1. Welcome to Horsey Helper

Welcome to Horsey Helper Ltd. (the “Company”) and our website (the “Website”) (collectively, the “Sites”). By accessing or using the Sites, or utilising our platform designed to connect horse owners with individuals offering horse-related services (the “Services”), you agree that you have read, understood, and are legally bound by these Terms and Conditions of Use (the “Terms and Conditions”), which incorporate by reference our Privacy Policy. Our Privacy Policy can be accessed here.

To use the Sites and Services, you must accept these Terms and Conditions in full. If you do not understand or have questions about any part of the Terms and Conditions, stop using the Sites and Services immediately and contact us at privacy@horseyhelper.co.uk. If you do not accept these Terms and Conditions, you are not authorised to use the Sites or Services. Your continued use of the Sites or Services constitutes your acceptance of the most current version of these Terms and Conditions.

These Terms and Conditions are subject to change at any time, and we may make updates without prior notice by posting the revised version on the Sites. Changes will take effect immediately upon posting unless stated otherwise. It is your responsibility to review the Terms and Conditions periodically for updates. Continued use of the Sites or Services after changes are posted signifies your acceptance of the updated Terms and Conditions.

For terms and policies related to external websites or applications linked to or referenced within the Sites, please refer directly to the terms and conditions of those third-party platforms.

2. Key definitions

• Affiliates: Refers to any entities or divisions under the ownership of the Company or entities that own the Company.
• Helper: An individual registered with our Services to offer horse-related services to owners.
• Owner: An individual registered with our Services who seeks horse-related assistance provided by Helpers.
• Helper Services: Services provided through our platform by Helpers, including but not limited to mucking out stables, feeding, turning out horses, bringing horses in, poo picking fields, grooming, rug changes, water changes, holding for farrier/vet and other services exclusively related to the needs of horses.
• Horse: Any domesticated equine animal, scientifically classified as Equus ferus caballus, including all breeds, ages and types, whether a gelding, mare or stallion, typically used for riding, racing or work.
• Helper Profile: A public webpage where a Helper displays their experience, pricing, details about the services they offer and related qualifications.
• Content: Includes all text, graphics, design elements and programming used on the Sites.
• Graphics: All logos, buttons and other visual elements on the Sites, including colour schemes and page layouts, excluding third-party intellectual property displayed with permission.
• Initial Meeting: An initial in-person meeting between the owner and Helper prior to a booking start date. This meeting serves several purposes: the Helper will have the opportunity to meet the horse requiring care, the owner can evaluate the competency and experience of the Helper and both parties will discuss specific instructions to ensure effective service delivery. Additionally, this meeting allows for either party to ask any important questions.
• Programming: Refers to both client-side code (e.g., HTML, PHP, JavaScript) and server-side code (e.g., ASP, VBScript, databases) utilised on the Sites.
• Text: All written content on the Sites, including editorial, navigational and instructional material.
• User or you or your: Any individual who accesses or uses any part of the Sites or Services.

3. Your relationship with us

3.1 Independent relationships

The Company is not a party to any agreements entered into between Helpers and Owners. The Company’s role is solely to facilitate introductions and connections between Owners and Helpers.

3.2 Changes to the Services and Terms

We reserve the right to modify the Services and these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updates to these Terms and Conditions will become effective upon posting the revised version on the Sites. It is your responsibility to regularly review the Terms and Conditions to remain informed of any changes.

4. Nature of our Sites and/or Services

4.1 Role of the Company

The Services provided through our platform enable Owners and Helpers to connect and arrange for the provision of Helper Services. The Company’s role is limited to providing this platform; it does not directly offer any Helper Services. Contracts for such services are exclusively between Owners and Helpers. While the Company facilitates these transactions, it is not responsible for the services provided. Except for limited refunds, the Company assumes no liability for damages resulting from Helper Services or interactions between users, as further detailed in the Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitations of Liability sections of these Terms and Conditions.

4.2 Helper Profiles

Helpers create their own profiles on the platform, detailing their service offerings, availability, experience, pricing, related qualifications and other financial terms. These profiles are publicly accessible through the Services. The Company does not create, control or verify the content of these profiles, nor can it guarantee their accuracy. Owners are encouraged to independently verify any information they deem necessary before hiring a Helper. Similarly, the Company does not endorse or verify reviews posted by Owners regarding Helpers, nor can it guarantee their authenticity.

4.3 Booking and transactions

Owners can interact with and book Helpers based on the information in their profiles. Bookings are subject to acceptance by the Helper, who may decline any request at their discretion. Once a booking is confirmed, both the Owner and the Helper agree to honour the price and terms of the booking. Certain aspects of the Services may involve fees, as detailed in the Fees and Payments section of these Terms and Conditions.

4.4 User responsibility and Company limitations

Owners are solely responsible for evaluating the competency and suitability of Helpers. The Company does not guarantee the quality of Helper Services or the interactions between users of the platform. Helpers operate independently and are not under the direction or control of the Company. They determine how to provide their services at their discretion. While the Company provides general guidance to both Owners and Helpers regarding safety, insurance and service expectations, it does not employ or endorse users or their services. Although the Company conducts an initial review of Helper Profiles, it does not perform ongoing screening or monitoring and is not responsible for the actions or conduct of Helpers or Owners, whether online or offline.

5. Information about us

Horsey Helper Ltd. is a company incorporated and registered in the United Kingdom under company number 14243238. Our registered office is located at:
4 Playle Chase, Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8UT, United Kingdom.

6. Information about you

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use and share information about you.

7. Your account

7.1 Account creation

To access our Services and certain features of the Sites, you must create an account with an ID (your email address) and password (“Account”). We encourage you to use a strong and secure password for your Account.

7.2 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and legally competent to enter into a binding agreement to use our Services.

7.3 Responsibility and security

You are responsible for keeping your account information accurate and up to date, including your email address and mobile number. You must maintain the security of your Account and are fully responsible for any activities or actions taken through it. Protect your username and password by keeping them confidential. If you allow another party to use your Account, you are responsible for all use by that party and agree to indemnify the Company for any resulting loss or damages. Notify us immediately of unauthorised use of your Account or any security breaches. The Company is not liable for acts or omissions by you, including damages resulting from unauthorised use of your Account.

8. Your content

8.1 Submission requirements

Any images, text, or information you submit through the Sites or Services (“User Content”) must comply with the Rules of Acceptable Use.

8.2 Licence to use content

By submitting User Content, you grant the Company a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, copy, reproduce, modify, exhibit, sublicense and otherwise exploit your User Content in connection with the Services.

8.3 Media sharing

We may publish your User Content, including images and videos, on our Sites or third-party platforms for promotional purposes. If you object to such use, contact us, and we will remove the content promptly.

8.4 Privacy

Our right to use your User Content does not override your privacy rights. We will only use identifiable information as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

8.5 Moderation

The Company reserves the right to moderate User Content, including rejecting, removing, or modifying it if it violates the Rules of Acceptable Use or is otherwise objectionable.

9. Employment

9.1 Independent contractors

The Company is not an employment service and does not act as an employer of any user, Helper or Owner. Helpers are solely responsible for reporting income earned through the Services and complying with applicable tax laws.

9.2 Tax obligations

The Company is not responsible for withholding taxes or other obligations, including income tax, unemployment insurance, or social security related to your use of the Services. If the Company incurs any tax liabilities on your behalf, you agree to reimburse the Company for the amount, including penalties, interest and reasonable legal fees, as applicable.

10. Fees and payments

10.1 Payment processor

Payments for Services are processed through the third-party service Stripe. Stripe supports major credit and debit cards, and additional payment methods like IBAN, Giro, SOFORT, iDeal, and EPS in specific regions.

10.2 Stripe terms

To arrange bookings, Helpers must connect with Stripe and agree to its terms of service and privacy policy. The Company is not liable for Stripe’s verification practices or actions.

10.3 Payment security

The Company does not access or store payment information submitted through Stripe and is not liable for service issues or failures related to Stripe.

10.4 Booking fees and charges

• Helpers: Set their own service prices (“Booking Fee”). When a booking is completed, the Helper receives the booking amount minus the platform commission (19%). This commission is retained by Horsey Helper Ltd at the moment of payout.
• Owners: Pay the full Booking Fee when the booking is confirmed. Payment is collected via Stripe on behalf of the platform.

10.5 Failed payments

If a payment fails due to insufficient funds, suspected fraud or a violation of terms, the Company will make reasonable efforts to resolve the issue but is not liable for any resulting damages or unpaid amounts.

10.6 Refunds

If an Owner receives a refund, Helpers are responsible for reimbursing the 19% Helper Service Fee at the Company’s discretion.

10.7 Platform use requirement

All bookings, including repeat bookings, must be made through the Services if the initial contact was facilitated by the platform. Non-compliance may result in an introduction fee of £500 per user.

10.8 Dispute liability

If a user or their bank disputes a payment transfer in error, the user is liable for any additional bank charges incurred.

11. Your right to use the services

The materials and content that make up our Services (excluding User Content) are owned by us or our third-party licensors. You are allowed to use these materials solely to access and use the Services in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. For example, you may view content for personal use but may not distribute or modify it without permission.

12. Rules of acceptable use

You must not use the Sites or Services to engage in unlawful or harmful activities, including but not limited to:

• Sharing content that is harmful, abusive, defamatory, or hateful.
• Uploading unauthorized or harmful software, including viruses or malicious code.
• Misrepresenting your identity or impersonating others.
• Engaging in activities that violate intellectual property rights.
• Advertising or promoting commercial ventures without permission.
• Attempting to hack, disable, or circumvent the security features of the Services.

13. Notice and takedown policy

If you believe any content on our Services infringes your rights or violates our Rules of Acceptable Use, you may submit an Infringement Notice to privacy@horseyhelper.co.uk. Please include the following information:

1. A description of the copyrighted work or other material being infringed.
2. Identification of the infringing material and where it is located on the Services.
3. Your contact information (e.g., name, email address, phone number).
4. A statement that you have a good faith belief the material is not authorised by law.
5. A declaration that the information you have provided is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the rights holder.

Owner and Helper obligations

14.1 Obligations of Owners

If you are an Owner, you agree to the following obligations:

• Insurance requirements

• • Confirmation you hold Public Liability Insurance for your horse(s) under the care of the Helper.
• Compliance with agreements
  • Adherence to the terms of any agreement made with the Helper, including the Company’s cancellation policy.
• Disclosure of relevant information
  • Provision of accurate and comprehensive information to the Helper, including:
    • i. Any medical conditions or specific nutritional needs of your horse(s).
    • ii. Behavioural issues, including incidents of unusual, challenging or potentially dangerous behaviour.
    • iii. Emergency contact details, including your own, an alternative contact in case you are unreachable, and contact information for your horse’s registered veterinarian and farrier.
    • iiii. Confirmation that you are not operating a horse sanctuary, pet charity or breeding business.
• Conduct an introductory meeting
  • Holding an introductory meeting with the Helper to assess their competency, see your horse and provide all necessary information before the commencement of services.
• Health and safety
• Ensuring your horse or pony is up to date with vaccinations (tetanus and equine flu), receives regular worming, dental care, and hoof care, and holds a valid horse passport or is microchipped, in accordance with legal requirements based on the horse’s date of birth.

