk that he is sterile from the start.
- Value Drop: If he becomes a gelding, he is worth $5,000, not $100,000. The insurance pays the difference.
The “Why” (The Trap): Proving the Cause
Insurers distinguish between “Impotence” (won’t breed), “Infertility” (can’t breed), and “Sub-fertility” (low success rate).
The Clause:
“Coverage applies only to infertility resulting from a specific accident, sickness, or disease occurring during the policy period.”
If he just has low sperm count with no known cause, they might deny it as congenital.
The Investigation: Specialized Underwriting
I checked with Lloyds of London syndicates (where high-value stallions are insured).
- The Test: You must provide a sperm analysis before binding coverage to prove he was fertile to begin with.
- The Claim: If he gets kicked in the testicle and goes sterile, that is covered. If he gets a fever (West Nile) and goes sterile, that is covered.
Comparison Table: Stallion Risks
| Scenario | Standard Mortality | AS&D Infertility | First Season Infertility |
| Death | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Injury to Testicle | Vet Bills Only | Payout (Value) | Payout |
| Genetic Low Count | Excluded | Excluded | Covered (Rare/Pricey) |
[IMAGE: Photo of a stallion in a breeding shed]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Semen Evaluation: Get a detailed analysis before buying the horse.
- Buy AS&D: It costs extra (usually 0.5% – 1% of value), but for a breeding stallion, it is mandatory.
- Monitor Libido: If he refuses to mount, that is often a behavioral issue, which is not covered by infertility insurance. Check for pain (back/hocks).
- Notify Immediately: If his conception rate drops, notify the insurer immediately. Do not wait until the end of the season.
FAQ
Can I castrate him and claim the money?
Only if the insurer agrees that he is permanently infertile and pays the claim. Then they might require castration to prevent fraud.