Terms & Conditions.

Saddle Fitting

At the time of booking a saddle fitting consultation please be aware that the handling and riding of horses is a risk sport. Horses can be dangerous animals and can be unpredictable when startled. Appointments are best carried out in an environment that is safe and hazard free for the horse, handler, rider and fitter. Clients are responsible for wearing the correct PPE ( Personal Protective Equipment) where necessary. Clients handling and riding horses / ponies during the saddle fitting appointment do so at their own risk and assume sole responsibility for any injury or consequences that may be caused to the horse / handler / property during the fitting. If the client is unable to safely handle or ride the horse during the fitting, the appointment will be paused / stopped if the welfare of the horse is in question. 

It is the owners responsibility to ensure that the horse / pony is in good health and fit to ride. Horses may sometimes require conditioning work to enable them to strengthen through the back and their posture to enable them to effectively be able to carry a rider. Suggestions may be made for the welfare of the horse before any ridden work can commence. This relates to underdeveloped horses with poor muscle condition but also over weight horses. It is also the owners responsibility to ensure that the rider, whether that be themselves or any other rider, is conforming to UK weight welfare guidelines for what is currently recommended for their individual horse. When last checked this was 10% of the horses total weight, the horses tack is also included in that figure.

 Saddle fitting appointments are for a detailed consultation that will include:

• Trotting the horse up

• Checking the horses back for tightness / soreness that may impede saddle fit (a referral to physio may be necessary in some instances)

• Mapping the horses back for its own personal saddle support area.

• Templating the horse (this checks for any asymmetries that may affect saddle fit and balance)

• Measuring the horse and advising on best saddle attributes.

• In cases where a new or different saddle is required a suitable saddle will be fitted and rode in to check its suitability for the horse and rider. This may require a return visit with suitable saddles that are sourced for the specific horse and rider combination, (Delivery fees for specially sourced saddles will be discussed with clients prior to ordering). 

Saddle Fitting is a detailed process that cannot be rushed for the welfare of the horse, the appointment is for an in-depth saddle fitting appointment. Requests made by clients, to short cut fitting standards and procedures, that compromise equine welfare and go against professional standards & ethics are not advisable. If this is the case, in very rare and exceptional circumstances, a saddle may not be fitted by Victoria Hilton Saddle Fitting on ethical and welfare grounds. ​

Please ensure that the horse is clean, dry and ready for saddle fitting with all its familiar tack and equipment available. A safe trotting up area needs to be available that is free from hazards with a suitable surface. Please ensure someone is available to trot the horse up. If the horse is shared it would be beneficial for both riders to be present during the fitting. During the fitting your horse will need to be ridden, please be prepared to ride. Riders are advised to be appropriately dressed and should be wearing an approved riding hat. A safe environment should be available for riding in at the time of the appointment. If an arena has been booked / hired, please ensure adequate time is provided.

Owners and clients should be aware that horses frequently change shape and should regularly monitor their horses shape to look for changes in shape that could affect saddle fit. It is helpful to keep a photo of your horse from the time of fitting to help monitor weight and muscle fluctuations. Horses often change shape due to their workload and training. Changes in management of the horses routine can also cause the horse to change shape. Examples of environmental factors that could influence saddle fit could be changes of feed, weight gain or loss, season of year, current workload and the age of horse can all have varying influences on the horses shape. It is recommended to have your horses saddle checked at least every 6 months to account for these changes. Horses that have had a new or different saddle fitted to them can rapidly change shape and their posture due to working differently under a new saddle combination and should be revisited and fitted again within 20 hours of riding or a duration of 4 weeks, whichever comes first. Saddles supplied, fitted and sold during the appointment, have a 14 day returns policy providing they are returned in the exact same condition as time of purchase. 

It is the owners responsibility to keep up to date with suggested follow up appointments. It is also the responsibility of the owner to follow up on referrals to the relevant professional, when suggested, for the welfare of their horse. Please see the table below for recommended follow up appointments, individually prescribed fitting will be discussed at your appointment.

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​If you are unable to attend your saddle fitting appointment a 24hr cancellation is required. Please provide the cancellation of an appointment by email to victoriahiltonsaddlefitting@gmail.com.

Please allow 30 minutes either side of your allocated time on the day of the fitting. Bank transfers must be made immediately after fitting on site at your yard. The price of fitting is for one horse and rider combination. Any extra horses and fittings will incur additional fees. Extra horse fittings should be booked in advance to give optimum time for the appointment. Appointments greater than 20 miles from the Blackburn area will incur additional mileage charges. Any questions or complaints should be emailed to victoriahiltonsaddlefitting@gmail.com and will be responded to asap.

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Equine Massage Therapy

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By booking and proceeding with a treatment from Victoria Hilton, you, the owner or agent, agree to the following terms and conditions.

Veterinary Consent (UK)

• For horses under veterinary treatment: In line with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the 2015 Exemption Order, if your horse is under veterinary supervision, injured, or under the vet for lameness evaluations, I must have prior consent from your vet before providing massage therapy. It is the owners responsibility to obtain this consent, which can be achieved by ringing your vet for verbal confirmation. If the vets request a form this can be provided for use on request.

• For healthy horses: Veterinary consent is not required for routine or maintenance massages on a healthy horse. However, if a problem or lameness is identified during the session, I reserve the right to stop the treatment and refer you to your vet for diagnosis.

• Equine Massage Therapy is not a replacement for veterinary care but is used alongside conventional health care, only a vet can give a diagnosis.

Appointments and Booking

• Payment: Payment is required on the day of the appointment via bank transfer or cash. A receipt can be provided via email.

• Cancellation Policy: Please provide at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellations. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a cancellation fee.

• Safe Environment: It is your responsibility to provide a safe, dry, and clean working area for the treatment. If the horse is wet, dirty, or presents a risk to safety, the session may be cancelled and a charge applied.

• Horse's Temperament: Please be open about your horse's temperament and behaviour prior to the appointment. If a horse is unsafe to work on, the session will be terminated, and a call-out fee may be charged.

Client Responsibility and Liability

• No Diagnosis: As an equine massage therapist, I am not a vet and cannot provide a diagnosis. The purpose of the therapy is to promote well-being, improve muscle quality, and address muscular issues.

• Owner's Risk: All sessions are conducted at the owner's risk. Victoria Hilton will not be held liable for any injury or consequence to the horse, rider, handler, or property during the appointment.

• Insurance: Victoria Hilton holds professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

 Privacy

• Confidentiality: All information shared, including the horse's history and treatment notes, will be kept confidential and stored securely.

• Media: No photos or videos of your horse will be used for promotional purposes without your explicit consent.

 Disclaimer

• This is a summary of standard terms. By confirming a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these conditions.

By checking the box on the contact form the Client freely, knowingly, and voluntarily assumes all risks, both known and unknown, associated with the Practitioner's services. The Client accepts sole responsibility for any injury, death, or property damage that may occur to themselves, the Horse, or their personal property in connection with these services. ​