What Kind of Insurance Do You Need for an Equine Farm?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Owning an equine farm is a rewarding business, but it comes with unique risks. From liability claims to property damage, the right insurance coverage is essential to protect your investment and ensure long-term success.
Here’s a breakdown of the key insurance policies every equine farm owner should consider.
Why Equine Farm Insurance Matters
Horses are powerful and unpredictable animals. A single accident can result in costly medical or legal claims. Additionally, your property, barns, fencing, tack, and equipment represent major investments.
Equine farm insurance can cover:
Liability if a rider, visitor, or volunteer is injured
Property damage to barns, fencing, and structures
Loss of livestock due to injury, illness, or theft
Lawsuits related to boarding, training, or lessons
Vehicle accidents during horse transportation
Having the right policies in place ensures your equine business is protected, sustainable, and positioned for long-term growth.
Essential Insurance Coverage for Equine Farms
Below are the core policies most equine farms need to operate safely and responsibly.
This is the foundation of equine risk protection.
General liability can cover:
Bodily injury to clients or visitors
Property damage caused by horses
Claims arising from business operations
This coverage is especially important if you offer boarding, lessons, or public activities such as shows or clinics.
If you work with horses that you do not own, CCC insurance is crucial. Standard liability policies usually do not cover non-owned horses.
CCC can cover:
Injury, illness, or death of non-owned horses
Legal fees related to damage claims
Veterinary treatment costs
This coverage is essential for boarding barns, trainers, and riding instructors.
Property insurance protects your physical investments, including:
Barns, stables, and structures
Arenas, fencing, and paddocks
Tack rooms and equipment
Feed, tools, and machinery
Many standard homeowner policies do not cover business operations, so a dedicated farm policy is necessary.
Personal auto insurance typically does not cover:
Horse hauling
Farm truck use
Business travel
Trailer accidents
Commercial auto insurance can cover:
Trucks and horse trailers
Liability during transport
Damage during business travel
If your truck or trailer is registered for business use, you likely need commercial auto coverage.
If your equine farm has employees, worker injuries are a real possibility. Farm work is physically demanding, and working around horses involves risk.
Workers’ compensation can cover:
Medical treatment
Lost wages
Work-related accidents
This coverage protects both your team and your business.
Mortality insurance protects the value of your owned horses in cases of:
Death or euthanasia
Theft
Illness or injury
Adding major medical coverage can help cover treatment or surgical costs. This insurance is highly recommended for breeding stock, performance horses, stallions, and mares.
How to Choose the Right Coverage
Every equine farm is unique. Start by evaluating:
Services you provide
Number of owned and non-owned horses
Property value
Staff and volunteers
Annual revenue
Vehicle use
A specialized agency like Wexford Insurance works with insurance carriers that understand the equine industry, so you receive coverage designed for horse farms, not generic farm insurance.
Final Thoughts
Running an equine farm involves managing live animals, riders, machinery, barns, fencing, and public interaction. Risk is part of daily operations. The right combination of liability, property, livestock, and vehicle coverage ensures your business is protected for the long term.
Wexford Insurance works with insurance companies across the nation that specialize in equine farm coverage, so you get tailored protection for your horses, clients, and farm operations.
Contact us today.
