Pricing and Fees Policy

Policy Statement

The Fitted Horse is committed to transparent, fair, and consistent pricing for all services and products. We believe clients deserve to know exactly what they're paying for and why, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

We are committed to:

• Clear, upfront pricing information
• Fair pricing that reflects expertise, time, and value provided
• Consistent pricing applied equally to all clients
• Transparent fee structures with no hidden charges
• Honest communication about costs
• Value for money through quality service and products

This policy applies to:

• Consultation and fitting services
• Product sales (new and pre-loved equipment)
• Trial equipment services
• Events, clinics, and group sessions
• Travel and mileage charges
• Cancellation and rescheduling fees
• All client transactions

Core Pricing Principles

Transparency

All prices are:

• Clearly stated before booking or purchase
• Published on website, social media, and marketing materials
• Confirmed in booking confirmations
• Explained if client has questions
• Inclusive of what's provided

No hidden fees or surprise charges - if additional costs may apply (such as travel), these are communicated upfront

Fairness and Consistency

Pricing is:

• Applied consistently to all clients (no favouritism)
• Based on service provided, not who the client is
• Fair reflection of expertise, time, and value
• Competitive with market rates for professional services
• Reviewed regularly to remain appropriate

We do NOT:

• Charge different prices to different clients for the same service
• Offer discounts based on personal relationships
• Negotiate or haggle on prices
• Apply discriminatory pricing

Exceptions

Legitimate discounts such as yard clinics, promotional offers, and loyalty programmes are applied consistently and transparently.

Value for Money

Our pricing reflects:

• Professional expertise and qualifications
• Years of experience and ongoing training
• Quality service and personalised attention
• Time spent (including preparation and follow-up)
• Business costs (travel, equipment, insurance, overheads)
• Ongoing support and advice
• Professional liability and accountability

Clients receive

• Expert professional assessment
• Honest, evidence-based recommendations
• Quality products and equipment
• Ongoing support after appointments
• Written consultation reports
• Follow-up advice and assistance

We believe in charging fair prices for professional service, not undervaluing expertise or overcharging for profit.

Service Pricing

Individual Consultations

Bridle and Bit Fitting Consultation:

Standard individual consultation fees cover a comprehensive assessment including detailed mouth and head conformation assessment, evaluation of current equipment, trial of different bits and bridles where appropriate, professional recommendations tailored to horse and rider, written consultation report, care and maintenance advice, and ongoing support and follow-up.

Consultation duration: 

Typically one to one and a half hours depending on complexity.

What's included:

• Full professional assessment
• Trial equipment during appointment
• Written recommendations
• Follow-up support via phone or email

What's NOT included:

• Purchase of equipment (priced separately)
• Trial equipment taken away (separate deposit/hire fee)
• Travel beyond standard radius (see travel charges)

Yard Clinics and Group Sessions

Yard clinics offer reduced per-horse rates when multiple horses assessed in one visit.

Minimum requirements:

• Minimum four horses (may negotiate for three depending on distance)
• Maximum eight horses per day for quality service
• All participants confirmed at least seven days before clinic

Pricing structure:

• Reduced per-horse rate compared to individual consultations
• Rate decreases with more participants (economies of scale)
• Organiser may receive additional discount or free consultation when organising six or more participants
• Travel costs shared between participants

Benefits:

• Cost-effective for groups
• Environmentally friendly (one journey serves multiple horses)
• Community building and learning
• Convenient for yard owners

See our Event and Clinic Terms for full details.

Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up consultations (returning clients within twelve months) may be offered at reduced rates for brief check-ups, equipment adjustments, or progress reviews.

Follow-up appointments include:

• Assessment of progress since initial consultation
• Adjustments to existing equipment
• Trial of alternative options if needed
• Updated recommendations

Duration: 

Typically thirty minutes to one hour.

When full consultation fee applies:

• Completely different horse or equipment issue
• Extensive reassessment needed
• Significant time since last appointment (over twelve months)
• Client preference for comprehensive consultation

Events and Demonstrations

When attending public events, trade shows, or demonstrations:

General advice and information provided free of charge at stands or public events.

