​

General

Highland Equine Transportation & Services (“the Company”) is a family-run business with over 15 years of equine experience and over 30 years of combined professional driving experience. All services provided are subject to the Terms and Conditions set out below. These Terms form a legally binding agreement between the Company and the Customer. By booking transport, the Customer confirms that they:

• Have read, understood, and accepted these Terms in full

• Are the legal owner of the horse(s) or are duly authorised by the owner

• Accept these Terms on behalf of all relevant parties

 

The Company will only transport equines strictly in accordance with these Terms.

 

  Bookings & Payment

 • A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking.

 • For bookings under £200, 50% must be paid upfront.

 • The remaining balance must be paid no later than 48 hours prior to transport.

 

Failure to pay in full within this time-frame will result in automatic cancellation of the booking without refund.

 

Completion of a booking form with the “booking” option selected constitutes formal confirmation of the booking, and the Customer becomes liable for:

• The deposit, or

• A cancellation fee equivalent to 20% of the booking value

 

 Cancellations & Amendments

• Cancellations within 48 hours of transport: no refund

• Cancellations within 72 hours: 25% refund (excluding deposit)

• Amendments must be made more than 48 hours prior and incur a £25 administration fee.

 The Company reserves the right to exercise discretion in genuinely exceptional circumstances.  

 

Pricing & Charges

All prices are subject to VAT at 20%

Standard rates:

• £1.45 per mile + VAT per horse (shared load)

• £1.75 per mile + VAT (private load)

• £0.60 per mile + VAT (empty mileage)

• Minimum charge: £145 + VAT

 

Invoices must be paid by the stated due date. Late payments will incur 20% of the total invoice value per day overdue, unless agreed otherwise in writing. Quotes remain valid for 30 days only.  

​

Emergency Transport

Emergency call-outs are charged at:

• £145 + VAT call-out fee

• £1.80 per mile + VAT thereafter

 

 Abuse & Conduct

 Abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior towards the Company, its staff, or representatives will result in:

• Immediate termination of services

• No refund

• Potential legal action where appropriate

 

Additional Services & Ferry Travel

• Additional services (e.g. stabling, ferry crossings) are charged separately

• Ferry costs must be paid in full at booking

• Ferry schedules are subject to availability and weather conditions

 

The Company accepts no liability for delays, cancellations, or associated costs arising from:

• Weather

• Ferry operator decisions

• External factors beyond reasonable control

Any additional costs (e.g. stabling, feed, delays) are the Customer’s responsibility.

 

 Legal Transport Requirements

• A valid equine passport MUST be provided at the time of transport

 • Microchips will be scanned and verified

 

Failure to provide valid documentation will result in:

• Immediate refusal of transport

• No refund

 

Horse Health & Biosecurity

The Customer warrants that the horse:

• Is fit, healthy, and safe to travel

• Shows no signs of infectious disease, including but not limited to strangles

 

The Company reserves the absolute right to:

• Refuse transport of any horse deemed unfit or unsafe

• Require veterinary certification or test results prior to transport

• Refuse shared transport where biosecurity is in question

​

 Where a Customer knowingly presents:

• A diseased horse

• A dangerous or unmanageable horse;

Transport may be terminated immediately without refund, and the Customer will be liable for all resulting costs and damages.

​

Customers are under a continuing obligation to notify the Company of any change in a horses condition or disease exposure, including anything arising or becoming known within 7 days prior to transport or 30 days after delivery. ​

​​​

Shared Loads

Shared transport is:

• Subject to availability

• Subject to schedule flexibility

 

Where no suitable share is available:

• Full/private load pricing will apply

 

All horses on shared loads must:

• Be halter-trained

• Be safe to handle

• Meet biosecurity requirements

 

Loading Policy

• A maximum of 45 minutes is allocated for loading

• Additional time is charged at £10 per 30 minutes

If unsuccessful:

• Transport will be rescheduled

• No refund will be issued for the initial attempt

 

 Liability & Insurance

The Company holds Care, Custody & Control insurance up to £10,000. By accepting these Terms, the Customer acknowledges and accepts:

• This level of cover

• That transport of horses carries inherent risk

 

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall not be liable for:

• Injury, illness, or death of any horse during transport

• Delays or consequential losses (e.g. missed events, entry fees)

• Any indirect or financial losses

 

The Customer remains fully responsible for the horse at all times and must hold adequate insurance.

​

Damage & Loss of Use

The Customer is liable for:

• Any damage caused by their horse to vehicles, property, or equipment

In addition:

• A charge of £145 + VAT per day will apply for vehicle downtime during repairs

 

Veterinary Intervention

 In an emergency, the Company reserves the right to:

• Seek veterinary or professional assistance without prior consent

All associated costs will be charged to the Customer.

​

Delays & Force Majeure

The Company shall not be liable for delays caused by:

• Traffic

• Weather

• Mechanical failure

• Animal behaviour

• Any circumstances beyond reasonable control

 

Transport may be rescheduled where safety is compromised.

​

Equipment & Welfare

• Horses may be provided with hay and water in accordance with Welfare of Animals (Transport) Act 2006

• Customers must provide any special feed required Equipment (headcollars, protection etc.) may be supplied if necessary and charged accordingly.

 

Breakdown & Recovery

Breakdown cover is in place via an equine rescue provider. However: Any additional costs incurred remain the Customer’s responsibility.

​

CCTV & Media Use

Horses are monitored via video during transport for:

• Safety

• Insurance purposes

Footage may be shared with:

• Insurers

• Legal representatives

• Relevant authorities

The Company may use footage for marketing purposes unless the Customer explicitly withdraws consent in writing.

​

Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties and override any prior discussions or representations.