I have written somewhat extensively regarding insurance issues in the equestrian world for close to a year now. It is a massive problem in recent years and most equestrians could tell you how they have been affected or at least know or someone affected or an event that has been cancelled largely down to insurance. 

I won’t lie when I say it has massively affected me in numerous ways, in a short space of time practically everything I did in the horse side of my life ground to a halt – due to insurance–to me it is literally the big bad wolf.

Notably a facility local to me–a sand arena known as Duhallow Arenas, located at the James O Keeffe Institute Newmarket Co. Cork, closed its gates last September. We received a notification advising the arena was closed indefinitely due to a 200% increase in the minimum equestrian insurance cover. 200% is totally crazy. To my knowledge, there has been no claim or accident which could explain this. On that note, I’m not sure what kind of accident or claim would even justify that kind of increase?

This is a fantastic local facility comprising a sand arena, set of show jumps and a grass arena. This arena is not joined to a riding school, so I imagine it is a fairly unique community arena. There has always been a fee to become a key holder – however, this facility is nonprofit.

While I have no aspirations to represent Ireland showjumping, I have thoroughly enjoyed taking my horses here over the last few years. For me and many other local equestrians, we have used this for schooling young horses and ponies, getting hunters fit, etc. Personally, for me, it is another way of exercising horses, without needing to ride on roads. Which only seem to be getting busier and more dangerous – an article for another day! Another point to consider is, I imagine not many people who stable their horses at home or at their farms etc.(of which there is a high amount locally)  have adequate space or facilities to put up some jumps to practice clear jumping. Speaking from my own situation, if I were to put up some jumps at home, I would be using an un-level field or else a farm passageway. Either surface is not sustainable or safe for jumping. So this sand arena is really a win – win situation for various reasons. 

Recently, when I heard a group of local equestrians had banded together in an effort to get this reopened, I jumped on board as fast as I could. It is a true example of strength in numbers. I think I speak for the whole group when I say we are incredibly grateful to all who are driving this forward and involved in the organization. I might add their efforts are voluntary and they are putting their own time and energy into this. 

The wheels are in motion; I am glad to say, on getting the gates of the arena back open. As it stands, there are approx. 31 people who have confirmed to pay a membership/key holder fee. The unfortunate reality is the insurance quote is €6k. In addition, the arena is going to require a level of maintenance after being unused for so many months. Also, there has been talks of sourcing some new show jumps, as the existing ones have become quite shabby. 

I think we are all on the same wavelength. We will get over the coast once we have this facility back open and are able to exercise and enjoy our equines. 

To note also, if anyone reading this would like to contribute a donation or has fundraising ideas etc.in getting this back up and running, we would be most grateful. Once again, it is our own time, effort and, importantly, money being put back into this project. Frankly, we are battling against an unreasonable insurance quote, something I imagine many riding schools, cross-country courses, hunter trials and hunt clubs can relate to. We hear from various outlets on the support available to “rural Ireland” and how the government and other organizations wish to help – but this is where it starts and this is one example of how we are totally unsupported in so many ways. 

However, I would hope the main takeaway from this is if any other facilities/events have been closed or affected by insurance – it is possible to “fight back” and get them up and running with the right team and support. Community arenas such as this one are amazing to have in the locality and I would hope in the coming years we might see some more being built in other towns and villages. 

Also, only by making these insurance problems public can we gather support and show the wider public and equestrian community the issues we are facing very much at a Grassroots level.