Policy Statement

The Fitted Horse recognises that comprehensive equine care requires collaboration between multiple professionals. We believe in working together with other equine professionals, building strong referral networks, and creating partnerships that benefit horses and their owners.

We are committed to:

• Collaborating with other professionals for holistic horse welfare
• Making appropriate referrals when issues fall outside our scope
• Building mutually respectful professional relationships
• Maintaining client-centred approach in all partnerships
• Operating ethically and transparently in referral arrangements
• Supporting the wider equestrian professional community

This policy applies to:

• Referrals we make to other professionals
• Referrals we receive from other professionals
• Professional partnerships and collaborations
• Yard relationships and partnerships
• Educational and networking activities
• Commission and fee arrangements

Core Principles

Horse Welfare First

All referral and partnership decisions prioritise horse welfare above commercial considerations.

We will:

• Refer to professionals best suited to help the horse
• Recommend the most appropriate specialists regardless of relationships
• Never compromise horse welfare for financial gain
• Decline partnerships that conflict with welfare values
• Put client and horse needs before business interests

Professional Integrity

Our referrals and partnerships are based on:

• Professional competence and expertise
• Ethical practice and standards
• Reputation and track record
• Quality of service provided
• Genuine benefit to clients and horses

NOT based on:

• Commission payments or kickbacks alone
• Personal friendships without professional merit
• Financial incentives that compromise judgment
• Pressure or obligation
• Reciprocal arrangement expectations

Client-Centred Approach

The client's best interests guide all referrals and partnerships:

• Clients always informed when we're making referrals
• Clients have final choice of which professional to use
• Clients informed of any financial relationships
• Clients never pressured to use specific professionals
• Alternative options provided where appropriate
• Client autonomy respected

Transparency

We are transparent about:

• Why we're making referrals
• Our relationships with recommended professionals
• Any commission or fee arrangements
• Scope of our expertise and limitations
• What clients can expect from referrals
• Professional networks and partnerships

Making Referrals to Other Professionals

When We Refer

We refer clients to other professionals when:

Beyond Our Scope:

• Veterinary issues (pain, injury, illness, lameness)
• Dental problems (sharp teeth, hooks, wolf teeth, jaw issues)
• Saddle fitting concerns (back pain, saddle slip, pressure points)
• Training or behavioural issues requiring specialist intervention
• Physiotherapy or bodywork needs
• Farriery concerns (hoof balance, shoeing issues)
• Nutritional advice beyond basic guidance
• Legal or insurance matters

Complementary Services:

• Integrated approach benefits the horse (e.g., dental work before bit fitting)
• Multiple professionals needed for complex issues
• Coordinated treatment plan required
• Specialist expertise valuable alongside our work

Client Request:

• Client asks for recommendations
• Client seeks second opinion
• Client needs services we don't provide

How We Refer

Our referral process:

Assessment and Discussion:

• Identify the need for specialist input
• Explain to client why referral appropriate
• Discuss what the specialist can offer
• Answer client questions about the referral

Recommendations:

• Suggest qualified, reputable professionals
• Provide multiple options where possible (client choice)
• Explain why we recommend these professionals
• Share contact details and relevant information
• Disclose any professional relationships

Client Choice:

• Client makes final decision on which professional to use
• Client can choose someone not on our list
• No pressure to use our recommendations
• Support client's choice regardless

Communication:

• With client permission, inform referred professional of context
• Provide relevant background to help specialist
• Share assessment findings if appropriate
• Coordinate care when beneficial

Follow-Up:

• Check client followed through with referral if critical
• Ask about experience with referred professional
• Coordinate ongoing care if needed
• Learn from outcomes to improve future referrals

Who We Refer To

We maintain referral networks of trusted professionals including:

Veterinary Surgeons:

• Local equine vets for medical issues
• Specialist vets for complex conditions
• Emergency vet contacts
• Referral hospitals for serious cases

Equine Dental Technicians:

• Qualified, experienced dental technicians
• Vets offering dental services
• Specialists for complex dental issues

Saddle Fitters:

• Qualified, professional saddle fitters
• Society of Master Saddlers members where possible
• Specialists in different saddle types or disciplines