Hands-on assessments may be offered at event rates (often reduced from standard consultation fees due to time constraints and setting).

Booking private consultations at events for later dates incurs standard consultation fees.

Event-specific pricing and offers clearly advertised at the event.

Travel and Mileage Charges

Standard Travel Radius

Consultations within our standard radius (approximately twenty miles from Manchester base) have travel included in consultation fee.

Exact radius and included areas available upon enquiry.

Extended Travel

For locations beyond standard radius:

Travel charges apply based on distance beyond the included radius, calculated at a per-mile rate for return journey, or flat fee for certain regular locations.

Travel fees:

• Communicated clearly when booking
• Confirmed in writing in booking confirmation
• Applied consistently based on distance
• Reasonable and fair reflection of fuel, time, and vehicle costs

Yard clinics - travel costs shared equally between all participants, making extended travel more affordable for individual clients.

Travel Time Considerations

For very distant locations (over one hour travel each way), we may require minimum booking commitments such as yard clinics with multiple horses, full-day availability for multiple appointments, or acceptance of extended travel fees.

This ensures:

• Efficient use of time
• Affordability for clients (shared costs)
• Environmental responsibility (reduced journeys)
• Business sustainability

Product Pricing

New Equipment and Products

Product pricing reflects:

• Supplier wholesale costs
• Business overheads and operating costs
• Professional expertise in selection and recommendation
• Quality of products stocked
• Market rates for similar products
• VAT (if applicable)

Our pricing approach:

• Recommended retail prices followed where set by manufacturers
• Competitive with market rates
• Fair markup to sustain business whilst providing value
• Transparent pricing (prices displayed clearly)
• Same price for all clients (no preferential pricing)

Pricing includes:

• Professional advice on product suitability
• Fitting service where appropriate
• Care and maintenance guidance
• Ongoing support with product use
• Warranty support

Pre-Loved Equipment

Second-hand equipment priced based on:

• Original quality and brand
• Current condition and age
• Remaining useful life
• Market rates for similar pre-loved items
• Safety and functionality

Pre-loved pricing typically:

• Significantly lower than new equivalent
• Fair reflection of condition
• Honest representation of value
• Comparable to second-hand market rates

All pre-loved items:

• Safety checked and cleaned
• Honestly described
• Sold with six-month guarantee (unless very old item, clearly stated)
• Subject to same returns policy as new items

See our Product Sourcing and Stock Policy and Returns and Refunds Policy for details.

Custom Orders

Custom-made or special-order items:

Pricing is supplier cost plus standard markup, with deposit required before ordering (typically fifty percent of total cost), and balance due upon delivery or collection.

Custom order terms:

• Price quoted before ordering
• Client accepts quote before order placed
• Timescales estimated (dependent on manufacturer)
• Generally non-refundable (made to specification)
• Clear terms agreed in writing

See our Returns and Refunds Policy for custom order details.

Trial Equipment

Trial During Appointments

Equipment tried during consultations at the appointment is included in the consultation fee at no additional charge.

This includes:

• Various bits tried for comparison
• Different bridle components assessed
• Professional demonstration and fitting
• Evaluation of suitability

Trial Equipment Taken Away

If clients wish to take trial equipment away to try at home or over several rides, a refundable deposit or hire fee applies.

Deposit structure:

• Amount based on equipment value
• Fully refundable upon safe return of equipment
• Return within agreed timeframe (typically one to two weeks)
• Equipment returned in same condition

Hire fee alternative:

• Small non-refundable hire fee instead of large deposit
• More affordable for clients
• Covers cleaning and administration
• Clearly communicated before trial

If equipment purchased:

• Deposit refunded or deducted from purchase price
• Hire fee already paid (not refundable)
• Client receives new or equivalent item (not the trial item if excessively worn)

See our Trial Equipment Terms for full details.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

Cancellation by Client

Cancellation fees apply based on notice given:

More than seven days' notice:

• No cancellation fee
• Full refund of any deposit paid
• Free rescheduling to alternative date

Between three and seven days' notice:

• Fifty percent cancellation fee OR free rescheduling to alternative date within three months

Less than three days' notice:

