Terms & Conditions

Definitions & Interpretation

In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply unless the context otherwise requires:

• "Equestria", "we", "us", "our" means Equestria Riding Club Ltd., a company incorporated and registered in the State of [State], with company registration number [000000] and whose registered address is [Ranch Address], [City], [State], [ZIP Code].
• "You", "your" means the individual, or entity acting on behalf of an individual, who accesses our website, makes a booking, attends our facilities, or uses any of our services.
• "Services" means all services offered by Equestria including but not limited to riding lessons, horse tours, ranch services, livery, equestrian events, clinics, summer camps, and kids training programs.
• "Facilities" means our indoor and outdoor arenas, stable blocks, paddocks, trails, parking areas, the Owner Lounge, and all other areas within the Equestria ranch boundary.
• "Booking" means any reservation made by you for any Service, whether made online, by telephone, by email, or in person.
• "Session" means any individual riding lesson, clinic, tour, event, or other timed equestrian activity.
• "Livery Owner" means any person who keeps a horse or pony in the care of Equestria under a livery agreement.
• "Member" means any individual who holds a current paid membership with Equestria Club.
• "Minor" means any person under the age of 18 years.
• "Guardian" means a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult with parental responsibility for a Minor.
• "Force Majeure" means any event beyond our reasonable control including but not limited to extreme weather, acts of God, pandemic, government regulation, or horse illness/injury.

References to "including" or "include" shall be construed without limitation. Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. The singular includes the plural and vice versa.

Acceptance of Terms

By making a Booking, attending our Facilities, using our Services, or accessing our website, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional terms specific to the Service you are using.

If you are making a Booking on behalf of another person (including a Minor), you confirm that you have the authority to do so and that the person on whose behalf you are booking has been made aware of, and agrees to, these Terms and Conditions.

We reserve the right to refuse service to any person who does not comply with these Terms and Conditions, our Yard Rules, or whose conduct poses a risk to the safety of staff, other visitors, or horses.

Membership

Equestria offers Individual, Family, and Corporate membership tiers, each with different benefits including priority booking, discounted session rates, access to members-only events, and use of certain facilities. Full details of current membership benefits are available on our website and may be updated periodically.

Membership applications are subject to approval by Equestria. We reserve the right to decline any membership application at our sole discretion without being required to provide reasons. Membership is personal and non-transferable.

Membership fees are due annually or monthly as selected at the time of application. Memberships renew automatically unless cancelled in writing at least 30 days before the renewal date. Fees are reviewed annually; we will provide at least 60 days' notice of any fee increase.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate a membership immediately if the member breaches these Terms and Conditions, engages in conduct detrimental to other members, staff, or horses, or fails to pay fees when due. In such cases, no refund of prepaid fees will be provided.

Members wishing to cancel their membership must do so in writing. Where membership is cancelled by the member mid-period, fees for the remainder of that period are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Bookings & Payments

Bookings may be made online via our website, by telephone, or in person at the yard office. A Booking is not confirmed until you receive written confirmation from Equestria (by email or otherwise). We reserve the right to decline or cancel any Booking at our discretion.

Certain Services require a deposit at the time of booking. The deposit amount will be clearly stated during the booking process. The balance is due no later than 48 hours before the Session unless otherwise stated. Full payment is required at the time of booking for Sessions booked within 48 hours of the start time.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, bank transfer, and cash. All prices are inclusive of applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. We reserve the right to change our pricing at any time; changes will not affect confirmed Bookings.

Block booking discounts apply to the number of sessions purchased at the time of payment. Discounted block sessions must be used within 6 months of purchase. Unused sessions in a block are non-refundable after the 6-month period. Block sessions are non-transferable to another person unless agreed in writing by Equestria management.

Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and may be used against any Equestria Service. Gift vouchers are non-refundable, non-redeemable for cash, and cannot be applied retrospectively to completed bookings. Lost or stolen vouchers cannot be replaced.

Cancellations & Refunds

You may cancel a Booking by notifying us in writing (email is acceptable). Your right to a refund or credit depends on the notice period given, as set out below:

We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any Session due to extreme weather, horse illness or injury, instructor unavailability, insufficient bookings, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. In such cases, we will offer you either a full refund or a rebooking at no additional cost.

We will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible when cancelling Sessions but cannot guarantee advance notice in emergency situations (e.g. a horse becoming suddenly unwell on the day of a session).

