Your Story – Chequerhill Toy Boy, Horse

Having a hobby or passion doesn’t just have to be for when we’re young, and that includes horse riding, which can be a skill picked up later in life (see our blog on taking up horse riding in later life). We recently caught up with our customer Sally who, after 20 years of not riding, decided to buy her first horse.

Having ridden ponies previously, Sally decided to buy her first ever horse. She found a Red Roan Connemara of 5 years of age and with the name Chequerhill Toy Boy – she knew he was the horse for her! He was brought over from Ireland, and this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Choosing Horse Insurance

With Chequerhill being Sally’s first horse, she thought it better to get horse insurance. He’d had a few pre-existing conditions that she knew she’d need to declare when taking out her insurance policy which she found easy to do when filling out the quote with The Insurance Emporium.

Sally’s Horse Insurance Experience

Like many horses, Chequerhill has had his fair share of ailments including colic, a lump in his jaw, an eye injury, and he went lame.

However, with her horse insurance Sally has been able to claim and for her, she’s said: “it takes the stress out of everything.”

‘Whenever I’ve spoken to The Insurance Emporium, whether it’s to make a claim or a query about my policy they’ve always been very knowledgeable and have taken care or me and my horse.”

More Than Just a Pet

As we often find out when speaking to customers, their pets really are a part of the family and Chequerhill is a shining example of this. Sally and Chequerhill are now members of British Dressage and have had a few successful competitions where they have come first in their category.

Yet, their bond goes beyond their success when competing.

Sally says: “He’s, my therapy.”

With her children all grown-up she’s also found out first-hand how Chequerhill has affected her mental health for the better.

Her grandson is also besotted by him and rides him around the block when he comes to visit, while Sally’s partner, Leon, helps groom him and takes them to their events. It really is a family affair when it comes to this horse.


As we have learned from Sally and her experience in owning her first horse, Chequerhill Toy Boy, as with any pet, accidents and illnesses can occur without warning. Horse insurance and horse rider insurance are important considerations for any rider and/or owner. Take a look at our range of horse insurance products, to find out more.

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We offer a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations.