These Terms & Conditions of Hire apply to the hire of any vehicle where it is driven by Horse Movers Ltd employee or if a trailer towed by a Horse Movers Ltd employee. By hiring or renting a vehicle or trailer from Horse Mover Ltd you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Definitions:

1.1 Carrier is Horse Movers Ltd, and shall include servants or agents and sub-contractors whom the Carrier has authorised and permitted to use under these conditions and whom meet all the requirements of the laws of England.

1.2 The Carrier is NOT a Common Carrier and only accepts goods for carriage under these conditions.

1.3 The “Customer” shall mean any person or business or other party who contracts the Carrier for any service.

1.4 The “Contract” is the agreement between the Carrier and the Customer and these Terms and Conditions as describe below, whether signed or not form a part of the contract.

1.5 These Terms and Conditions do not affect your statuary rights under English Law.   

2. Payments and Charges for Services

          2.1 Booking Charges

2.1.1 A Booking Deposit of £100 is required at the time of booking, if the booking is within 14 days of the contract date then the full amount must be paid at the time of booking.

2.1.2 Bookings are not confirmed or guaranteed until the booking deposit or full amount of the rental cost if booking is made within 14 days of the rental has been paid

2.2 Minimum Charges

2.2.1 The Carrier has a Minimum Charge of

2.2.1.1 £55 plus VAT using 3.5 tonne for any single journey.

2.2.1.2 £75 plus VAT using 7.5 tonne for any single journey.

2.2.2 All charges for Hiring of a horsebox with a driver are based on Mileage starting from the Carrier’s base and finishing back at the Carrier’s Base. Additional costs may be incurred for overnight stops, tolls, congestion charges and parking costs.

2.2.3 The mileage will be calculated using specialist journey planning softwear.

2.3 Payments

2.3.1 The calculated average mileage as describe in 2.23 will be paid prior to the journey, any additional mileage will be charged on the completion of the contract.

2.3.2 Each contract allows for 30 minuets loading and unloading time per single contract. If delays occur for whatever reason after the Carrier has arrived at either the collection point or delivery point which stop the Carrier from loading or off loading the horse/s or tack then a charge of £20 plus VAT per hour or part thereof will be incurred.

2.3.3 Any damage, however caused, and to include kicking, bucking, biting or pushing to the vehicle or equipment, other than fare wear and tear will be charged at a rate that will allow the damaged area or equipment to be returned to the condition prior to the contract. The costs of repair will be estimated by, where possible, obtaining 3 quotations from qualified suppliers.

2.3.4 Undisclosed injured horse/s that are not considered fit to travel by the Carrier will be refused transport and the Customer will be charged for the mileage and time incurred at the standard rate by the Carrier.

2.3.5 In the event that the start date of the contract is less than 14 days from the time of making the booking then the full hire cost and any deposits must be paid at the time of booking.

2.3.6 For up-to-date scale of charges and price lists please visit the Carrier’s website www.horsemovers.co.uk or telephone 01489 505625.

2.3.7 VAT is not included in any of our prices (unless expressly describe as including VAT) and will be added at the prevailing rate of 15%

2.4 Damage & Loss Deposit

2.4.1 A Damage & Loss Deposit may be required where there is a risk of damage to the vehicle or its contents or equipment by the Customer’s horse/s or where the customer intends using the accommodation/living facilities.

2.4.2 If the living area of the vehicle is to be used by the Customer during the day/s hire or for overnight accommodation then the Damage & Loss Deposit of £500 will be required to be paid by a credit card.

2.4.3  The Customer will indemnify the Carrier against all and any damage however so caused to any of the items listed in point 2.4.3.1 during the contract period which for this purpose is from when the first horse/s are collected to when the last horse or passenger is delivered to the destination.

2.4.3.1 All equipment, fixtures and fitting including partitions, kick panels, doors, ramps, electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, kitchen fixtures and fitting, soft furnishings, any accessories, utensils or any other equipment.

2.4.4 Any damage how-so-ever caused by the Customer, Customer’s horse/s, Customer’s representatives, family, friends or employees will be charged in full, if a damage and loss deposit has been paid the costs will be deducted prior to returning the balance. Should the damage, loss or cleaning cost be greater than the damage and loss deposit the Customer will be charged the full amount and taken from the payment card.

2.4.5 The Carrier reserves the full right to take any monies owed by the Customer from the Customer’s credit card without further notice or authority being needed once the Customer has contract the carrier to undertake work.

2.4.6 The Carrier shall have the right of general lien against the Customer if any moneys are owed.

2.4.7 Below are some items that will be charged against the damage deposit and there costs: This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other items that are charged:

§         Repairs & Replacements                          Full cost

§         Un-emptied Toilets                                     £40 for emptying

§         Vehicle Interior cleaning                         £75

§         Cleaning of Hob/Cooker/Microwave  £20

§         Cleaning of Fridge                                        £20 

§         Cleaning of Shower                                      £35

§         Emptying Waste Water Tank                   £25

§         Late Return of Vehicle                               £50 per hour 

§         Replacement Fuel                                       £1.50 per litre

§         Lost Keys                                                        £160+recover/locksmith costs

2.4 Deposit Refunds

2.4.1 Any deposits taken at the time of booking will be returned to the Customer within 5 days of the completion of the contract subject to no misuse, damage or any other reason that would require the Carrier to deduct money from the deposit. Any deposit remaining after deductions will be returned to the Customer within 14 days of the completion of the necessary work.