Failure to attend a booked Session without prior notice ("no-show") will result in forfeiture of the full session fee with no refund, credit, or replacement offered.

Equestria provides year-round indoor and outdoor facilities. Sessions will proceed in most weather conditions. We reserve the right to cancel outdoor sessions only in extreme weather (lightning storms, flooding, ice, or conditions deemed dangerous by management). Indoor sessions will proceed as scheduled in all weather.

Riding Lessons

All new riders undergo an ability assessment during their first session. Equestria reserves the right to place riders in appropriate ability groups at our instructors' sole discretion, and to move riders between groups as their skills develop. If a rider is assessed as unsafe for the booked level, they may be moved to a different class or offered a refund.

All riders must wear an approved riding helmet (PAS 015 or equivalent) and appropriate footwear (heeled boots or approved footwear) for every lesson. Equestria provides helmets and body protectors at no charge. Riders may use their own equipment provided it meets the required safety standards; we reserve the right to refuse the use of equipment that does not meet standards.

Equestria allocates horses to riders at the sole discretion of our instructors, taking into account rider ability, horse temperament, and horse welfare. We cannot guarantee that a specific horse will be available for any given session. Horses may be changed between or during sessions where necessary for safety or welfare reasons.

For the welfare of our horses, a maximum combined rider and equipment weight limit of 17 stone (108 kg / 238 lbs) applies to all riding activities. Riders who exceed this limit will not be permitted to ride. If you are unsure whether this limit applies to you, please contact us before booking.

Riders must be in adequate health and physical condition to participate safely. You must inform us at the time of booking and before each session of any medical conditions, injuries, disabilities, pregnancy, or recent surgical procedures that may affect your ability to ride safely. We reserve the right to refuse participation on medical safety grounds.

Horse Tours & Trail Rides

Participation in guided horse tours is subject to age, weight, and experience requirements as stated on the relevant tour page. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a participating adult on an adjacent horse. No unaccompanied minors are permitted on trail rides.

Our lead guide has sole authority over the pace, route, and duration of all trail rides. Routes and paces may be altered at any time at the guide's discretion for safety, welfare, or weather-related reasons. If you are not comfortable at the pace set, you must inform your guide immediately.

All riders must follow guide instructions at all times during trail rides. Overtaking the lead guide, using mobile phones whilst riding, dismounting without instruction, and any behaviour deemed dangerous by the guide is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate removal from the trail. No refund will be given in such circumstances.

Riders may take photographs from horseback during tours but must do so without using flash, making sudden movements, or in any way disturbing the horses. Selfie sticks and drones are not permitted. Video calls and playing audio from devices during rides is not permitted.

Events & Competitions

Competitors must hold valid membership with the relevant governing body (e.g. British Dressage, British Showjumping) where required by the event schedule. Valid horse passports and up-to-date vaccination records must be presented upon request. Equestria reserves the right to refuse entry or withdraw horses and riders from competition on welfare or safety grounds.

All competitions are governed by the rules of the relevant governing body (BD, BS, etc.) in addition to any specific Equestria rules stated in the event schedule. Judges' decisions are final. Any complaint or appeal must be made through the official steward within one hour of the result being published.

Competition entries are generally non-refundable once submitted. Withdrawals due to horse illness or injury (supported by a veterinary certificate) may receive a credit voucher at the sole discretion of the event organiser. Withdrawals due to rider illness may receive a credit voucher upon receipt of a medical certificate. Entry fees are never transferred between entries or competitions.

Prize money is paid by bank transfer within 14 days of the event. Prize money is subject to any taxes applicable in your jurisdiction. Equestria is not responsible for any tax implications arising from prize winnings.

Professional photography and live streaming may take place at all events. By entering an event, you consent to your image and the image of your horse being used in Equestria's marketing materials and social media channels. If you wish to opt out, please notify us in writing before the event.

Spectators attend events at their own risk. Equestria accepts no liability for loss or damage to spectators' property. Children must remain under parental supervision at all times. Equestria reserves the right to remove any spectator whose behaviour is deemed disruptive, offensive, or dangerous.

Livery & Ranch Services

The keeping of horses at Equestria is governed by a separate Livery Agreement which must be signed before any horse arrives on the yard. These Terms and Conditions apply in addition to and alongside the Livery Agreement. Where any conflict exists between the Livery Agreement and these Terms, the Livery Agreement shall prevail in respect of livery-specific matters.

