The Fitted Horse - Terms and Conditions

Updated: January 2025

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the provision of services by The Fitted Horse ("we," "us," "our") to customers ("you," "your"). By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Services Provided

1.1 Scope of Services

The Fitted Horse provides professional equine equipment fitting services including but not limited to:

Bit fitting and assessment
Bridle fitting and adjustment
Saddle fitting consultations
Equipment recommendations and sales
Follow-up assessments and adjustments

1.2 Professional Expertise

All services are provided by qualified professional fitters with appropriate training and experience. We maintain professional standards and continuing education to ensure best practice in all services delivered.

1.3 Limitations

Our services relate to equipment fitting only. We do not provide:

Veterinary diagnosis or treatment
Training or riding instruction (except as it relates to equipment use)
Guarantees of resolving behavioural issues unrelated to equipment
Services outside our professional scope of practice

2. Bookings and Appointments

2.1 Booking Process

Appointments must be booked in advance via:

Telephone: 07359 205538
Email: emma@thefittedhorse.co.uk
Website booking system (when available)

2.2 Booking Confirmation

Bookings are confirmed when:

Appointment date and time are agreed
Location details are provided
Contact information is exchanged
Any deposit (if required) is paid

2.3 Appointment Duration

Standard appointments are scheduled for:

Initial bit/bridle fitting: 60-90 minutes
Saddle assessment: 90-120 minutes
Follow-up appointments: 30-60 minutes

Actual duration may vary depending on complexity. We reserve the right to charge for additional time if appointments significantly exceed scheduled duration due to customer requirements.

2.4 Location Requirements

Customers must provide:

Safe, suitable working area with appropriate lighting
Access to facilities for assessment (arena, stable, mounting area)
Well-behaved horse in appropriate condition for assessment
Assistance if required for safety

3. Cancellations and Rescheduling

3.1 Customer Cancellations

More than 48 hours notice: Full refund or rescheduling at no charge

24-48 hours notice: 50% cancellation fee or rescheduling option (one time only)

Less than 24 hours notice: Full appointment fee charged, no rescheduling

No-show: Full appointment fee charged

3.2 Our Cancellations

If we must cancel or reschedule an appointment:

We will provide as much notice as possible
Alternative appointment times will be offered
No cancellation fees will apply
Deposits will be fully refunded if alternative arrangements cannot be made

3.3 Circumstances Beyond Control

Neither party shall be liable for cancellations due to:

Severe weather conditions making travel unsafe
Emergency veterinary situations
Illness or injury (human or equine)
Other genuine emergencies

In such circumstances, appointments will be rescheduled without penalty.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Service Fees

Current fees are listed on the Services, Costs & Booking page and in our services and prices document

Travel surcharge may be applied at £0.45 per mile beyond 20-mile radius of base location (Northampton area)

Fees are subject to change with notice. Prices quoted at time of booking are honoured.

4.2 Payment Methods

We accept:

Cash
Bank transfer
Card payments (subject to availability)
Equipment purchases may require deposit

4.3 Payment Terms

Service fees are due on the day of appointment unless alternative arrangement agreed in advance
Equipment purchases require payment before delivery/collection unless other terms agreed
Deposits are non-refundable except as specified in cancellation policy

4.4 Deposits

Deposits may be required for:

Equipment orders
Block bookings
Appointments requiring significant travel

Deposit amounts will be confirmed at booking and offset against final payment.

5. Equipment Sales and Recommendations

5.1 Recommendations

Equipment recommendations are based on:

Professional assessment at time of consultation
Information provided by customer
Observation of horse during assessment
Available equipment options

Recommendations represent professional opinion based on assessment conditions. We cannot guarantee specific outcomes.

5.2 Trial / Hire Equipment

Where trial / hire equipment is provided:

Equipment remains our property until purchased
Customer is responsible for equipment while in their possession
Damage or loss will be charged at replacement cost
Trial / hire periods are typically charged per 7 days unless otherwise agreed
Equipment must be returned clean and in original condition

5.3 Equipment Sales

All equipment sold is new unless explicitly stated otherwise
Manufacturer warranties apply where applicable
We do not provide warranties beyond manufacturer terms
Returns are accepted only for faulty equipment within 14 days of purchase
Custom-ordered equipment cannot be returned unless faulty

5.4 Equipment Ordering

Customers may order equipment through us for professional fitting service
Payment may be required before ordering
Delivery times are estimates based on supplier information
We are not liable for supplier delays beyond our control
Equipment will be fitted upon arrival as part of service

6. Health and Safety

6.1 Customer Responsibilities

Customers must:

Ensure horses are safe to handle and in appropriate condition for assessment
Disclose any known behavioural issues, vices, or health conditions
Provide safe working environment and facilities
Ensure appropriate supervision and assistance if required
Follow safety instructions provided during appointments

6.2 Our Responsibilities

We will:

Conduct assessments with due care and professional skill
Follow appropriate safety protocols
Decline to work with horses or in conditions we deem unsafe
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage

6.3 Risk Acknowledgment

Customers acknowledge that:

Working with horses carries inherent risks
Neither we nor our insurers accept liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from normal equine behaviour
Customers participate in assessments at their own risk
Appropriate insurance (public liability, personal accident) is customer's responsibility

6.4 Right to Refuse Service

We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue service if:

Working conditions are unsafe
Horse behaviour presents unacceptable risk
Customer behaviour is inappropriate, aggressive, or abusive
Professional concerns arise during assessment

7. Liability and Insurance

7.1 Professional Indemnity Insurance

We maintain professional indemnity insurance appropriate to our services.

