Insurance Options for Horse Riders in Australia: Navigating the Rising Costs
- Loz
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Exploring affordable cover for recreational riders, competitors, and families in the wake of Equestrian Australia’s membership price hike
If you’re a horse enthusiast in Australia, you’ll know that enjoying your time in the saddle comes with its fair share of risks. Whether you ride for pleasure or competition, insurance is a critical part of managing those risks. Recently, many in the equestrian community have felt the sting of Equestrian Australia (EA) drastically increasing membership prices, leaving riders searching for alternative insurance solutions tailored to their needs and budgets.
Why Is Insurance Important for Horse Riders?
Horse riding—whether on trails, at pony club, or in the competition arena—can lead to accidents, injuries, or third-party property damage. Insurance provides financial protection for riders, horse owners, and their families. The right policy can cover everything from personal accidents to public liability and even vet bills for your equine companion.
Insurance Through Equestrian Australia
EA membership traditionally included personal accident and public liability insurance for affiliated riders. However, with the recent significant price hike, many recreational and grassroots riders are reassessing if EA membership still offers value for money, especially if they don’t compete regularly at EA-sanctioned events.
Alternative Insurance Options for Horse Riders
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to EA membership for horse insurance in Australia. These options can be tailored to your level of riding—be it for fun, competition, or the whole family.
1. Recreational Riders
Direct Insurance Providers: Companies like Gow-Gates, Petplan, and Affinity Equine Insurance offer policies specifically for recreational riders. Look for policies covering personal accident, public liability, and, if desired, vet fees for your horse.
Adult Riding/Pony Club Membership: Some Adult Riding/Pony Clubs offer insurance as part of their annual membership, which may be more affordable than EA membership for those not interested in high-level competition.
Private Health Insurance Add-Ons: Some private health insurers may provide extras cover for accidents involving horses. Always check the fine print and ensure equestrian activities aren’t excluded.
2. Competitors
Discipline-Specific Associations: Consider joining organisations relevant to your chosen discipline (e.g., Australian Stock Horse Society, Australian Showjumping Association), many of which offer insurance as part of membership at lower costs than EA.
Individual Event Insurance: Some event organisers provide day insurance for non-members, allowing you to compete without a full EA membership. This can be ideal for those who only compete a few times a year.
Standalone Competition Cover: Insurance brokers can tailor policies if you regularly compete outside of EA events, covering third-party liability and personal accident.
3. Family and Group Options
Family Memberships: Many insurance providers and equestrian clubs offer discounted family plans, covering multiple riders under one policy. This is often more economical than taking out individual cover for each family member.
Household Liability Insurance: Check your home and contents policy—some insurers allow you to add public liability cover for horse-related activities, which can extend to all family members.
Group Club Policies: Local riding clubs or trail riding groups may offer group insurance, which pools members’ premiums for better value.
Tips for Choosing the Right Policy
Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully—make sure the policy covers your specific activities.
Ensure your chosen policy covers both personal accident and public liability.
Check any exclusions for competitive riding, trail riding, or horse ownership.
Consider the excess you’ll pay in the event of a claim and any benefit limits.
Comparison of Membership Pricing for Insurance Options
Insurance Option | Coverage Details | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
Equestrian Australia (EA) | Personal accident, public liability | $300 - $500 annually |
Gow-Gates | Personal accident, public liability, optional vet fees | $250 - $450 annually |
Petplan | Personal accident, public liability, optional vet fees | $200 - $400 annually |
Affinity Equine Insurance | Personal accident, public liability, optional vet fees | $220 - $420 annually |
Pony Club Membership | Personal accident, public liability | $150 - $300 annually |
Discipline-Specific Associations | Personal accident, public liability (varies by association) | $180 - $350 annually |
Individual Event Insurance | Day insurance for non-members | $20 - $50 per event |
Standalone Competition Cover | Third-party liability, personal accident | $300 - $550 annually |
Family Memberships | Personal accident, public liability for multiple riders | $400 - $700 annually |
Household Liability Insurance | Public liability cover for horse-related activities | $100 - $250 annually |
Group Club Policies | Personal accident, public liability (pooled premiums for better value) | $200 - $400 annually |
Adult Riding Clubs in Australia Providing Insurance Coverage with Memberships
Pony Club Australia: Offers personal accident, public liability, association liability, and voluntary workers personal accident insurance.
Equestrian Western Australia (EWA): Provides 24/7 personal accident and public liability insurance.
Australian Trail Horse Riders Association (ATHRA): Includes personal accident insurance at all ATHRA-sanctioned events and 24/7 public liability insurance.
Equestrian New South Wales (ENSW): Offers personal accident and public liability insurance.
Murrumbateman Pony Club: Provides personal accident and public liability insurance.
Key things to check with Club Memberships:
General Coverage: Many adult riding clubs offer liability coverage for all declared equestrian club activities, including special events and owned or leased premises.
Additional Coverage: Some clubs provide additional coverage for agistment/boarding, riding instruction, clinics, and special public events. This coverage can be extended to include both club events and activities outside of club events - but you MUST SPECIFY THIS WHEN JOINING.
Importantly, you do not need to live in the State where the ARC/PC is based to join.
Final Thoughts
The rising cost of Equestrian Australia membership is prompting many Aussie horse riders to seek more affordable and flexible insurance options. By shopping around and considering your actual riding habits—whether you’re a weekend trailblazer, a show jumper, or a family of pony lovers—you can find a policy that offers peace of mind without breaking the bank. Don’t let the price hike stop you from enjoying time with your horse—secure the cover that suits your needs and get back in the saddle with confidence.
I hope this comparison helps you understand the different membership pricing options available for horse riders in Australia. If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask!
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