Livery owners must give a minimum of one calendar month's written notice to vacate. All new horses begin on a 30-day trial period. During the trial period, either party may terminate the arrangement with 7 days' written notice and unused days will be refunded on a pro-rata basis.

Emergency veterinary treatment will be authorised by Equestria staff where a livery owner cannot be reached and delay would be dangerous to the horse. All costs incurred will be passed on in full to the livery owner. Non-emergency treatments will only be carried out with prior written consent and an agreed cost estimate.

Livery owners are strongly recommended (and in some circumstances required by their Livery Agreement) to hold public liability insurance and veterinary fee insurance for their horse. Equestria's insurance does not cover individual horses kept on livery for illness, injury, or death except where directly caused by Equestria's proven negligence.

Equestria reserves the right to require the immediate removal of any horse from the yard in circumstances where: the horse poses a danger to other horses, staff, or visitors; the livery owner has not paid fees for more than 30 days; or the livery owner has materially breached the Livery Agreement. In such cases, no refund of prepaid fees will be provided.

Horse transport is subject to additional terms provided at the time of booking. The horse owner is responsible for ensuring their horse is fit to travel, has a valid passport, and is up to date with all required vaccinations. Equestria accepts no liability for the stress or deterioration of horses during transport that is not attributable to our negligence.

Kids Programs & Safeguarding

The enrolment of a Minor in any Equestria program constitutes the parent or Guardian's express consent for that child to participate in equestrian activities, including being on horseback, handling horses, and participating in related activities. Guardians must complete and return our Child Registration and Medical Form before the child's first session.

Minors must be signed in and out by their named Guardian or a named adult authorised in writing by the Guardian. Equestria will not release a Minor to any person not on the authorised collection list. In an emergency, an Equestria manager may use their judgment to contact emergency services rather than release a child to an unknown adult.

Guardians must disclose all relevant medical information, allergies, learning differences, disabilities, and emotional or behavioural needs on the Child Registration Form and must update this information promptly if it changes. Failure to disclose material medical information may result in exclusion from sessions and Equestria accepts no liability for incidents arising from undisclosed conditions.

Equestria operates a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy in accordance with applicable child protection legislation. All staff working with children hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and hold a safeguarding qualification at Level 2 or above. If a member of staff has a safeguarding concern, they are obligated to follow our safeguarding procedures which may include notifying relevant authorities. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Emma Clarke, Head of Kids Programs.

Summer Camp participants are subject to additional terms provided in the Camp Information Pack. Guardians must collect their child no later than 30 minutes after the stated end time each day. Where a child is not collected and Equestria cannot reach any authorised contact after 60 minutes, we reserve the right to contact the relevant local authority.

Health, Safety & Risk

By participating in any equestrian activity at Equestria, you acknowledge that you are aware of and voluntarily accept these inherent risks.

• Always follow the instructions of Equestria staff and instructors without delay.
• Wear all required safety equipment at all times when mounted or in close proximity to horses.
• Disclose all relevant medical conditions, medications, and physical limitations before participating.
• Do not approach, touch, or handle horses without the permission and supervision of a member of staff.
• Remain calm and quiet around horses and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
• Report any accident, injury, or near-miss to a member of staff immediately.
• Do not ride under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that may impair your ability to ride safely.
• Wear appropriate clothing for equestrian activity as advised by Equestria staff.

Equestria maintains trained first aiders on site at all times during operational hours. A full first aid kit and defibrillator (AED) are located at the yard office and the main arena entrance. In the event of a serious injury, we will contact emergency services immediately. Participants consent to emergency first aid treatment being administered by our trained staff where delay in seeking professional medical attention would pose an unreasonable risk.

The consumption of alcohol or controlled substances before or during any equestrian activity is strictly prohibited. Any person appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be refused participation and asked to leave the premises. No refund will be provided.

Conduct & Yard Rules

All persons on Equestria premises are expected to behave in a respectful, courteous, and responsible manner toward other visitors, members, staff, and horses at all times. Equestria operates a strict zero-tolerance policy toward verbal or physical abuse, harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behaviour of any kind.

• No running, shouting, or playing music near horses without the express permission of staff.
• All dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and are not permitted in the stable blocks or arenas.
• No smoking, vaping, or use of e-cigarettes within 20 metres of any stable, horse, or hay storage.
• Motor vehicles must be parked in designated areas only. Maximum speed on the yard is 5 mph (walking pace).
• All gates, stable doors, and feed room doors must be secured after use.
• No unauthorised access to stable blocks, paddocks, or storage areas.
• All waste must be placed in designated bins. Any horse droppings on paved areas must be cleared immediately.
• Mobile phone calls should not be taken whilst in the arena or in immediate proximity to horses in lesson.
• Children not participating in a session must remain in the designated spectator area or Owner Lounge.

