lexiedhb
Well-Known Member
LOL... awwwwwwwww
Why...Oh Why!
- Thread starter _OC_
- Start date
kerilli
Well-Known Member
mine are covered fully for 3rd party liability, but not for vets fees or loss of use. once you have more than 1 or 2, you could buy a new one every year for the cost of the premiums! plus, i never want to be in the position where it would benefit me financially to have the horse put down (and i know with a comp horse insured to its full value, this happens. hence stories of horses being taken out and galloped around ploughed fields till they break down completely, necessating full payout, etc.)
if a horse of mine needs veterinary attention, it gets it immediately, with no questions as to the cost. for e.g. i spent nearly £1000 on a 22yr old who had its first and only colic attack. no doubt it would have made more sense financially to have had him put down immediately, but i got the vet out, had him examined and given painkillers and sedation, then drove him to the vet where he received all possible treatment until the decision was made that night that he couldn't be saved. (because of the nature of the problem, surgery wasn't an option.)
i resent the implication that if i don't fully insure my horses, i am a bad owner. i can afford the vets bills when and if they come, and the amount i save from not insuring goes towards that fund!
if a horse of mine needs veterinary attention, it gets it immediately, with no questions as to the cost. for e.g. i spent nearly £1000 on a 22yr old who had its first and only colic attack. no doubt it would have made more sense financially to have had him put down immediately, but i got the vet out, had him examined and given painkillers and sedation, then drove him to the vet where he received all possible treatment until the decision was made that night that he couldn't be saved. (because of the nature of the problem, surgery wasn't an option.)
i resent the implication that if i don't fully insure my horses, i am a bad owner. i can afford the vets bills when and if they come, and the amount i save from not insuring goes towards that fund!
_OC_
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
LOL... awwwwwwwww
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes indeedy.....don't worry I will deal with her on Thursday,if your still lurking on here Piebaldsparkle take note!
LOL... awwwwwwwww
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes indeedy.....don't worry I will deal with her on Thursday,if your still lurking on here Piebaldsparkle take note!
Tia
Well-Known Member
My horses over here are insured for liability and that is it. The insurance for horses does not work in the same way as it does in England therefore hardly anyone I know has it because it really isn't worth it.
As to when to call the vet, well I'd say that really comes down to how much vet experience the individual has. I've seen a lot in my time and most of the things I see, I've dealt with before so I know what I am doing. Anything which is new to me I will run past my vet, but not necessarily call him out. In emergency situations, yes the vet is always called, however he is often 4 hours drive from me therefore if I haven't seen this situation before I will ask for advice on how to handle the situation until he arrives.
The other thing about emergency situations is someone's emergency does not necessarily mean it is an emergency to you. Once again, I think it all comes down to how much you have dealt with previously in life.
As to when to call the vet, well I'd say that really comes down to how much vet experience the individual has. I've seen a lot in my time and most of the things I see, I've dealt with before so I know what I am doing. Anything which is new to me I will run past my vet, but not necessarily call him out. In emergency situations, yes the vet is always called, however he is often 4 hours drive from me therefore if I haven't seen this situation before I will ask for advice on how to handle the situation until he arrives.
The other thing about emergency situations is someone's emergency does not necessarily mean it is an emergency to you. Once again, I think it all comes down to how much you have dealt with previously in life.
RunToEarth
Well-Known Member
I agree with Tia. When something isn't right with my horse I don't think 'VET!' I think 'MUM!' I'm very lucky n having a lot of people in very close proximity to me who have a large knowledge base when it comes to horses, like Tia says, in an emergency then yes, first port of call would be the vet, but my horse's overreach injory might be an emergency to someone who has no other port of call.
_OC_
Well-Known Member
I have dealt with alot,from pulling off items of clothing to hold against wounds,colic,lameness,choke,whatever....but,some things I have seen need a vet's attention prompt,as I can see long term problems....though,do understand what your saying...and if your vet is a 4 hour drive away,then guess it would have to be an emergency!
Stella
Well-Known Member
I know just what you mean. I haven't had time to read the whole thread yes, so sorry if I'm repeating points already made but ... - what drives me nuts is when people post on forums about their poor horse who clearly needs a vet. Instead of getting one, they ask 'what should I do' and often when someone tells them to call the vet instead on sitting on the forum, they take offence! Then there are those who don't call the vet because they 'can't afford it'. Obviously they never thought about the demands of being a responsible owner when they bought the poor creature. I've seen these situations on yards I've been on and there was nothing I could do, but state my opinion to the respective owner because of course the animal has to be half starved or a long way down the line in illness before the authorities would take action
Rambo
Well-Known Member
Firstly, apologies as I haven't read through all the replies but for what it's worth here's my view.
