1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

“Company” means the horse transport business providing the transport services.

“Customer” means the person, owner, agent, or organisation booking the transport service.

“Horse” means any horse, pony, donkey, or equine animal transported by the Company.

“Services” means collection, loading, transportation, care during transit, unloading, and delivery of the Horse.

 

2. Bookings

2.1 All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by the Company.

2.2 A booking is only secured once the required deposit has been received.

2.3 The Company reserves the right to refuse any booking at its discretion.

2.4 The Customer must provide accurate details regarding:

Collection and delivery addresses

Contact information

Horse temperament and behaviour

Medical conditions

Special care requirements

 

3. Payment Terms

3.1 A non-refundable deposit may be required at the time of booking.

3.2 Full payment must be made before transport unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3.3 Additional charges may apply for:

Waiting time

Route changes

Overnight stabling

Emergency veterinary treatment

Additional handling requirements

3.4 Late payments may incur administration fees and interest.

 

4. Horse Health and Fitness for Travel

4.1 The Customer confirms that the Horse:

Is fit and healthy for transport

Is free from infectious disease

Is safe to handle

Has no known condition that may endanger itself or others

4.2 The Company reserves the right to refuse transport if the Horse appears:

Unwell

Injured

Dangerous

Unsuitable for travel

4.3 The Customer must provide all legally required documentation including:

Passport

Vaccination records

Movement licences if required

Import/export documentation where applicable

 

5. Loading and Unloading

5.1 Horses must be reasonably trained to load and travel.

5.2 The Company may refuse transport if loading cannot be completed safely within a reasonable time.

5.3 Additional charges may apply for excessive loading delays.

5.4 The Customer or authorised representative must be present at collection and delivery unless agreed otherwise.

 

6. Welfare During Transport

6.1 The Company will take reasonable care to ensure the welfare and safety of the Horse during transport.

6.2 Transport will be carried out in accordance with current animal welfare and transport legislation.

6.3 Journey times provided are estimates only and may vary due to:

Traffic

Weather conditions

Road closures

Ferry delays

Border checks

Emergencies

 

7. Veterinary Treatment

7.1 In the event of illness, injury, or emergency during transport, the Company may seek veterinary treatment where necessary.

7.2 The Customer authorises the Company to act in the Horse’s best interests if immediate contact cannot be made.

7.3 All veterinary and associated costs remain the responsibility of the Customer.

 

8. Liability

8.1 Horses are transported entirely at the Customer’s risk.

8.2 The Company shall not be liable for:

Injury caused by the Horse’s behaviour

Self-inflicted injuries

Stress-related illness

Delays outside the Company’s control

Pre-existing medical conditions

Losses arising from inaccurate information provided by the Customer

8.3 The Company’s liability for any claim shall not exceed the total transport fee paid unless required by law.

8.4 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence where such exclusion is prohibited by law.

 

9. Insurance

9.1 The Company maintains vehicle and public liability insurance, care and custody insurance.

9.2 The Customer is responsible for arranging suitable insurance cover for the Horse during transport.

9.3 Proof of insurance may be requested before travel.

 

10. Cancellations

Customer Cancellation

More than 7 days before travel: deposit transferable at Company discretion

Less than 7 days before travel: deposit non-refundable

Less than 48 hours before travel: full payment may be charged

Company Cancellation

The Company reserves the right to cancel transport where necessary due to:

Unsafe conditions

Vehicle breakdown

Severe weather

Illness

Legal restrictions

Welfare concerns

Where possible, alternative arrangements may be offered.

 

11. Delays and Force Majeure

11.1 The Company shall not be liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control including:

Severe weather

Traffic accidents

Mechanical failure

Government restrictions

Strikes

Disease outbreaks

11.2 The Company may alter routes or schedules where reasonably necessary.

12. Biosecurity

12.1 Transport vehicles are cleaned and disinfected regularly in line with biosecurity standards.

12.2 The Company may refuse transport where there is suspected disease risk.

 

13. Complaints

13.1 Complaints must be submitted in writing within 7 days of transport completion.

13.2 The Company will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

14. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

15. Acceptance

By booking transport services with the Company, the Customer confirms acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.