WITH crippling insurance costs facing the Irish equestrian community, there was a warm welcome as Hive Insurance Services launched a new Equine Safety Initiative (ESI) and have also got behind a new survey national survey on equine road safety.
The equine road survey is the brainchild of Anne O'Connor and Siobhan English.
Hive Insurance Services have branched out further to include equestrian centres, individuals and racing staff.
Hive Insurance Services’ equine advisor Rob McOwan, whose family is involved in the equestrian industry, has spent months researching the Irish market to be in a position to offer the best packages to prospective clients.
“Given the present issues we are all encountering with equestrian insurance, there has never been a better time to introduce the Equine Safety Initiative (ESI) as its awareness and industry support can only but help equine businesses across Ireland and those that either work or ride within them,” he said.
“This initiative has been a long time coming and is only materialising now thanks to the various equestrian governing bodies including Pat Curran of the ISSA (Irish Stable Staff Association) who played a big part in its journey to date.”
ISSA chairman Pat Curran said: “We are delighted to have worked with Hive, AIRE and SJI on the development of the Equine Safety Initiative. Hive listened to our concerns and the tailored solutions they’ve put in place for our members will help to protect the welfare of our valued stable staff.”
A number of Irish international riders have also come on board as brand ambassadors, including dressage rider Heike Holstein, event rider Cathal Daniels, and show jumpers Mikey Pender and Seamus Hughes Kennedy.
A new national survey is now live online by Hive Insurance Services to gain feedback from horsepeople who face safety issues on Ireland’s roads. “We need as much feedback as possible so we can gather statistics which can be used as part of an ‘Equine Road Safety Campaign’”, McOwan said.
“We are all entitled to be on the road, but it can be dangerous if you encounter an inconsiderate road user. Anyone using the roads with horses really needs to be covered by insurance in the event of an accident, even if it is not your fault.”