I don't insure mine anymore. I used to, but even for fairly modest value (which wouldn't replace one of them today) the premium was about £1000 per year...and that didn't include LOU. The ploicies only cover a maximum of £5k in fees anyway and by the time all the stupid exclusions are added in I just didn't feel it was value for money. I could, if I had to, find the £5k myself to pay the vet...but whether or not I would depends on the exact nature of the injury at the time
Also, to alay fears over 3rd Party Liability, both of my horses are registered with the BSJA as are myself and OH, so we get cover as part of our membership.
I don't insure mine anymore. I used to, but even for fairly modest value (which wouldn't replace one of them today) the premium was about £1000 per year...and that didn't include LOU. The ploicies only cover a maximum of £5k in fees anyway and by the time all the stupid exclusions are added in I just didn't feel it was value for money. I could, if I had to, find the £5k myself to pay the vet...but whether or not I would depends on the exact nature of the injury at the time
Also, to alay fears over 3rd Party Liability, both of my horses are registered with the BSJA as are myself and OH, so we get cover as part of our membership.
vicijp
Well-Known Member
What a bizarre post.
The owners that wait until they get the vet probably know a bit more than average and know that it would be a waste of time and money.
As for insurance, whats so funny about that? None of mine are insured, and even if I could I wouldnt bother. If they need something it would get done and the money would be found, with no needless worrying about this exclusions claptrap.
The owners that wait until they get the vet probably know a bit more than average and know that it would be a waste of time and money.
As for insurance, whats so funny about that? None of mine are insured, and even if I could I wouldnt bother. If they need something it would get done and the money would be found, with no needless worrying about this exclusions claptrap.
gemmaw
Well-Known Member
I agree with all of the posts regarding 3rd party liability, to me it should be a requirement of having horses, maybe linked to the passport or something, thats one for in the future no doubt but i think its unfair to be down on people who dont insure their horses.
It all comes down to a matter of opinion and choice. If you decide to insure and it pays of then its good for you, if you dont and you get away with not having the vet up good for you too, if you get a big bill dont worry, the amount saved on insurance will probably pay for it!
Just because someone says they would never have an uninsured horse and it should be taken into account when costing a horse is just opinions, the only point i push to my friends that they should have liability cover, it really is just a matter of opinion!!
It all comes down to a matter of opinion and choice. If you decide to insure and it pays of then its good for you, if you dont and you get away with not having the vet up good for you too, if you get a big bill dont worry, the amount saved on insurance will probably pay for it!
Just because someone says they would never have an uninsured horse and it should be taken into account when costing a horse is just opinions, the only point i push to my friends that they should have liability cover, it really is just a matter of opinion!!
vieshot
Well-Known Member
I myself insure but i know people that dont. Most of them have money put away so if something did happen then they have money to cover it.....well vets fees wise, i dont know what they would do for a real hefty third party bill......
Tia
Well-Known Member
Tell them to take out BHS membership - that will cover them for 3rd party liability.
vicm2509
Well-Known Member
My horse is insured for literally everything as I know if he was seriusly ill and I could not have him pts just because I couldnt afford treatment. And I wouldnt like to get in serious debt. I can afford the premiums but couldnt afford a huge vet bill, nor could I afford to replace him with a horse of the same value should I loose him.
I remember once a lady came up to me saying she thought her horse had laminitis but would see how it was the next day. I had a look and it was hardly baring any weight on its front legs, was very lethargic and would not eat. I told her to call vet right away. She did and it was a very serious case and the horse would have been unlikely to make it through the night. I could not understand how anyone could leave a pony like that on its own all night without vetinary treatment.
I have only had to call the vet once to baron and that was due to cellulitus. He has been lame a few times but only very mild and has always been better within a few days.
I remember once a lady came up to me saying she thought her horse had laminitis but would see how it was the next day. I had a look and it was hardly baring any weight on its front legs, was very lethargic and would not eat. I told her to call vet right away. She did and it was a very serious case and the horse would have been unlikely to make it through the night. I could not understand how anyone could leave a pony like that on its own all night without vetinary treatment.
I have only had to call the vet once to baron and that was due to cellulitus. He has been lame a few times but only very mild and has always been better within a few days.
wizzi901
Well-Known Member
with 5 horses the premiums to cover our lot for vets fees etc (one of which is too old anyway) would be crazy, its far better to stick the money in the bank for a rainy colic day...
However, we are GOLD BHS members which covers us for all third party liability of all horses, this I would not do without!
Its down to personal preference and cant remember the last time I had vet out for anything other than a colic or vaccs. Some people go over the top IMHO, it depends on your situation really.