• Booking and payment terms

• By arranging and paying for bookings through our platform, you agree to the following:
  • Pre-booked requests:
    When you submit a pre-booking request to a Helper, a temporary hold will be placed on your credit or debit card. If the Helper accepts the request, the booking will be confirmed and your card will be charged for the full booking amount. If the Helper does not accept the request, the pre-booking will expire and the card hold will be automatically released.
  • General enquiries:
    If you contact a Helper via an enquiry or message without entering payment details, and the Helper confirms their availability, you will be prompted to log in and confirm the booking by making a payment using a credit/debit card, bank transfer, or any other payment method we may offer. Payment must be completed at booking confirmation. Failure to do so may result in the booking being cancelled by the Company.
  • Booking completion:
  • A booking is considered complete either when the Owner marks it complete or when the system auto-completes it according to platform rules.
  • The Helper is paid after completion (minus commission).
  • Communication and emergency preparedness
    • Responding promptly to the Helper’s queries and providing emergency contact details for your horse’s veterinarian and farrier.

• Cancellations
  • Cancellations must be made using the Company’s cancellation function. Fees will apply as per the cancellation policy agreed upon at the time of booking.

14.2 Obligations of Helpers

If you are Helper, you agree to the following obligations:

1. Booking exclusivity
   • Booking all services with Owners introduced by the Company exclusively through the Company’s platform. Failure to comply may result in an introduction fee, suspension or termination.
2. Standard of care
   • Provision of services with reasonable skill and care, ensuring the welfare of the horse(s) at all times.
3. Compliance with laws and agreements
   • Adherence to all applicable laws, tax regulations and agreements made with Owners.
4. Booking guidelines
   • Responding to direct booking requests within 24 hours. Failure to respond repeatedly may result in account closure.
5. Communication and engagement
   • Engaging in prompt communication with Owners and participation in an introductory meeting before commencing services.
6. Emergency situations
   • In the event of an emergency requiring veterinary or farrier care, making reasonable efforts to inform the Owner and their alternative contact as soon as possible.
7. Property 
   • Refraining from granting access to the Owner’s property/stables to unauthorized individuals.

15. Booking guarantees for owners

15.1 Refund requests

Owners may request a refund for their first booking if they have genuine concerns about the quality of the Helper Services. Refund requests must be:

1. Submitted via email within 24 hours of service commencement.
2. Supported by detailed descriptions and photographic evidence, if applicable.
3. Based on proof of an introductory meeting, booking confirmation and clear feeding and care instructions.

Refunds will be processed at the Company’s discretion and may take up to three weeks to assess and an additional 10 days to appear in your account.

15.2 Cancellation by Helper

If a Helper cancels a booking after confirmation:

1. The Company may provide a full or partial refund based on the circumstances.
2. Assistance will be offered to find an alternative Helper if the cancellation occurs within three days before the booking or during the service.

16. Cancellation policy

16.1 Cancellation by Owners

Owners may cancel bookings subject to the following terms:

1. No Fee: Cancellations made 16 days or more before the booking start date.
2. Fixed Booking Fee: Cancellations made 15 to 8 days prior incur a fixed fee of £1.50 / €1.90.
3. Percentage Fee: Cancellations made 7 to 3 days prior incur 30% of the booking cost (minimum £9.50 / €9.50).
4. Percentage Fee: Cancellations made 48 hours prior incur 50% of the booking cost (minimum £9.50 / €9.50).
5. No Refund: No refunds for cancellations made less than 48 hours prior or during an ongoing booking.

16.2 Cancellation by Helpers

Helpers may cancel bookings with reasonable notice. For cancellations within seven days of the booking start date, the Company must be contacted via info@horseyhelper.co.uk for support. In the event of repeated late cancellations, we reserve the right to suspend a Helper’s profile, preventing them from taking on bookings for a period of time.

16.3 Refund handling

All refunds and cancellations must be processed through the Company. Refunds handled directly by Helpers may not include reimbursement of Company fees.

17. Emergency medical situations

17.1 The Helper must make all reasonable efforts to inform the Owner (or their alternative contact) as soon as possible in the event of an emergency where the horse requires urgent veterinary or farrier care.