7.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

Our liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific service
We are not liable for consequential losses, indirect damages, or loss of opportunity
We are not liable for outcomes resulting from customer's failure to follow recommendations
We are not liable for horse behaviour, injuries, or issues unrelated to equipment fitting

7.3 Equipment Liability

We are not liable for injuries or issues arising from equipment misuse
We are not liable for equipment failure due to normal wear, misuse, or damage
Manufacturer defects are covered by manufacturer warranty only
Customers must follow fitting recommendations and adjustment guidelines

7.4 Third Party Liability

We are not liable for:

Manufacturer defects in equipment
Supplier delays or failures
Veterinary conditions or issues
Training or behavioural problems unrelated to equipment
Issues arising from customer's modifications to equipment after fitting

8. Data Protection and Privacy

8.1 Information Collection

We collect and store:

Contact information (name, address, phone, email)
Horse information (name, age, breed, measurements, behavioural notes)
Equipment details and fitting records
Payment information
Assessment notes and recommendations

8.2 Data Use

Information is used for:

Providing and improving our services
Maintaining fitting records and history
Communication regarding appointments and services
Marketing communications (with consent)
Legal and regulatory compliance

8.3 Data Protection

We comply with UK data protection legislation (UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018):

Data is stored securely
Access is restricted to authorized personnel
Data is retained only as long as necessary
Customers have rights to access, correct, or request deletion of their data

8.4 Marketing Communications

Marketing emails require opt-in consent
Customers may unsubscribe at any time
We do not share customer data with third parties for marketing purposes

8.5 Photography and Testimonials

Photos or videos taken during appointments will not be used publicly without explicit consent
Testimonials will not be published without permission
Customers may request removal of published content at any time

9. Professional Standards and Conduct

9.1 Our Professional Obligations

We commit to:

Providing services with reasonable skill and care
Acting in the best interests of horse welfare
Maintaining professional standards and ethics
Respecting customer privacy and confidentiality
Continuing professional development

9.2 Customer Cooperation

Customers agree to:

Provide accurate information about horses and equipment
Disclose relevant history and issues
Follow fitting recommendations and adjustment guidance
Allow reasonable time for assessments
Communicate concerns or issues promptly

9.3 Veterinary Referral

If we identify concerns suggesting veterinary attention is needed:

We will advise customer to consult their veterinarian
We may decline to proceed with fitting until veterinary clearance obtained
We do not provide veterinary diagnosis or treatment
Equipment fitting does not replace appropriate veterinary care

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Assessment Reports and Documentation

Written reports, assessments, and recommendations remain our intellectual property
Customers receive reports for personal use only
Reports may not be reproduced or distributed without permission
Information may not be used for commercial purposes

10.2 Training Materials and Content

Educational content, guides, and materials provided remain our copyright
Content is for personal use by customers only
Commercial use, reproduction, or distribution is prohibited without written permission

11. Complaints and Disputes

11.1 Complaint Process

If you are dissatisfied with our services:

Contact us directly via email or phone to discuss concerns
We will investigate and respond within 7 working days
If resolution cannot be reached, we will work toward mutually acceptable solution

11.2 Escalation

If complaints cannot be resolved directly:

Customers may seek mediation through appropriate professional bodies
Legal action may be pursued as a last resort
All reasonable efforts will be made to resolve issues amicably

11.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. General Terms

12.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between The Fitted Horse and customers regarding services provided, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.

12.2 Amendments

We reserve the right to amend these Terms at any time. Changes will be:

Published on our website
Notified to existing customers where practical
Effective from date of publication unless otherwise stated

Continued use of services after amendments constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.

12.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

12.4 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute waiver of that provision or any other provision.

12.5 Assignment

These Terms are personal to you and may not be assigned or transferred without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms.

12.6 Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, pandemics, or other emergencies.

13. Contact Information

The Fitted Horse

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

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us using the details above.

14. Acknowledgment and Acceptance

By booking or using services from The Fitted Horse, you acknowledge that:

You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
You agree to be bound by these Terms
You accept the limitations and responsibilities outlined herein
You understand your rights and our obligations

Thank you for choosing The Fitted Horse. We look forward to serving you and your horse with professional, expert equipment fitting services.