Equestria reserves the right to ask any person to leave the premises immediately if, in the reasonable opinion of a member of management, their behaviour, conduct, or condition poses a risk to the safety or welfare of others or horses, or is in breach of these Terms and Conditions. No refund will be provided in such circumstances.

A ban from premises may be issued for any person who commits a serious or repeated breach of these Terms and Conditions. A ban may be permanent at Equestria's sole discretion.

Liability & Indemnity

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Equestria's total liability to you (whether arising in contract, tort, negligence, or otherwise) in connection with any Service shall not exceed the total fees paid by you for the specific Service giving rise to the claim in the 12-month period preceding the claim.

Equestria shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive loss or damage;
• Loss of income, business, opportunity, or profit;
• Any injury, loss, or damage arising from the inherent risks of horse riding and equestrian activity where Equestria has not been negligent;
• Loss or damage to vehicles, personal property, or equipment brought onto the premises;
• Any incident arising from a participant's failure to follow staff instructions or to disclose relevant medical information;
• Any Force Majeure event.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits Equestria's liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot be excluded or limited by applicable law.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Equestria, its officers, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any claims, losses, damages, costs (including legal costs), and expenses arising from your breach of these Terms and Conditions, your negligence or wilful misconduct, or any third-party claim arising from your actions or omissions on our premises.

Equestria accepts no liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal property (including vehicles, tack, clothing, equipment, or other items) while on our premises. Valuables should not be left unattended. Locker facilities are provided in the changing rooms at the user's own risk.

Intellectual Property

All content on the Equestria website, including text, images, photographs, video, logos, branding, graphics, and software, is the intellectual property of Equestria Riding Club Ltd. or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, transmit, republish, or create derivative works from any Equestria content without our prior written consent. Any unauthorised use of our intellectual property may result in legal action.

The Equestria name, logo, and all associated branding are registered trademarks of Equestria Riding Club Ltd. Use of these marks without our written permission is strictly prohibited.

Privacy & Data Protection

Equestria collects, processes, and stores personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms and Conditions and is incorporated herein by reference. Please read our Privacy Policy carefully before providing any personal information.

By making a booking or becoming a member, you consent to Equestria processing your personal data as described in our Privacy Policy, including for the purposes of service delivery, safety management, and (where you have opted in) marketing communications.

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data at any time. Please contact privacy@equestria.com to exercise your data rights.

Photography & Media

Professional photography and video recording takes place regularly on our premises for marketing, training, and safety purposes. By being present on our premises, you consent to the possibility of your image being captured. If you wish to be excluded from marketing materials, please notify us in writing and we will take reasonable steps to accommodate your request.

Photographs or video of Minors will only be used in Equestria's marketing materials where the parent or Guardian has provided explicit written consent on the Child Registration Form. We do not publish images of Minors that include their full name. Parents may withdraw consent at any time by notifying us in writing.

Visitors are welcome to photograph and video their own sessions for personal use. Visitors must not photograph or video other riders without their permission. The photography or video recording of Minors other than your own child requires the permission of that child's Guardian. Publishing or sharing images of other people's horses without permission is not permitted.

Amendments to Terms

Equestria reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Terms on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date;
• Sending an email notification to registered members and livery owners;
• Posting a notice at the yard office.

Your continued use of our Services after the effective date of any amendment constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree with any amendment, you may terminate your membership or booking arrangement in accordance with Section 3.4 or 5.1 respectively.

Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State], United States of America, without regard to conflict of law principles.

In the event of any dispute arising from or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or your use of our Services, we encourage you to contact us in the first instance to seek an informal resolution. We aim to resolve all complaints within 14 working days of receipt.

If informal resolution is not possible, the parties agree to attempt mediation before commencing any legal proceedings. If mediation fails, disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [State].

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed from the remaining terms, which shall continue in full force and effect.

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any applicable service-specific terms (including any signed Livery Agreement), constitute the entire agreement between you and Equestria in relation to your use of our Services and supersede all prior agreements, representations, or understandings.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us using the details below. We are committed to responding to all enquiries promptly and thoroughly.