17.2 If the Owner cannot be reached despite reasonable efforts, the Owner authorizes the Helper to seek veterinary or farrier care on their behalf to address the horse’s immediate needs. The Owner agrees to bear full financial responsibility for any such care, including reimbursing the Helper for additional costs incurred.

18. Guarantee & Insurance responsibility

18.1 No Guarantee or Claims Service
Horsey Helper does not offer a reimbursement guarantee, claims service, or any similar assurance. All bookings made via our Services are strictly private arrangements between Owners and Helpers. Accordingly, Horsey Helper does not accept liability for any loss, damage, veterinary costs, injury, or any other incident arising in connection with the services provided through our platform.

18.2 Insurance requirements
By using our Services, Owners confirm and declare that they hold, at a minimum, valid Public Liability Insurance for any horse placed in the care of the Helper.

By using our Services, Helpers confirm and declare that they hold valid public liability insurance and Care, Custody & Control (CCC) insurance, or equivalent commercial cover, that insures them for the horse care services they provide.

It is the sole responsibility of both parties to ensure their insurance policies are valid, comprehensive and up to date before entering into any booking arrangement.

18.3 No Replacement for Personal Insurance
Use of our platform should not be viewed as a substitute for adequate insurance. Horsey Helper recommends that all users consult their insurance provider to confirm coverage for any and all risks that may arise through participation in horse care services arranged via our platform.

18.4 Liability
Nothing in this Section limits or excludes any liability which cannot be legally excluded or limited, including liability arising from death or personal injury caused by negligence or fraud. However, Horsey Helper expressly disclaims any responsibility for claims or disputes between Owners and Helpers, and will not be a party to or mediate such claims.

20. Advertisements on the service

20.1 The Company and its business partners may display advertisements via the Services or other methods e.g. email. Advertising may be based on your User Content or information collected through the Services, in compliance with our Privacy Policy.

21. Ending our relationship

21.1 If you disagree with these Terms and Conditions or any changes made to them, you must immediately stop using the Services.

21.2 To deactivate your account, use the “Delete Account” feature in your account settings or contact us directly. Deactivating your account will result in loss of access to the account and associated data. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for information on data retention.

21.3 We reserve the right to immediately suspend or terminate your access to the Services if you violate our Rules of Acceptable Use, these Terms and Conditions, or any other applicable policies governing the use of our Services or Sites. Additionally, we may choose to withdraw or discontinue the Services, provided we give you reasonable prior notice.

21.4 Upon termination, we may delete or modify your User Content, account, or other information. You will lose access to the Services, and no compensation will be provided.

21.5 Termination does not absolve you of outstanding obligations to the Company, Owners, or Helpers, including payment of fees.

22. Disclaimer of warranties & Limitations of liability

22.1 General disclaimer
By accessing the Sites and/or Services, you acknowledge and agree to the disclaimers and limitations outlined below, which are essential conditions for your use of these Services.

22.2 Third-party websites
Links to third-party websites or information presented through the Sites or Services do not constitute endorsements by us. We assume no liability for the content, subject matter, or substance of third-party sites accessed via our platform. Use of such sites is at your own risk.

22.3 Disclaimer of endorsement
Unless explicitly stated, the views, opinions, and content accessed through the Sites or Services do not represent the Company’s views. We disclaim responsibility for any inaccuracies or actions arising from such content.

22.4 Disclaimer of warranties
The Sites, Services, and their content are provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free functionality. You are solely responsible for any costs or damages resulting from your reliance on the content or use of the Services.

22.5 Limitation of liability
In no event shall the Company, its affiliates, or service providers be liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages, including lost profits. The maximum aggregate liability for claims related to the use of the Services shall not exceed £100.

22.6 Release and indemnification
You agree to release and indemnify the Company, its affiliates, officers, and employees from any claims or liabilities arising from your use of the Services, including reasonable legal fees. This includes claims resulting from user-submitted content or breaches of these Terms.