2.4.2 Failure to pay the deposit or any balances due will result in the booking fee being forfeited and the hire contract being cancelled.  

2.4.3 In the event that the start date of the contract is less than 14 days from the time of making the booking then the full hire cost and any deposits must be paid at the time of booking.

3. Fitness Too Travel and During Travel

3.1 Horses

3.1.1 The Customer MUST disclose any concerns or knowledge of any health problems that may affect the horse/s ability to load or travel.

3.1.2 All horse/s being transported must be fit and sound to travel. They must not show any obvious signs of physical or mental health problems, unless this has been disclosed at the time of booking and the horse/s is being transported to a veterinary or other centre of equine health for treatment.

3.1.3 If the Carrier is unhappy with the physical or health of the horse/s the Carrier may refuse to transport it unless full disclosure has taken place at the time of booking.

3.1.4 The Customer is responsible for preparing the horse/s for travel, this includes boots, poll cap, tail protection etc. The Carrier will help with this preparation where possible.

3.1.5 The welfare and health of the horse is paramount therefore should the horse/s become ill or sustain an injury during the journey, the Carrier will do all within their power to ensure the welfare of the horse, including taking a travel rest, administering basic first aid or if serious problems occur diverting to the nearest equine veterinary practice. The cost of any treatment will be charged to the Customer. The Carrier will do everything possible to contact and keep the Customer informed of the situation at all times.

          3.2 The Customer

3..2.1 The Carrier may if required carry either 1 or 2 passengers with the horse/s, this is assuming that the Carrier has not brought a groom with them. If the Customer wishes to travel with the horse/s this MUST be requested at the time of booking. If it is not requested at the time of booking then the Carrier may refuse to take the passengers or may not have seats available.

3.2.2 No passengers under the age of 13 will be carried by the Carrier unless accompanied by an adult.

4. Loading and Unloading

4.1 Where possible it is considered best for the horse/s to be loaded by their owner or handler using tack and other equipment know to the horse. If this is not possible then the Carrier will load the horse/s using the Carrier’s own tack and equipment.

4.2 The Carrier shall assume, unless otherwise informed at the time of booking by the Customer, that the horse/s are safe and experienced loaders

4.3 It is the Customer’s obligation to notify the Carrier, prior to accepting the contract, if the horse/s to be transported has any previous behavioural problems relating to loading or being transported.

4.4 If the horse/s have never been transported before this must be notified to the Carrier at the time of booking.

5. Safety & Abuse

          5.1 Safety

5.1.1 At all times safety of the Customer, the Customer’s representatives or family or staff working for the Customer and the employees of the Carrier and that of the horse/s is paramount. It is requested that any person involved in the loading, unloading or transporting of the horse/s should at all times wear the correct footwear, gloves and most importantly head protection.

5.1.2 Any person that is at risk of injury or that may cause injury to others or the horse/s either due to their lack of correct clothing or their actions will be asked to leave the immediate vicinity by the Carrier. If they refuse and the Carrier considers the risk of injury to be unacceptable the Carrier may refuse to fulfil the contract. If this is the case then the Carrier will charge the Customer for any mileage and waiting time incurred.

          5.2 Abuse

5.2.1 Horses Movers Ltd as the Carrier nor any of its agents, employees or any one else associated with the company condones the use of violence to force a horse/s to load. Any such actions will result in the contract being terminated and the offender being reported to the relevant authorise.

6.    Documentation and the Law

            6.1 Animal Transport Certificate

6.1.1 Animal Welfare Legislation makes in compulsorily that an Animal Transport Certificate is completed for every journey. It is therefore apart of the Carrier’s Terms and Conditions that the Customer agrees to give the Carrier all the information required to complete the document. A copy of the document will be left with the Customer at the commencement of the journey. A copy of this form can be downloaded from the Carrier’s website www.horsemovers.co.uk.

          6.2 Horse’s Passports

6.2.1 Unless the horse/s to be transported is registered with a breed society or other recognised equine authority which excludes the need for a passport the Carrier is required by law to transport the horse/s with their passport. The Carrier will require to see the breed society certificates.

6.2.2 If the horse/s are not registered with a breed society or other recognised authority and no passport if available then the Carrier will not be able to transport the horse unless transportation is directly to a health facility by prior arrangement. The full costs incurred by the Carrier if the contract cannot be fulfilled due to lack of correct paperwork will be borne by the Customer.

7 Insurance

7.1 All Vehicles and drivers are comprehensively insured, however an excess of £500 is payable for any claim made against the insurance. This excess is the responsibility of the Customer and will be paid by the Customer to the Carrier immediately a claim is made if:

7.1.1 the damage if caused by the Customer’s horse/s or by negligence of the Customer, Customer’s representatives or employees however so caused.