Physiotherapists and Bodyworkers:

• Qualified equine physiotherapists
• McTimoney chiropractors
• Massage therapists
• Osteopaths
• ACPAT or equivalent registered practitioners

Trainers and Coaches:

• Qualified, experienced trainers
• Specialists in specific disciplines
• Behaviour specialists
• Ground work experts
• BHSAI qualified or equivalent

Farriers:

• Registered farriers
• Remedial farriers for specialist work
• Barefoot trimmers

Equine Nutritionists:

• Qualified equine nutritionists
• Feed company advisors
• Specialist dietary consultants

Other Specialists:

• Equine insurance advisors
• Equestrian solicitors
• Equine photographers
• Stable equipment suppliers
• Yard management consultants

Referral Criteria

We refer to professionals who:

✅ Are Qualified and Competent:

• Hold appropriate qualifications
• Are registered with professional bodies where applicable
• Have proven experience and expertise
• Maintain CPD and current knowledge

✅ Share Our Values:

• Prioritise horse welfare
• Practice ethically and honestly
• Communicate professionally
• Respect client autonomy
• Collaborate effectively

✅ Provide Quality Service:

• Consistent positive client feedback
• Good professional reputation
• Reliable and responsive
• Professional conduct and standards

✅ Are Accessible:

• Serve our geographic area
• Available within reasonable timeframes
• Appropriately priced for services provided
• Clear communication with clients

We review referral partners regularly based on:

• Client feedback and experiences
• Professional outcomes and results
• Changes in qualifications or practice
• Ongoing professional relationship
• Any concerns or issues arising

Receiving Referrals from Others

Sources of Referrals

We receive referrals from:

Equine Professionals:

• Veterinary surgeons
• Equine dental technicians
• Saddle fitters
• Physiotherapists and bodyworkers
• Trainers and coaches
• Farriers

Existing Clients:

• Word-of-mouth recommendations
• Client testimonials and reviews
• Social media shares and tags

Yards and Liveries:

• Yard owners and managers
• Recommended to liveries
• Yard open days and visits

Events and Networking:

• Trade shows and demonstrations
• Professional networking
• Educational events

Online Presence:

• Website searches
• Social media discovery
• Online directories and listings

Acknowledging Referrals

When we receive referrals, we:

Thank the Referring Professional:

• Acknowledge the referral with thanks
• Provide feedback on outcome (with client permission)
• Maintain professional relationship
• Reciprocate referrals where appropriate

Serve the Client Professionally:

• Provide excellent service regardless of referral source
• No preferential treatment (all clients treated equally)
• Focus on client and horse needs
• Build trust and relationship

Respect Client Confidentiality:

• Don't share client information without permission
• Professional discretion maintained
• Only feed back to referrer with client consent
• GDPR compliance

Referring Back

We may refer clients back to original professional when:

• Our work is complete
• Ongoing care needed from original professional
• Issue identified requiring their expertise
• Coordinated care plan requires continuation
• Follow-up with original professional beneficial

With client permission:

• Share findings and recommendations
• Provide fitting report or summary
• Coordinate integrated care approach
• Support continuity of care

Professional Partnerships

Types of Partnerships

Informal Partnerships:

• Professional networks and relationships
• Mutual referral arrangements
• Collaborative care without formal agreement
• Professional courtesy and cooperation

Formal Partnerships:

• Written partnership agreements
• Coordinated service offerings
• Joint events or clinics
• Business collaborations

Yard Partnerships:

• Recommended provider at specific yards
• Regular visits to livery yards
• Collaborative relationship with yard owner
• Services to yard community

Event Collaborations:

• Co-hosting educational clinics
• Joint demonstrations or workshops
• Trade show partnerships
• Collaborative marketing

Partnership Criteria

We partner with professionals and organisations that:

✅ Share Our Values:

• Horse welfare priority
• Professional integrity
• Ethical practice
• Quality service
• Client-centred approach

✅ Complement Our Services:

• Offer different but related expertise
• Create holistic care opportunities
• Add value for clients
• Fill gaps in service provision

✅ Maintain Professional Standards:

• Appropriately qualified
• Good reputation
• Professional conduct
• Clear communication
• Reliable and responsive

