Horses can be a valuable asset for individuals and farmers. Caring for a horse in Kentucky costs around $8,597 a year. Should something happen to your horse, insurance can help pay for some of the costs related to the injury or illness.

Whether you're a rancher looking to protect a team of horses, an equestrian, or just a horse enthusiast, a Kentucky independent insurance agent can help you insure your horse. Here's what you need to know to get started.

What Is Horse Insurance? 

Horse insurance is a type of Kentucky farm and ranch insurance that will help pay for costs related to injuries, illnesses, or death from covered causes. 

Depending on the number of horses you want to insure, you could receive coverage through an existing farm and ranch policy, purchase individual coverage, or purchase an animal mortality policy.

US horse population

How to Insure a Horse in Kentucky

Kentucky is home to more than 240,000 horses. When you sit down with your independent insurance agent, they'll discuss several options for insuring your horse.

Group coverage through a farm and ranch policy

If you have multiple horses, the easiest way to insure them is through your Kentucky farm and ranch policy.

"Ranchers are already paying for farm and ranch insurance, so it's easiest to include your horses in that coverage," explained insurance expert Paul Martin.

Individual coverage through an animal mortality policy

If you are looking to only insure one highly valued horse, you're better off purchasing an animal mortality policy. This type of insurance is most customized and will require a vet examination of the horse. 

Once you've purchased your preferred coverage, should you need to file a claim, your Kentucky independent insurance agent can guide you through that process.

What Does Horse Insurance Cover in Kentucky?

Horse insurance is designed to pay for costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and the death of a horse. Depending on the type of insurance you choose, you'll receive different coverages.

• Farm and ranch policy: Will cover dwellings, farm equipment, and the horses against events like lightning, flood, tornado, fire, theft and other named perils.
• Animal mortality policy: Covers costs associated with the animal's death if it was caused by fire, lightning, wind, hail, collision, accidental shooting, drowning, and other covered perils. 

No matter which policy you choose, some diseases or causes of death may be excluded from coverage. Death by old age will also not be covered. It's best to get a detailed list of what your policy won't cover from your Kentucky independent insurance agent.

Benefits of Horse Insurance in Kentucky

No one expects a fire to burn through their property or a tornado to flatten their farm. Should an unexpected event sweep through your land, your horses will be exposed to the environment. 

In addition, horses are susceptible to a variety of illnesses, diseases, and unexpected injuries. Even a healthy horse needs to see the vet at least once a year. But if the horse falls ill or is injured, the vet bills can increase to thousands of dollars.

Horse insurance protects more than just your horses. It's comprehensive coverage for your property so that you don't have to worry about the costs of an unexpected event.

Most common use of horses in the US

73% of horse owners use their horses for pleasure and trail riding.

How a Kentucky Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You

Owning horses can be a business, hobby, or lifestyle. The number of horses you have and the purpose for owning them will impact the type of insurance you need. The easiest way to find the right insurance is using a Kentucky independent insurance agent. 

Agents are experts in Kentucky farm and ranch insurance and insuring animals. They'll talk with you, free of charge, to learn about your property and your animals and make recommendations on the best policies. They'll shop multiple quotes to find you the most affordable coverage for your horses.