Lou Lou shows it does not pay to write off an insurance loss too early
6 December 2007
Lloyd’s specialist bloodstock insurer Amlin Plus is celebrating the return of a very unusual insurance write-off.
Lou Lou is an 11-year old mare formerly ridden by leading Irish showjumper, Jessica Kurten, and has been the subject of an insurance claim after its owner and a recognised vet said the horse could no longer compete as a top class show jumper.
Last year the owner submitted a loss of use claim to Amlin Plus. The claim was backed by a report from an internationally recognised vet in terms of the ability of Lou Lou to continue in competition, so the claim was paid and ownership of the mare passed to the insurer.
It soon emerged that the horse had major problems with her feet, such that she could hardly keep shoes on.
Determined to nurse her back to health, the insurer’s vets employed specialist reconstructive techniques using fibreglass patches and special glue on the shoes until the mare was restored to full fitness. At this point she was offered back to her previous owners in line with normal practice, but they elected not to take her back.
So the insurer kept ownership and earlier this month at the International Horse Show 2007 in Belfast Lou Lou and her event rider, Tim Stockdale, won the SHS Group Stakes.
Stockdale said: “Lou Lou was fantastic in this competition and did everything I asked of her. This is my first big win on her and I am so impressed that I am now taking her to Lyon.”
Amlin Plus underwriter, David Ashby, said: “While it is not the primary function of an insurer to reinstate the risk, different rules apply when you are dealing with live animals. It was in all our interests to get Lou Lou back in top condition and we are delighted with the promise she has shown recently in Belfast and in France.”
Last updated on 06 Dec 2007