✅ Benefit Clients:

• Convenient access to multiple services
• Coordinated care
• Value for money
• Enhanced service quality
• Better outcomes for horses

Partnership Agreements

Formal partnerships include:

Written Agreement Covering:

• Services provided by each party
• Roles and responsibilities
• Financial arrangements (if any)
• Marketing and branding
• Client communication protocols
• Data sharing and confidentiality
• Dispute resolution
• Termination terms

Regular Review:

• Annual partnership review
• Assessment of client satisfaction
• Evaluation of outcomes
• Adjustment of terms if needed
• Renewal or termination decisions

Commission and Financial Arrangements

Our Approach to Commissions

We believe in transparency about financial relationships.

Commission Arrangements:

We DO:

• Accept reasonable commission or referral fees where appropriate
• Disclose commission arrangements to clients
• Ensure commissions don't compromise recommendations
• Base referrals on professional merit first, financial arrangement second
• Refuse commissions that create conflicts of interest

We DO NOT:

• Make referrals solely for financial gain
• Recommend inferior services for higher commission
• Hide commission arrangements from clients
• Accept kickbacks for inappropriate referrals
• Compromise horse welfare for financial benefit

Disclosure to Clients

When commission arrangements exist:

We inform clients:

• That we may receive referral fee or commission
• That recommendation is based on professional merit
• That client is free to choose any professional
• Amount or nature of commission if client asks
• That our primary concern is client and horse welfare

Disclosure methods:

• Verbally when making referral
• Written in consultation reports
• Website or policy documents
• Response to direct questions

Example disclosure: "I'm recommending [Professional Name] because [professional reasons]. I should mention that I receive a small referral fee when I recommend them, but I only refer to professionals I genuinely trust and believe will help your horse. You're absolutely free to choose any professional you prefer."

Commission We Pay

Referrals TO Us:

We may pay commission or referral fees to:

• Yard owners for recommending us to liveries (modest finder's fee)
• Professional partners for referrals (reciprocal arrangement)
• Affiliates or marketing partners (transparent arrangements)

Commission terms:

• Clearly agreed in advance
• Documented in writing
• Fair and reasonable amounts
• Compliant with professional standards
• Disclosed to clients if relevant

We do NOT pay:

• Excessive or inappropriate fees
• Commissions that create pressure to refer inappropriately
• Kickbacks that compromise professional judgment

Yard Relationships

Working with Livery Yards

We value relationships with yards and may:

• Visit yards regularly for multiple clients
• Be recommended provider for yard liveries
• Attend yard open days or events
• Provide group yard clinics
• Build ongoing relationships with yard owners

Yard Recommendations

When yards recommend us:

We appreciate:

• Trust and confidence in our services
• Introductions to new clients
• Support for our business

We provide:

• Excellent service to yard clients
• Professional conduct on yard premises
• Respectful relationship with yard staff
• Flexibility and cooperation
• Feedback and communication

We may offer:

• Yard clinic discounts for multiple horses
• Regular visit schedules
• Modest commission or finder's fee to yard
• Partnership arrangements

We do NOT:

• Pressure yards to recommend us exclusively
• Criticise other professionals visiting the yard
• Behave inappropriately or unprofessionally
• Compromise welfare for yard relationships

Yard Etiquette

When visiting yards:

• Respect yard rules and protocols
• Professional conduct at all times
• Tidy working area
• Safe parking and vehicle positioning
• Courtesy to other yard users
• Respectful of yard facilities
• Communication with yard owner/manager

Educational Collaborations

Joint Educational Events

We may collaborate with other professionals on:

• Educational clinics and workshops
• Demonstrations and talks
• Webinars and online content
• Articles or written content
• Social media educational collaborations

Benefits:

• Sharing knowledge and expertise
• Educating horse owners
• Building professional relationships
• Supporting the equestrian community
• Advancing horse welfare

Knowledge Sharing

We participate in:

• Professional networking events
• Industry conferences and seminars
• Peer discussion groups
• CPD activities with other professionals
• Mentoring or being mentored

We contribute:

• Our expertise and experience
• Case study sharing (with client permission)
• Professional insights
• Support for colleagues
• Industry development