22.7 Jurisdictional exceptions
Certain jurisdictions may not allow specific exclusions or limitations. If these apply to you, portions of this Section may not apply, and liability will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by law.

23. Resolving disputes

23.1 Disputes with the Company
If you have a dispute with us relating to the Sites or Services, in the first instance please contact us at info@horseyhelper.co.uk and attempt to resolve the dispute with us informally. In the unlikely event that we are not able to resolve a dispute informally, we will suggest possible options.

23.2 Disputes between users
The Company may assist informally in disputes between users but is not obligated to resolve them. Responsibility for resolving such disputes lies solely with the involved parties.

24. Changes to the service

24.1 We are constantly updating and improving the Sites and Services to try and find ways to provide you with new and innovative features and services. Improvements and updates are also made to reflect changing technologies, tastes, behaviours, and the way people use the Internet and our Sites and Services.

24.2 In order to update, reset, stop offering, or support a specific part of the Sites, Services, or features (“changes to the Service”), your past activities on the Service, User Content, or Profile may be affected, including deletion or reset. Where feasible, we will provide prior notice before such changes directly impact your content or profile.

24.3 You agree that a key characteristic of our Sites and Services is that changes to the Services will take place over time and this is an important basis on which we grant you access to the Services. Once we have made changes to the Services, your continued use of the Services will show that you have accepted any changes to the Services. You are always free to stop using the Services or deactivate your Account in the settings feature of the Services.

24.4 We will try, where possible and reasonable, to contact you to let you know about any significant changes to the Services.

25. Changes to the documents

25.1 We may revise these Terms and Conditions from time to time, and the most current version will always be found here.

25.2 Changes will usually occur because of new features being added to the Services, changes in the law, or where we need to clarify our position on something.

25.3 We aim to provide users with at least 14 days’ notice for significant changes to these Terms and Conditions, except in circumstances requiring immediate updates (e.g., compliance with legal requirements). Notifications may be sent through the Services or via email.

26. Documents that apply to our relationship with you

26.1 These Terms and Conditions represent the entire agreement governing your relationship with the Company and supersede all previous versions. If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

27. Miscellaneous 

27.1 Entire agreement. These Terms and Conditions, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company governing your use of the Sites and Services, superseding any prior agreements between you and the Company with respect to the Sites and Services.

27.2 Waiver and severability. The failure of the Company to enforce any right of the provisions in the Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If any provision of the Terms and Conditions is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, it shall not affect any other provision of the Terms and Conditions, and the Terms and Conditions shall be construed without regard to the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision.

27.3 Viruses and transmission of sensitive information. We do not guarantee that materials on the Sites are free of viruses or other harmful elements. It is your responsibility to implement safeguards like firewalls and antivirus software to protect your devices.

27.4 Appropriateness and responsibility for Legal Compliance. We do not represent that materials on the Sites are appropriate or available for use in your location. Persons who choose to access the Sites and/or use the Services do so on their own initiative and at their own risk, and are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable. Any claim or legal action arising from your use of the Sites and/or Services must be filed within one (1) year of the event that gave rise to the claim.

28. Law

28.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law. Disputes will be resolved in the Courts of England & Wales unless you are an EU resident, in which case your local courts may have jurisdiction under applicable consumer protection laws.

28.2 If you are a consumer in the European Economic Area, the European Online Dispute Resolution platform (http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr) provides information about alternative dispute resolution, which you may use if there is a dispute that cannot be resolved between you and the relevant party.

29. Contact, feedback and complaints

29.1 If you need to contact us in relation to these Terms and Conditions or any other document mentioned in them, please contact us at info@horseyhelper.co.uk.

29.2 We value your feedback, which helps us improve our Sites and Services. By providing feedback, you grant us the right to use it freely without compensation, but only for purposes related to the enhancement of our services.