Austria
Finland
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Europe
Australia
Hong Kong
New Zealand
Singapore
USA
David Ashby Underwriting
Premium cover for high-value horses
Ashby Underwriting provides tailor-made insurance for thoroughbreds and sports horses. We cover a wide range of clients throughout the bloodstock and equine industries.
We are an active and visible presence in the equestrian world. Many of our insured horses compete in some of the world’s top races and events, including the Olympic games, World Championships, and on the Global Champions Tour, where we sponsor the Scandinavian Vikings. We also sponsor top jockey and Royal Ascot winner Rossa Ryan.
Combining underwriting excellence with a passion for horses, our team is well-placed to help meet the complex needs of our insureds. Many of our underwriters are horse owners, riders, and breeders, with a hands-on understanding of current and emerging equine risks. Our policy wordings are informed by hard-earned experience, with the flexibility to accommodate our insureds’ evolving needs.
Who we work with
Using the London market as our base, we have a far-reaching international scope and have clients worldwide from regions such as the UK, Europe, North America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.
Working with brokers and agents, and directly with horse owners, we provide cover for:
- Horse owners
- Riders
- Trainers
- Horse transporters
- Veterinary practices
- Stud farms
Our coverages
All risks of mortality and theft
Compensation for if the worst should happen, through death or theft.
Loss of use
Indemnity for horses unable to fulfil the purpose for which they were insured.
Stallion Infertility
Protection against financial loss if a stallion is unable to breed due to permanent disability.
Stallion First Season Subfertility
Financial losses should a stallion prove to be subfertile.
Unsoundness of Wind
Failure of a horse at veterinary exam pertaining to its larynx.
Operations Insurance
Funds to help meet the cost of life saving surgeries.
Transport insurance
Short-term mortality cover for horses in transit.
Care, Custody and Control Insurance
Liability cover for claims arising from the death and injury of horses in the insured’s care.
Veterinary Fees
Cover for the veterinary costs of treatments for accidents or illnesses.
Prospective foal and embryo transfer
Mitigation against financial losses following failed pregnancies or embryo transfer during pregnancy or post foaling.
Specialist expertise, ready to serve
Our team has a level of care and expertise developed by a lifetime in stables and insurance. From pre-purchase to ad-hoc veterinary advice throughout the policy period, we are available to support our insureds.
For claims involving an insured’s injured or sick horse, receiving quality treatment is paramount. We have a global network of veterinary experts at hand. Developed over many years of industry experience, we help to connect our insureds to our most experienced specialist for the issue.
David
David Ashby
David Ashby
Managing Director and Lead Underwriter
Since helping his father raise foals when he was a boy, Chief Underwriter David Ashby has experienced the equine world from a variety of perspectives. As well as competing himself, his horses have gone on to feature at prestigious events, including Royal Ascot, The Cheltenham Festival, The Grand National and World Championships. Having underwritten equine insurance for over 30 years, David has a unique understanding of the needs of insureds.
M: +44 (0)7881 922 110
E: [email protected]
Simon
Simon Hepworth
Simon Hepworth
Head of Operations
I have worked in Bloodstock for over 15 years, first at MS Amlin managing the operations of the bloodstock service company, then with the establishment of David Ashby Underwriting Ltd as an MGA and now at our new home with DUAL.
My role encompasses all non-underwriting aspects of the business, including business planning, systems, risk, compliance and oversight of underwriting operations.
E: [email protected]
Terrie
Terrie Frazer
Terrie Frazer
Underwriter
I have been working with David in the bloodstock insurance market for over nine years. My love of horses started from a young age where I spent all my free time riding ponies. As a teenager, I got more involved on the thoroughbred side when I rode out for a local National Hunt trainer. I went on to study Equine Science at the University of Limerick. I thereafter worked a few thoroughbred breeding seasons between Australia and Ireland, where I worked with mares and foals. I also participated in yearling preparation and sales before moving to London to embark on my career in the insurance industry.
E: [email protected]
Mark
Mark Weeks
Mark Weeks
Underwriter
After Edinburgh University I completed the British Horse Racing Authority’s graduate placement at Tattersalls. This was followed by time in the racing industry as a Pupil Assistant to Charles Egerton and five years as Assistant to Alan King. Six years followed as a broker before a move to underwriting in 2018 at MS Amlin prior to the founding of Ashby Underwriting in 2020.
E: [email protected]
Sarah
Sarah Gearing
Sarah Gearing
Underwriter
I have been working as an Equine Underwriter for over 20 years. I’ve developed my Equine Underwriting experience over this time, both on the Equestrian and Bloodstock side, having worked for a number of companies within the insurance sector and now implementing my knowledge as an underwriter at DAU. Prior to that, I completed a BSc in Equine Business management and have had a keen love of horses from a very young age. I compete regularly, currently at a 2-star level in British eventing, hoping to go Intermediate this year, and I also have another young horse that we are producing.
E: [email protected]
Heidi
Heidi Roberts
Heidi Roberts
Underwriter
I have worked with David in bloodstock insurance since 2012. Prior to that, I did six years at Hiscox, 3 of those in the bloodstock team, and I have had my own horses during this period. I compete mainly in dressage with my ex-racehorse and really enjoy watching the racing at the weekend and the Global Championship Tour/ dressage competitions when they are on.
E: [email protected]
Hayley
Hayley Sparkes
Hayley Sparkes
Underwriting Assistant
I started work in the broking industry in many classes of business, including both bloodstock and General insurance, with roles at various companies for 14 years and then took a break from insurance but providing retail equipment and clothing to the Racing industry. I joined DAU in May 2020, where I provide underwriting support and apply my experience in bloodstock insurance. I own two ex-flat racehorses hacking and competing at Dressage to Novice level.
E: [email protected]
Chelsey Jane
Chelsey Jane Te Whare
Chelsey Jane Te Whare
Underwriting Assistant
I have been working in Equine underwriting for over 3 years, starting in the industry straight from college and joining David Ashby in May 2023 as an underwriting assistant. At college, I studied A Level Chemistry, Biology and Physical Education with an aspiration of being an equine vet; however, a job opportunity came up instead within insurance. My interest in insurance has now blossomed, and even better, I am still able to boost my veterinary knowledge each and every day. I have always had a keen love for horses since I started riding at the age of 4, and I currently have a 12 year old warmblood by the show jumping stallion Cassini I, which I have had since she was 5 years old and hope to breed one day.
E: [email protected]
Abigail
Abigail Haastrup
Abigail Haastrup
Personal Assistant
I have worked as a personal assistant for over 4 years in various industries, joining David in April 2023. Prior to and in between, I worked in real estate and completed a BSc in Psychology. I mainly support David, managing schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, organising marketing, and facilitating effective communication with underwriters and diverse teams while adapting to evolving priorities. Although the insurance sector is relatively new to me, I have enjoyed learning and continuing to learn.
E: [email protected]
News and media
David Ashby Underwriting renews sponsorship of the Scandinavian Vikings
David Ashby Underwriting, part of DUAL Group, today announces the renewal of...
David Ashby Underwriting renews sponsorship for rising jockey Rossa Ryan
DUAL completes acquisition of David Ashby Underwriting
This acquisition cements DUAL as a leader in the bloodstock underwriting arena...
