Feeding to add shine to your horse’s coat
Advice from Spillers
QWhat kind of insurance do I need for a riding holiday abroad? Are there companies that specialise in this? What should I be looking for when I pick an insurance company? Karen Davies, Lincolnshire
APersonal medical/travel insurance is essential for a riding holiday abroad and reputable riding holiday companies won’t let you ride without it. The most important thing is to find insurance that will cover any costs you might incur in a medical emergency — including, if deemed necessary, the cost of flying you back to the UK for treatment. It’s also sensible to include cover for personal belongings in case your luggage goes astray — most travel policies automatically include this, but it’s best to check. It’s also strongly recommended you take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking (so you have cover from that moment on), just in case something unexpected happens and you have to cancel your trip. Due to Financial Services SALAMANDER, A RETIRED Warmblood, hasn’t been managing as well as usual this summer. His owner Alison Lockhart is worried that he’s lost his usual healthy glow. Alison says that Salamander is holding his weight well and seems in good spirits but that he’s lost his characteristic bright bay shine and his hooves aren’t looking as good as they should. Although Alison says she has been feeding Salamander and his field companion ad-lib hay Authority (FSA) regulations, travel providers are not able to arrange personal, medical, travel or cancellation insurance for clients, nor are they authorised to advise on the suitability of individual insurance policies. However, there are lots of all-round travel and adventure travel policies on the market to choose from and you can contact an FSA authorised insurance broker for assistance and advice if needed. It is essential to select your policy with care and to check the detailed terms and conditions and policy wording to ensure it meets your needs. For example, the policy may require the use of protective clothing, which, when riding, may mean a hard hat. Different insurance companies take different views and you should check the policy carefully before deciding to buy. It’s also vital that you disclose any during the parched summer, the consistent lack of good grass and the rock-hard ground are probably taking their toll. Hay, haylage and grass usually lack important nutrients, such as copper, zinc and selenium, which means Salamander could benefit from some extra dietary support. A daily balancer would be ideal in these circumstances. It will supply the important extra vitamins and minerals that Salamander needs on a daily basis, but as it’s fed by the pre-existing medical conditions, check-ups or treatment you’re having before taking out insurance cover and that you take note of any restrictions in cover relating to these.
Extra cover in Europe
If you are travelling to Europe, you should carry a European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) as well as taking out travel insurance. This will entitle you to free medical services if you have an accident or illness within the European Economic Area (EEA). EHICs only cover services normally covered by the statutory healthcare system in the country you are visiting, so they should be obtained as a supplement to (not instead of) personal medical insurance. EHIC cards are free of charge. You can learn more about them and what they cover at gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card. cup, rather than the scoop, Alison doesn’t need to worry about weight gain. SPILLERS® Daily Balancer is refreshingly simple, containing the vitamins, minerals and amino acids needed to balance the diet every day. It’s specially designed to balance the nutrients that are typically low in hay, haylage or pasture. SPILLERS® Daily Balancer also has no added iron, which is often over-supplied in forage-based diets.