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Horse owners are a knowledgeable group, happy to spend time and money looking after their horse's health and wellbeing, but up to 70% risk losing out financially by taking matters into their own hands, a recent survey by Petplan Equine, the UK's specialist equine insurer, has found.

According to Petplan Equine, horse owners are well aware of common illnesses, with nine out of ten able to identify symptoms associated with injuries and conditions such as colic, laminitis, and respiratory problems. The research also found that nearly 50 per cent of horse owners spend time researching the possible causes of these symptoms on the internet, with the aim of self diagnosing and prescribing remedies, before phoning a vet.

However, Gil Riley Petplan Equine Vet of the Year 2009, worries that many well-meaning horse-owners who don't contact their vet immediately could potentially be risking their horse's health, he explains: "Owners who delay contacting a vet immediately run the risk of putting the horse's health in greater danger; a quick response at the onset of illness or injury improves the chances of the horse making a full recovery."

Alison Andrew, Petplan Equine Marketing Manager and equine enthusiast added that self diagnosing, could also cost the owner financially, "Should the condition worsen over time additional treatment may be required running up higher vets bills, which could be very costly if the horse is not insured."

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For more information please contact the Petplan press office on:

Name	Telephone	Email
Tolu Akisanya	0208 580 8194	[email protected]
Carl Stephens	0208 707 8335	[email protected]

Petplan Equine is the UK's leading horse insurance provider offering a wide variety of flexible horse insurance and rider insurance policies which cater for all levels of experience.

Established more than 20 years ago, Petplan Equine is part of Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the world.

For more information about a Petplan Equine horse insurance policy, please visit:
petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/quote.asp

Note to editors:

• Petplan Equine was founded in 1988.
• It is part of Allianz Animal Health, the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world and part of Allianz – one of the largest general insurers in the UK.
• In addition to horse and pony insurance options, Petplan Equine provides dedicated products for veteran horses and rider only insurance cover.
• It is the sister brand of Petplan, the largest provider of small animal insurance in the UK.
• Allianz Animal Health handled more than 375,000 claims in 2006, over 7,200 per week and paid out approximately £2.4 million in claims per week.
• Petplan Equine believes in supporting the equine community and provides more financial support to equestrian sports and activities than any equine insurance provider in the UK.
• Sponsorships for 2007 include the Petplan Equine National Riding Festival, BSJA Senior Newcomers, the British Dressage Area festivals, Lucinda Green "Cross Country the Safe Way" clinics.
• The Pet Plan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 to raise much needed funds for animal welfare and veterinary projects. Money is raised by Petplan and Petplan Equine customers giving an optional £1.50 to the Trust when they take out or renew their policy. To date, almost £5 million has been awarded by the Trust.
• Petplan and Petplan Equine are specialist insurers. As such, the company employs more horse riders and owners than any other and more former veterinary practice staff than any other to ensure the provision of specialist knowledge.
• Petplan Equine has produced a Horse Handbook, a useful guide for horse owners or those thinking about owning a horse to help them with everything from feeding to travel.