Insurance claims often above £3k per horse.
Gastric ulcers are the top cause of horse insurance claims, according to a leading broker.
And meeting the cost of those claims regularly amounts to more than £3,000 each, says SEIB Insurance Brokers which has analysed five years’ worth of data.
“Concerns regarding gastric health, the increased diagnosis of ulcers, and the costs of medical management of EGUS are undoubtedly behind the costs highlighted by SEIB,” says Ruth Bishop, chair of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Feed Committee.
Keeping ulcers at bay
“However, studies have shown that good husbandry and improved dietary practices can be effective at helping to keep ulcers at bay.”
Owners seeking advice about ulcers – along with their feed retailers and vets – are urged to look out for an industry-wide accreditation symbol.
“In an effort to help owners identify the most appropriate feed products, the BETA feed approval mark for horses and ponies prone to gastric ulcers was developed,” explains Ruth.
Products and advice
The BETA EGUS mark also helps consumers buy well when shopping for feeds and supplements, she adds.
“BETA works closely with the UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate [VMD] to ensure that approved products do not claim to treat or prevent ulcers as this is beyond the scope of a feed product and would be an unlawful claim.
“The scheme not only signposts suitable products but also aims to reduce the negative impacts of misinformation by providing management advice to support owners in creating the best environment to minimise the risk of ulcers in their horses.”
Find out more about the BETA EGUS scheme here: https://beta-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/46763-BETA-EGUS-Poster-v5.pdf
Full details of SEIB’s research can be found here: https://www.seib.co.uk/2025/03/11/new-research-reveals-gastric-ulcers-as-top-cause-of-horse-insurance-claims/