Professional Boundaries

Scope of Practice

We work within our professional boundaries:

Our Expertise:

• Bridle and bit fitting
• Assessment of equipment fit and function
• Recommendations for appropriate equipment
• Understanding mouth conformation and anatomy
• Professional fitting advice

NOT Our Expertise:

• Veterinary diagnosis or treatment
• Equine dentistry
• Saddle fitting (basic understanding but not specialist)
• Training or behavioural intervention
• Physiotherapy or bodywork
• Farriery

When Issues Arise Outside Our Scope:

• We acknowledge limitations honestly
• We refer to appropriate qualified professionals
• We don't attempt to diagnose or treat beyond our competence
• We collaborate where our expertise overlaps with others

Respecting Other Professionals

We maintain professional respect by:

NOT:

• Criticising other professionals publicly
• Undermining their recommendations inappropriately
• Claiming superiority without evidence
• Speaking negatively about competitors
• Interfering with other professionals' client relationships

Instead:

• Acknowledging different approaches and expertise
• Respectful disagreement when necessary
• Professional dialogue about concerns
• Collaboration for client benefit
• Supporting professional community

If we disagree with another professional's advice:

• Discuss privately with professional if appropriate
• Explain concerns to client factually
• Provide evidence for alternative view
• Respect client's choice
• Maintain professional courtesy

Client Choice and Autonomy

Respecting Client Decisions

Clients have absolute right to:

• Choose which professionals to use
• Seek second opinions
• Decline our referrals
• Use professionals not on our list
• Make their own healthcare decisions for their horse

We support client autonomy by:

• Providing recommendations not prescriptions
• Offering multiple options where possible
• Respecting choices even if we disagree
• Continuing to serve clients regardless of their choices
• No pressure or judgment

Second Opinions

We support clients seeking second opinions:

From Us:

• Happy to provide second opinions on fitting issues
• Honest professional assessment
• Respectful of previous professional's work
• Focused on client and horse welfare

From Others:

• Encourage clients to seek second opinion if uncertain
• No offense taken
• Professional confidence in our recommendations
• Client peace of mind valued

Ending Professional Relationships

When We Stop Referring

We may stop referring to a professional if:

• Consistent poor client feedback
• Concerns about professional standards
• Change in qualifications or competence
• Ethical concerns or welfare issues
• Professional relationship breaks down
• They request we stop referring

Process:

• Discussion with professional if appropriate
• Gradual transition to alternative referrals
• Communication to clients if they ask
• Professional handling of situation

Partnership Termination

Formal partnerships may end due to:

• Change in business direction
• Breach of partnership terms
• Poor outcomes or client dissatisfaction
• Changes in qualifications or practice
• Mutual agreement

Termination handled:

• According to partnership agreement terms
• Professionally and respectfully
• With appropriate notice period
• Minimal disruption to clients
• Clear communication

Record Keeping and Data Protection

Referral Records

We maintain records of:

• Referrals made and to whom
• Reasons for referrals
• Client consent for referral
• Feedback and outcomes
• Professional contact details

Records used for:

• Quality improvement
• Client service continuity
• Evaluating referral partners
• Communication and coordination

Data Sharing

When sharing client information with other professionals:

• Client consent obtained first
• Only relevant information shared
• Secure communication methods used
• GDPR compliance maintained
• Professional confidentiality respected

See our Privacy Policy and GDPR Policy for full data protection details.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually (minimum) each January, following significant partnership changes, based on client or professional feedback, when professional standards evolve, and after any referral-related issues or concerns.

Updates reflect:

• Changes in professional relationships
• Evolution of referral networks
• Client feedback and needs
• Professional standards development
• Legal or regulatory changes

Contact Information

To discuss referrals or partnerships:

📧 Email: emma@thefittedhorse.co.uk
📱 Phone: 07359 205538
🌐 Website: www.thefittedhorse.co.uk

We welcome:

• Partnership enquiries from qualified professionals
• Referrals from professionals and clients
• Collaboration opportunities
• Questions about our referral network
• Feedback on referral experiences

"Working together for healthier, happier horses. Professional collaboration, client-centred care, transparent relationships."