I have just bought a QH, all thanks to everyone and The Mendip Stud, and was wondering if anyone can recommend where I could get insurance. Not going to be going to any shows at the moment (I think I would let him down as I am still learning! lol) Just wondering what type of insurance etc.

The other thing I would lke some advice on is that I have also bought and really nice 2nd hand saddle but it needs a bit of TLC and any advice eg how to soften the leather up, what products are best etc.

Any information will be greatfully received.

Post edited by: Katie, at: 2008/03/27 09:07

Congrats on your new purchase

Insurance - NFU are the best I believe. I have one of mine with Scottish Equestrian and they were excellent at paying up - no quibble. The rest are with Pet Plan. I have had two claims and both times they dragged their heels so much and made it as difficult as possible to get a settlement that my horses, both times, could not receive the treatment they needed Although their monthly premiums are cheaper (not much good though if they do not pay out).

Regarding softening leather - I understand recently that it is no longer felt that animals fats are the best for leather. It blocks the leather. I will look into a good make and let you know.

Good luck with your new horse.

Hi Katie..

mine are insured with NFU, not the cheapest but touchwood seem good to deal with.

I use a light spray saddle oil for my western tack... can't remember what its called..but i think they are pretty much the same???
Also congrats on your new purchase!

Thanks for the help.

I had knee surgery just over 2 weeks ago and picked the horse up yesterday. Unfortunately Im still on crutches so the only thing I can do is groom him and feed him, the boyfriend is doing the mucking out for me . Im thinking of it as bonding time between me and the horse

What type of policy would reccommend as there are so many out there its confusing ?

I've also used NFU very successfully, for two horses. I've claimed twice, once sadly for loss of the horse following humane destruction on vet advice and the other was for treatment. On both occasions the claims were met without quibble (some insurers can be tricky following humane destruction and make life difficult). I think some insurers lure people with cheaper premiums but you get what you pay for and if it looks too good to be true in terms of low premiums it probably is and you end up paying in the long run.

I've had bad experience with Petplan in the past and personally wouldn't use them again for horses (although my cats are insured with them!)

Your premiums will be governed by what you paid for the horse, ie if you want cover for loss of the horse the premium will be higher the more you paid.

I've actually had a good service from Pet Plan, but you do have to nag them to get answers (eg when I changed the class of insurance as we're no longer doing English showing took a VERY long time to get a refund).

As far as vet claims are concerned, we paid the vet and then got sent cheques from PP fairly quickly. It was a good job as madam was very ill and had about £5000 worth of treatment.

They include western riding in one of the lowest risk groups - not sure if anyone else does this.

We put loss of use on the policy, simply cos our mare took all our savings to buy and we wouldn't have the cash to replace her otherwise.

If you keep your tack at home it may be covered in the house contents insurance, but check how you stand when it is in the car en route to the horse and when away at shows.

As regards leather treatments, we use a cream called Oakwood which a master saddler friend recommended. It's great - it makes the saddle shiny and maintains condition without making the leather too soft.