• Full consultation fee charged OR reschedule with fifty-pound rescheduling fee

Same day cancellation or no-show:

• Full consultation fee charged
• Rescheduling at full fee

Exceptions:

• Genuine emergencies (illness, injury, bereavement)
• Extreme weather making travel unsafe
• Considered on case-by-case basis with compassion

Rationale:

• Late cancellations prevent rebooking the time slot
• Preparation time and schedule planning already invested
• Fair compensation for lost income
• Encourages timely communication

Cancellation by The Fitted Horse

If we cancel appointments:

Full refund of any fees paid, with no cancellation charge to client. Rescheduling offered at earliest mutual convenience with no penalty. If unable to reschedule, full refund provided.

Reasons we might cancel:

• Illness or emergency
• Vehicle breakdown or technical issues
• Extreme weather making travel unsafe
• Unforeseen circumstances

We will:

• Notify clients as soon as possible
• Apologise for inconvenience
• Offer alternatives or full refund
• Accommodate client preferences

We are NOT liable for:

• Client travel costs to appointment location
• Other arrangements made around appointment
• Consequential losses

See our Terms and Conditions for full cancellation terms.

Payment Terms

Payment Methods

We accept:

Bank Transfer - preferred for advance payments or invoices, with bank details provided on invoice or at booking.

Cash - accepted at appointments with receipts provided. Please have correct amount if possible.

Credit or Debit Card - all major cards accepted for secure payment at appointments or over the phone.

We do NOT accept:

• Cheques (no longer accepted)
• Cryptocurrency
• Payment by trade or barter (except equipment trade-ins by agreement)

When Payment is Due

Individual consultations:

• Payment due on the day of appointment
• Payment before leaving appointment
• Invoice sent if payment to follow (due within seven days)

Yard clinics and events:

• Deposit (typically fifty percent) required to secure date
• Balance due seven days before event or on the day
• Payment arrangements confirmed when booking

Product purchases:

• Payment before goods dispatched or collected
• Trial equipment requires deposit before taking away
• Custom orders require deposit before ordering

Invoices:

• Payment terms: seven days from invoice date
• Reminders sent at seven days if unpaid
• Late payment may affect future bookings

Deposits

Deposits may be required for:

• Yard clinics and group bookings (to secure date)
• Custom orders (to commit order with supplier)
• High-value purchases (to reserve stock)
• Trial equipment (to secure safe return)

Deposit terms:

• Amount clearly stated when booking
• Refund policy explained
• Deducted from final balance
• Non-refundable deposits clearly identified

Discounts and Promotions

Standard Discounts

Yard clinics: Reduced per-horse rate compared to individual consultations. Organiser discounts available for six or more participants.

Returning clients: Follow-up appointments may be offered at reduced rates for brief check-ups within twelve months.

Multiple horses: Discounts may apply when assessing multiple horses for the same owner in one visit.

Pre-loved equipment: Inherently discounted compared to new equivalents.

Promotional Offers

Occasional promotions may include:

• Seasonal discounts
• Launch offers for new services
• Referral incentives
• Loyalty rewards

All promotions:

• Clearly advertised with terms
• Available to all eligible clients equally
• Time-limited with clear end dates
• Cannot be combined unless stated
• Terms and conditions apply

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers purchased at face value can be used toward consultations, products, or services.

Voucher terms:

• Valid for twelve months from purchase
• Non-refundable
• Not exchangeable for cash
• Can be used for partial payment with balance paid by standard methods

See our Gift Voucher Terms and Conditions for full details.

Price Changes

When Prices Change

Prices are reviewed:

• Annually as part of business planning
• When supplier costs change significantly
• When business costs increase (fuel, insurance, overheads)
• To remain competitive with market rates
• In response to economic factors (inflation, etc.)