I rent land and stables, and nothing but my own go on that land, hence not so many changing of herds, injuries etc. If I had paid insurance I would be out of pocket, I have in the past paid approx £2k for bad injury on my oldie who was younger at the time but if I had paid premiums which are a con IMHO apart from only the best insurers, I would be worse off...
If push comes to shove and its life or death then I will find the money somehow.
And there is no question if horsey is not right, vet IS called immediately, no expense spared, and I am not well off, I just make other sacrifices, like ask my child to eat pasta for a month!!
However, we are GOLD BHS members which covers us for all third party liability of all horses, this I would not do without!
Its down to personal preference and cant remember the last time I had vet out for anything other than a colic or vaccs. Some people go over the top IMHO, it depends on your situation really.
I rent land and stables, and nothing but my own go on that land, hence not so many changing of herds, injuries etc. If I had paid insurance I would be out of pocket, I have in the past paid approx £2k for bad injury on my oldie who was younger at the time but if I had paid premiums which are a con IMHO apart from only the best insurers, I would be worse off...
If push comes to shove and its life or death then I will find the money somehow.
And there is no question if horsey is not right, vet IS called immediately, no expense spared, and I am not well off, I just make other sacrifices, like ask my child to eat pasta for a month!!
henryhorn
Well-Known Member
Well let's look at it from another perspective.
None of my lot are insured other than for Public Liability because the cost would be horrendous. Take the two four year olds for instance, both well bred and likley to sell for a reasonable amount. then there is the five year old, a three year old who is a Toytown double and likely to event, the two year olds, then yearlings, and a foal from this year.. never mind five brood mares and a few retired horses..
the cost of insuring that lot would likely equal one horse a year!
Back to calling the vet. In a lifetime of working in horses I know when to call the vet..
I can diagnose perhaps 85% of the problems when they occur, having looked at 15 DIY's and a whole yard of my riding school horses when they were ever ill or lame, you do get a feeling for where the problem is and if you can treat it yourself, or need farrier or vet.
My vet and I have an understanding, if I say I need a vet now, he knows it's generally a life or death situation and he comes quickly.
There is a vast difference in a horse with a minor cut that is showing no sign of infection and colic, anyone with half a brain would never dismiss colic or a horse in pain.
If it helps one of the most common lameness causes is nearly always pus in the foot, and horses get in considerable pain from it, yet until it presents itself to a farrier or vet, there isn't a lot you can do. Tubbing often does b****r all, and giving antibiotics is wrong because the infection simply dies down then flares up again later on. Watching a horse for a day or two often means it can be instantly relieved and pouticed successfully, but would you class that as cruel by not calling the vet ?
Some things do sort themselves out but the majority need veterinary intervention or treatment by someone who knows what the problem is and has seen it before.
My advice is if in doubt, always call the vet..
None of my lot are insured other than for Public Liability because the cost would be horrendous. Take the two four year olds for instance, both well bred and likley to sell for a reasonable amount. then there is the five year old, a three year old who is a Toytown double and likely to event, the two year olds, then yearlings, and a foal from this year.. never mind five brood mares and a few retired horses..
the cost of insuring that lot would likely equal one horse a year!
Back to calling the vet. In a lifetime of working in horses I know when to call the vet..
I can diagnose perhaps 85% of the problems when they occur, having looked at 15 DIY's and a whole yard of my riding school horses when they were ever ill or lame, you do get a feeling for where the problem is and if you can treat it yourself, or need farrier or vet.
My vet and I have an understanding, if I say I need a vet now, he knows it's generally a life or death situation and he comes quickly.
There is a vast difference in a horse with a minor cut that is showing no sign of infection and colic, anyone with half a brain would never dismiss colic or a horse in pain.
If it helps one of the most common lameness causes is nearly always pus in the foot, and horses get in considerable pain from it, yet until it presents itself to a farrier or vet, there isn't a lot you can do. Tubbing often does b****r all, and giving antibiotics is wrong because the infection simply dies down then flares up again later on. Watching a horse for a day or two often means it can be instantly relieved and pouticed successfully, but would you class that as cruel by not calling the vet ?
Some things do sort themselves out but the majority need veterinary intervention or treatment by someone who knows what the problem is and has seen it before.
My advice is if in doubt, always call the vet..
_OC_
Well-Known Member
Would agree 100% with you,and what I was trying to stress is Laminitis in a horse that was leaning back and told the owners to get the vet out waited a week
horses that have not been able to weight bare on a lame leg,puncture wounds that need tending by a vet...seen it all,and have been left speechless....certain problems can be left to see how they 'Pan Out',but gets my back up when it's quite clear that the problem needs expert help and it's not called!
