Insuring your Equine Assisted Therapy business

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Cliverton first began arranging cover for Equine Assisted Therapy businesses back in 2011 as there was an increase in demand for cover from those using horses and ponies for a variety of therapeutic activities.

Since 2011 Equine Assisted Therapy activities have become increasingly popular. Research has shown that there are many different types and benefits of working with a horse to help improve wellbeing in both children and adults. Whether this is grooming, patting or simply just being in the presence of a horse. Here at Cliverton, we have seen a large increase in demand for this type of policy.

Cliverton can arrange cover to provide Public and Products Liability as standard, with various levels of cover for our customers to choose from.

We can also arrange cover for Employers’ Liability, commercial premises and equipment, Legal support and Personal Accident Cover.

We would need to discuss a few details with you first including:

·        ownership of any horses you plan to use for the business and ensure the horses reach minimum age requirements.

·        Any horse or pony to be used will need to have had a behavioural risk assessment completed which will need to be reviewed regularly.

·        You will also need to keep records of a general business risk assessment and fire procedures.  

·        We will need to ensure you have spoken to your local authority regarding licencing.

Things like risk assessments can prove a stumbling block for some clients as it’s not always easy to know how to set this out or what to include. At Cliverton, we can help with putting together risk assessments by providing templates and guides to help you correctly assess your business activities.

Additionally, any policy cover would be subject to you and all employees:

·        Having an up-to-date DBS check

·        be first aid trained

·        hold either equine or therapy related qualifications.

·        have previous experience working with vulnerable people and horses.

Equine Assisted Therapy businesses are not regulated by one single body however the introduction of the Equine Assisted Services Partnership (EASP) and the Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR) is a welcome step in the right direction ensuring that organisations are adhering to minimum standards for safety and welfare in the sector. However, membership to these organisations is not a requirement for cover.

Reach out to our team today to discuss your cover requirements and obtain a quotation or visit our webpage here.

 References:

Eagala (2024, November 25). Equine Therapy Benefits https://www.eagala.org/blog/equine-therapy-benefits/

Equine Assisted Services Partnership (2024) Equine Assisted Services Partnership CiC. Available at: https://easp.co.uk/‍

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