Terms & Conditions

This policy has been developed to ensure the safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of all children, guests, staff and horses attending large private events, weddings, christenings, corporate functions and public gatherings.
The welfare of the horse will always take priority over attendance at any event. Walk My Little Horse reserves the right to modify, pause or terminate activities if safety or welfare standards cannot be maintained.

───

​

1. Horse Welfare Policy

1.1 Welfare First Principle

The horse's physical and emotional wellbeing takes precedence over all activities, bookings and guest expectations.
Walk My Little Horse reserves the right to:

* Relocate the horse to a quieter area.
* Restrict guest interaction.
* Reduce activity duration.
* Suspend activities temporarily.
* End the experience immediately if welfare concerns arise.
No refund will be offered where activities are reduced or suspended due to genuine welfare or safety concerns.

───

​

1.2 Noise Levels

Horses are sensitive animals and excessive noise can cause stress.
For larger events:

* A designated quiet area must be provided.
* The horse must not be positioned near loudspeakers, live music, DJs, generators or amplified entertainment.
* Children must be supervised and discouraged from shouting around the horse.
* If noise levels become excessive, the horse may be moved or withdrawn.

───

​

1.3 Rest Periods

The horse must have regular breaks throughout the event.
Requirements include:

* Access to fresh water at all times.
* Opportunity to rest between interactions.
* Protection from excessive heat, cold, wind or rain.
* Access to a safe holding area when not participating.

───

​

1.4 Grazing Control

Where possible, a grass-free or low-grazing area should be provided.
This assists with:

* Maintaining the horse's attention.
* Preventing overconsumption of grass.
* Reducing disruption to planned activities.

───

​

2. Venue Requirements

2.1 Safe Containment Area

The organiser must provide:

* A designated horse area.
* Sufficient space for safe movement.
* Separation from vehicle traffic.
* Separation from food preparation areas.
* Freedom from hazards and debris.

───

​

2.2 Wet Weather Contingency
 

Before booking confirmation, organisers must identify suitable shelter.
 

Acceptable options include:

* Marquees.
* Barns.
* Stable blocks.
* Covered courtyards.
* Other secure weatherproof structures.
Walk My Little Horse may cancel or modify activities if weather conditions present a risk to horse or guests.

───

​

2.3 Parking & Access

Suitable access must be available for:

* Horsebox parking.
* Safe unloading and loading.
* Emergency vehicle access.

───

​

3. Children's Safety Policy

3.1 Child-to-Horse Interaction Limits

For grooming and decorating activities:

* Maximum 4 children at any one time.
* Activities begin on a one-to-one basis where appropriate.
* Small groups may then be formed.

This ensures:

* Safe supervision.
* Positive horse welfare.
* Quality engagement for each child.

───

​

3.2 Age Requirements

Children under five years old:

* Must remain with a parent or responsible adult.
* May require additional staff support.
* Will be assessed individually according to activity type.
Walk My Little Horse reserves the right to increase staffing requirements where large numbers of younger children are expected.

───

​

3.3 Behaviour Expectations

Children must:

* Walk, not run.
* Use indoor voices around the horse.
* Follow staff instructions immediately.
* Respect the horse's personal space.
Children displaying unsafe behaviour may be removed from activities.

───

​

4. Safeguarding Policy

4.1 Supervision

Walk My Little Horse staff remain responsible for horse-related activities only.
Parents, guardians and event organisers remain responsible for:
* Overall supervision of children.
* Behaviour management.
* Medical needs.
* Personal care requirements.

───

​

4.2 Photography

Parents and organisers are responsible for obtaining any necessary photography permissions.
Walk My Little Horse will not photograph children without permission.

───

​

4.3 Physical Contact

All interaction is horse-focused and appropriate.
Staff will only use physical contact where necessary for:

* Safety.
* Guidance.
* Horse handling.

───

​

5. Clothing & Footwear Policy

Suitable clothing is essential.
Recommended:

* Flat enclosed footwear.
* Trainers or sturdy shoes.
* Comfortable outdoor clothing.

Not recommended:

* High heels.
* Open-toe footwear.
* Long trailing garments.
* Clothing likely to spook or entangle around the horse.
Participation may be refused if footwear or clothing presents a safety risk.

───

​

6. Staffing Policy

Walk My Little Horse reserves the right to require additional staff for:

* Large events.
* High guest numbers.
* Large numbers of young children.
* Complex venues.
* Multiple activity stations.
Additional staffing costs will be discussed before confirmation.

───

​

7. Insurance & Liability

Walk My Little Horse maintains appropriate public liability insurance.
The organiser remains responsible for:

* Venue safety.
* Guest conduct.
* Compliance with venue regulations.
All participants engage with horses at their own risk.

───

​

8. Marketing & Promotional Materials

Subject to venue approval:

* A small branded banner may be displayed.
* Business cards or brochures may be available.
* Promotional activity must remain discreet and appropriate to the event.
No aggressive marketing will take place.

───

​

9. Site Visits

For larger events, Walk My Little Horse may require a site visit prior to booking confirmation.
The purpose is to assess:

* Horse welfare arrangements.
* Guest flow.
* Activity location.
* Safety considerations.
* Weather contingency plans.

───

​

10. Right to Refuse or Withdraw Services

Walk My Little Horse reserves the right to refuse, modify or withdraw services where:

* Horse welfare may be compromised.
* Safety requirements are not met.
* Venue conditions differ significantly from those described.
* Behaviour of guests presents a risk.
* Weather conditions create safety concerns.

These decisions are made solely in the interests of safety and animal welfare.

───

​

Walk My Little Horse
"Creating calm, meaningful and memorable interactions between children and horses through a child-led, Montessori-inspired approach."