Thoroughbred & Bloodstock Insurance

Vet certificates are required for bloodstock valued over NZ$287,500. Below this threshold, they're optional but recommended for high-value animals. The thoroughbred certificate includes health assessment, soundness evaluation, and breeding suitability assessment if applicable. It costs approximately NZ$400–600 and must be completed by a vet experienced with bloodstock.

Live foal insurance covers the risk of foal loss or stillbirth. The foal is insured for a specified percentage of the mare's value (typically 50 per cent), with cover running from conception through a specified period post-birth (usually 30 days or until weaning). This protects breeders against the significant risk of foal loss from infection, developmental issues, or other causes. It's essential protection for breeding operations.

Yes, we can insure syndicated horses. The syndicate manager typically arranges insurance with all partners named in the policy. Each partner has insurable interest and can lodge claims. We work closely with major racing syndicates to ensure appropriate coverage. Syndicated racing is common in New Zealand, and we support this ownership structure.

You can continue mortality cover on a retired racehorse. The horse is re-rated based on its new purpose (breeding, ridden sport, leisure). If it moves from racing to breeding use, we can adjust cover accordingly. Loss of Use doesn't apply post-retirement unless the horse was injured whilst racing and that injury prevented racing before retirement.

Injury during racing is covered by our major medical component. Emergency veterinary care for injuries sustained during a race is covered. Loss of Use applies if the injury prevents return to racing. However, natural racing-related deterioration (arthritis, wear and tear) is typically treated as degenerative and handled separately from incident-based claims.

Bloodstock insurance is tailored to racing and breeding value, with higher cover limits and specialised breeding protection (live foal insurance). Sport horse insurance covers competition horses (jumping, dressage, eventing). A horse can be both—a young horse in training might eventually race and then be retired to breeding, with cover adjusted at each stage.

Yes, NZB members and registered breeders can insure bloodstock through us. We work with NZB-registered studs throughout New Zealand. Discuss your NZB registration during quotation so we can ensure your insurance aligns with NZB requirements and guidelines.

For a live foal claim, we need: (1) proof the foal was born (vet report or foaling documentation); (2) proof of death if the foal died (vet certificate); (3) proof of ownership of the mare; and (4) our claim form. Claims must be lodged within 90 days of the foaling event. We process foal claims quickly given the time-sensitive nature.