Agria, which launched revolutionary lifetime equine insurance in Ireland in October 2024, this month welcomed leading figures from the Irish equestrian world and media to celebrate what has been hailed as a positive step for equine welfare and to share more about it.

The first company in the world to insure an animal—a horse—Agria was founded in Sweden over a century ago in 1890 and now insures 1.3 million animals across Europe. Animal welfare is at the heart of the company, and Agria is a dedicated sponsor of welfare charities across Europe.

Agria is also a huge supporter of equestrianism at every level. In the UK, it sponsors a range of top riders and events, including Hickstead’s Agria Royal International Horse Show and the Agria Blenheim European Eventing Championships in September. In Ireland, Agria has begun forming key partnerships with the Irish Pony Club, Horse Sport Ireland, and has become a sponsor of event rider Sarah Ennis and the Senior Irish Eventing Team.

Agria also recognises the value of less celebrated horses, those who may not win medals but bring enormous joy to their owners and enrich riders’ lives through lower-key activities. It celebrates these horses through its regular ‘Horse of a Lifetime’ competition.

Agria’s lifetime equine insurance was launched in Britain almost three years ago and has already been widely embraced by UK horse owners for its unique benefits. Unlike traditional equine insurance:

• There are no exclusions added to the policy (e.g., conditions or injuries that develop after a successful vet claim remain covered).
• There is no reduction of cover for older horses.
• The policy can transfer to a new owner if the horse is sold, ensuring continuity of cover.

Most horse owners take out lifetime equine insurance as vet-fee-only insurance, with up to €10,000 of vet fee cover per year. However, cover for mortality and loss of use is also available.

Bernard O’Sullivan, Agria Ireland Country Head, explains:

“Our goal is to support the country’s vibrant equestrian community by providing an insurance product that removes the worry of unexpected veterinary bills, allowing owners to focus on their horses’ health and well-being.”

Agria Marketing Strategy Manager Damien Hanley adds:

“With spring in the air and a new season of equestrian events about to begin, this was the perfect time to host an in-person briefing about this game-changing new equine insurance. Vet-fee cover is still a relatively new concept in Ireland, and we are excited about what it can offer horse owners.”

Agria Consultant Vet Hugh Dillon said:

“All vets know that sometimes a much-loved family horse or pony needs treatment that can cost several thousand euros. It’s wonderful that this new lifetime equine cover provides ongoing protection in those situations, giving owners peace of mind and ensuring that their animals receive the very best of care.”

For more information about the new horse insurance policy, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit:
www.agriapetinsure.ie/horse-insurance