Equine gastric ulcer syndrome has emerged as the most commonly claimed-for horse health condition in figures released by Agria Pet Insurance.
The insurer examined horse insurance claims it received between January and July 2026, revealing the ten conditions and clinical findings that appeared most frequently during the seven-month period.
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome, commonly known as EGUS, headed the list, with an average claim value of £806.22.
Forelimb and hindlimb problems occupied second and third place respectively, followed by suspensory ligament desmitis and impingement of the dorsal spinous processes, more commonly known as kissing spines.
Ten most common claim categories
According to Agria, the ten most commonly claimed-for conditions and their average claim values were:
- Equine gastric ulcer syndrome – £806.22
- Thoracic limb or forelimb finding – £587.80
- Pelvic limb or hindlimb finding – £668.48
- Suspensory ligament desmitis – £628.24
- Kissing spines – £576.05
- Osteoarthritis of the hock – £632.67
- Wounds – £860.86
- Colic – £933.81
- Laminitis – £405.50
- Stifle disorders – £858.75
Although EGUS was the most frequently claimed-for condition, colic carried the highest average claim value at £933.81.
Wounds produced the second-highest average claim at £860.86, closely followed by stifle disorders at £858.75.
Musculoskeletal problems feature prominently
Conditions affecting the limbs, joints, ligaments and back accounted for six of the ten categories.
The forelimb and hindlimb entries are broad clinical findings rather than individual diagnoses and could include several different injuries or conditions. Agria says these categories may include problems such as fractures, ligament injuries, sprains, arthritis and other joint disorders.
Suspensory ligament desmitis was the fourth most common claim category. This condition involves inflammation or injury of the suspensory ligament, which plays an important role in supporting the horse’s lower limb and fetlock.
Diagnosis and rehabilitation can involve veterinary examinations, diagnostic imaging, periods of rest and carefully controlled exercise. Recovery may take several months depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Kissing spines and osteoarthritis of the hock also appeared within the top six. Both conditions can be associated with discomfort, reduced performance or changes in the way a horse moves, although veterinary assessment is required to determine whether clinical signs are related to any changes identified through imaging.
Colic generates the highest average claim
Colic placed eighth for frequency but had the highest average claim value among the ten categories.
The term colic describes abdominal pain rather than one specific disease. Cases can range from relatively mild digestive disturbances to serious intestinal problems requiring emergency treatment or surgery.
This variation means the investigations, treatment and costs associated with individual cases can differ substantially.
Laminitis had the lowest average claim value on Agria’s list at £405.50. However, this should not be interpreted as an indication that the condition is less serious. Laminitis is painful, can require urgent veterinary attention and may need prolonged treatment and management.
A snapshot of one insurer’s claims
The figures provide an insight into the conditions generating claims among Agria’s horse insurance customers, but they do not show how common each condition is within the wider horse population.
Agria has not published the total number of claims included or the proportion represented by each category. The values shown are average insurance claims and may not reflect the complete cost of investigating, treating or rehabilitating every case.
The information should therefore be viewed as a snapshot of claims received by one insurer between January and July 2026, rather than a study of disease prevalence among UK horses.
The full list and further information about the conditions are available on the Agria Pet Insurance website.
Helpful articles, webinars and information to help you with Equine Ulcers, EGUS and Gastric issues:
- EGUS – Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
- EGUS – Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome – The Treatment Options
- Gastric / Stomach Supplements for horses reviewed
- Podcast – Alfalfa, Camelina, Canola Oil, Baking Soda and Gastric Ulcers by Dr David Marlin
- Camelina oil and Canola oil for horses with gastric ulcers
- Gastric ulcer supplements for horses under the spotlight
- Webinar – Gut Health – Dr David Marlin
