This summer, emergency rooms across the country are reporting an alarming spike in tick bite cases—the highest numbers seen since 2017. And while most headlines focus on kids and hikers, horse owners and rural property managers are just as vulnerable to the risks, especially in barn environments and pastures where ticks thrive.
At Sea Mountain Insurance, we’re tuned into trends that affect your livelihood. Here's what this tick surge means for you, your horses, and why insurance might play a bigger role than you think.
Ticks love tall grass, wooded trails, and humid conditions—a perfect match for barns and pastureland. Horses can easily pick up ticks during turnout or trail rides, and the risk doesn’t end at the pasture gate. Some tick-borne illnesses can spread to humans and other animals, creating serious health and liability concerns.
Common diseases affecting horses include Lyme disease, equine piroplasmosis, and anaplasmosis. These illnesses can cause lameness, fever, muscle stiffness, and costly vet bills.
While we all hope to avoid these situations, tick-borne illnesses can lead to:
Our equine insurance policies may offer protection that includes vet expense, liability coverage, and loss-of-use options. We can also advise you on risk mitigation strategies that may reduce your premium and exposure.
Simple daily habits can help prevent tick bites:
Experts are warning that 2025 could be a banner year for ticks due to mild winters and wet springs. Diseases that were once confined to certain regions are now expanding into new territory, including parts of the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and the South.
For those who work, ride, and live around horses, that means a higher risk of exposure—and a greater need to have your bases covered.
Our team includes equine specialists who understand the daily risks you face. We’ll help you build a policy that not only protects your horses and your property, but also supports your role as a responsible owner or manager.
Let us help you:
Tick season isn’t going away—but with the right coverage and prevention, you can keep your animals safe and your risks low.
Contact Sea Mountain Insurance today to talk with our equine insurance experts and make sure you’re ready for whatever 2025 brings.