Price increases:

• Communicated in advance via website, social media, and email
• Existing bookings honoured at quoted price
• Applied fairly and consistently
• Explained if clients ask

Price Protection

Prices quoted for bookings are honoured:

• Price at time of booking applies
• Protected against increases before appointment
• Even if prices rise between booking and appointment
• Written confirmation shows agreed price

Custom orders:

• Price based on supplier quote at time of ordering
• If supplier increases price after quote, discussed with client
• Client can accept increase or cancel order

Invoicing and Receipts

Invoices

Invoices provided for:

• Payment to follow appointment
• Yard clinics and group bookings
• Product purchases
• Custom orders

Invoices include:

• Date and invoice number
• Client details
• Description of services or products
• Itemised costs
• VAT breakdown (if applicable)
• Payment terms and due date
• Payment methods and bank details

Invoices sent via:

• Email (PDF attachment) - preferred
• Post (if client prefers)
• Handed at appointment (if immediate payment)

Receipts

Receipts provided for all payments:

• Issued immediately upon payment
• Email or printed as client prefers
• Shows payment amount, method, and date
• Reference to service or product purchased

Receipt retention:

• Clients advised to keep for records
• Warranty and guarantee purposes
• Tax or business expense records

VAT (Value Added Tax)

VAT Registration

Current VAT status:

• Not currently VAT registered (turnover below threshold)
• Prices include all applicable taxes
• No VAT charged or reclaimable

If VAT registration becomes required:

• Clients notified in advance
• VAT added to prices and clearly shown
• VAT number provided on invoices
• VAT-registered clients can reclaim VAT

Prices will be shown:

• Inclusive of VAT where applicable
• With VAT breakdown on invoices
• Clearly communicated

Refunds

Refund policy varies by situation:

Service cancellations - refunded based on cancellation terms (see Section seven).

Product returns - refunded within fourteen days if unopened and unsuitable, subject to Returns and Refunds Policy.

Custom orders - generally non-refundable (made to order).

Trial equipment deposits - refunded upon safe return of equipment.

Gift vouchers - non-refundable once purchased.

See our Returns and Refunds Policy for complete refund terms.

Pricing Enquiries and Transparency

Getting Price Information

To find out our current prices:

📧 Email: emma@thefittedhorse.co.uk
📱 Phone: 07359 205538
🌐 Website: www.thefittedhorse.co.uk
💬 Social Media: Enquire via Facebook or Instagram

We provide:

• Clear, upfront pricing information
• Detailed quotes for specific requirements
• Explanation of what's included
• Travel cost estimates for your location
• Written confirmation of agreed prices

Price Matching and Negotiation

We do NOT:

• Price match competitors (our pricing reflects our unique service)
• Negotiate or haggle on prices
• Offer discounts for pressure or complaining
• Undervalue our professional expertise

We DO:

• Offer legitimate discounts (yard clinics, returning clients)
• Explain our pricing and value provided
• Ensure fair, competitive pricing
• Stand by the quality and value we offer

Our prices reflect professional expertise, quality service, business costs, and fair value - we don't compete solely on price.

Client Responsibilities

Payment Obligations

Clients are responsible for:

• Paying agreed fees on time
• Understanding pricing before booking
• Providing payment at appointments
• Settling invoices within seven days
• Communicating if payment difficulties arise

Questioning Prices

Clients have the right to:

• Ask about pricing before booking
• Request itemised breakdowns
• Understand what's included in fees
• Query invoices if unclear or incorrect
• Discuss concerns about charges

We encourage:

• Open communication about pricing
• Questions before booking
• Clarification of any confusion
• Honest dialogue about affordability

We will:

• Explain pricing clearly and patiently
• Correct genuine errors
• Consider circumstances if payment difficulties arise
• Work with clients where possible

Complaints About Pricing

If you have concerns about pricing or charges:

Contact us immediately via email at emma@thefittedhorse.co.uk or phone at 07359 205538.

We will:

• Listen to your concerns
• Investigate any discrepancies
• Explain charges clearly
• Correct genuine errors
• Discuss resolution options

See our Complaints Policy for full procedures.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually (minimum) each January, when pricing structures change, following client feedback, in response to market changes, and when business costs significantly change.

Updates will be:

• Communicated via website and social media
• Applied to new bookings (existing bookings honoured at agreed price)
• Explained if clients enquire
• Documented with version control

"Fair prices for professional service. Clear communication about costs. No hidden fees. Excellent value."