7.1.2 the damage is caused to any of the fixtures and fittings within the horsebox, including but not only the Flat Screen Television, soft furnishing, shower/toilet or hob/oven.

7.2 Any items that are not insured which are damaged however so caused by the Customer, the Customer’s representatives, the Customer’s family or friends, Customer’s employees or Customer’s horse/s or other pets will be paid for in full by the Customer.

7.3 Any personal possessions or equipment carried on or within the vehicle is the sole responsibility of the Customer. No claim for damage or loss however so caused will be made against the Carrier, agents or representatives of the Carrier or any employees of the Carrier.

7.4 Horse Movers Ltd, its agents, representatives and employees take every care to ensure your horses welfare, safety and wellbeing nevertheless all horses and tack are accepted by the Carrier solely at the risk of the Customer’s and the Carrier, its representatives, agents and employees shall be under no liability in contract or otherwise for the death or injury to any horse/s, loss or escape of any horse/s.

7.5 Customer’s are advised to arrange their own personal and horse insurance in case of injury or loss of their horse/s or personal effects.

7.6 All horses being transported must be named on the contract and must have insurance which covers them whilst being transported. A copy of this insurance must be supplied with the Animal Transport Certificate.

8.   Cancellation

8.1    Booking Deposit

8.1.1 Should you decide to cancel your booking the following cancellations charges will apply:

• 14 days from the collection date 100% of deposit returned less £35 admin fee
• Between 14 days and 7 days from the date of collection 50% deposit returned
• Less than 7 days upto 48 hours from the date of collection – Loss of deposit.
• Less than 48 hours from the date of collection - Loss of deposit and hire charges.

8.2 Customer’s are advised to obtain their own insurance to safeguard against loss of deposit.

9.   Breakdown, Accident & Delays

9.1 Whilst every effort is taken to minimise the chance of breakdown or accident during the contract period, all the Carrier’s vehicles and trailers are covered by full rescue and recovery services. Nevertheless the Carrier cannot be held liable for any delays, curtailment of journey, or any costs or losses incurred by the Customer due to breakdown, accident or delays how ever they may be caused.

9.2 The Carrier will make every effort to meet any times or delivery schedules agreed with the Customer, how ever the Carrier cannot give any guarantees of meeting these times or schedules and the Carrier cannot be held liable for any late arrivals, or any costs or losses incurred by the Customer due to unmet times or schedules.

9.3 The Carrier cannot be held responsible for stabling costs or accommodation costs for passenger or any another expenses that the Customer may incur due to breakdown, accident or delays.

9.4 The Carrier will do everything within their power to notify and keep the Customer informed of any breakdowns, accidents or delays.

10.   Care & Custody of the vehicle

10.1 The vehicle must be kept locked and secured when unattended, if the Customer is using the vehicle without an employ or representative of the Carrier present then if is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the vehicle and all its contents. See point 2.4 above.

10.2 If the Customer’s uses the living area then they are responsible for cleaning and tidying it before return the vehicle., including the list in point 2.4 above. If the Carrier has to clean or empty or dispose of any foods, rubbish or human waste then charges will apply. Ensure the toilet and shower are cleaned, the toilet cassette is emptied and washed, the utensils are washed and stowed correctly, hob, oven, refrigerator are cleaned.

10.3 Skip out the horse area prior to return journey for the safety of the horse.

10.4 The vehicle is equipped with a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and a first aid kit, misuse of any of this equipment will result in the loss of deposit.

10.4.1 The Carrier is unable to hire the vehicle with first aid kits that have been unsealed and used therefore if the Customer’s needs to use any items from the first aid kit they will then be able to take the first aid kit at the end of the hire period and a charge of £25 (this is the actual price of the replacement kit) will be made against the deposit.

11.   Pets

11.1 Pets are not allowed to travel in our vehicles unless by prior arrangement. Some of our drivers have their own dogs travelling with them, in this case other pets will not be allowed to travel.

11.2 No animals other than horse may travel unaccompanied by their owners unless by prior arrangement.

11.3 There will be an additional valeting charge of £35.00 for the vehicles, where it has been agreed that a pet can travel.

12. Smoking

12.1 The Company operates a STRICT NO SMOKING policy inside ALL our vehicles and trailers. ANY OFFENDER WILL FORFEIT THEIR DEPOSIT IN FULL plus pay the cost of fumigation!

12.2 All vehicles are clearly signed with NO SMOKING signs this is for the safety of the horses and passengers as the horsebox often carry highly inflammable materials such as hay, straw, bedding etc.

13. Data Protection Act (S) 1998

13.1 The Company, its agents, directors or employees may hold and process by computer or any other means the information supplied by the Customer in relationship with the rental of the vehicle.

13.2 Any information given by the Customer to the Company will only be used by the Company and will not be shared with any third party, other than the credit card Company for purpose of transacting payments.

13.3 The Company may use the Customer’s information to inform the Customer about offers, new services and other relevant details.

I have read and agree to abide by all the Terms and Conditions as stated above.

Customer’s Full Name (Printed)       

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Customer’s Full Name (Signed)       

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Date:______________________________