Born to Ride. Driven by Experience. Focused on Horse Welfare

At Williams & Son Horse Transport, the welfare, safety and comfort of every horse entrusted to our care is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a professional, reliable and fully compliant equine transport service throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. We understand that transporting horses requires experience, careful planning and attention to detail. Every journey is undertaken with the aim of ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare while providing customers with a dependable and efficient service.

• Operate professionally, honestly and with integrity at all times.
• Ensure all drivers are experienced in the handling and transportation of horses and hold the appropriate valid driving licence for the vehicle being operated.
• Hold and maintain all licences, authorisations and certifications required to lawfully transport horses within the United Kingdom and Europe.
• Maintain a valid Operator's Licence where required.
• Hold the appropriate Animal Transporter Authorisation for every journey undertaken.
• Ensure all transport vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained, serviced and presented in a clean, safe and roadworthy condition.
• Maintain all legally required insurance policies appropriate to the services provided.
• Plan journeys responsibly with the welfare of the horse as the primary consideration.
• Comply with all applicable legislation relating to animal welfare, commercial road transport and international horse transport.
• Take all reasonable steps to safeguard horses whilst they are in our care.
• Treat every horse calmly, professionally and with respect.
• Keep customers informed of significant delays, emergencies or unforeseen circumstances whenever reasonably practicable.

Williams & Son Horse Transport is committed to operating in full compliance with all legislation governing commercial equine transport.The Company will maintain and comply with all licences, authorisations, registrations, policies and procedures required to lawfully operate within the United Kingdom and Europe.

• Holding a valid Operator's Licence.
• Holding the appropriate Animal Transporter Authorisation.
• Ensuring all drivers hold the correct category of driving licence.
• Compliance with Driver Hours and Tachograph Regulations where applicable.
• Compliance with all applicable road traffic legislation.
• Compliance with UK and European legislation relating to the welfare of animals during transport.
• Maintaining transport vehicles in a safe, roadworthy and legally compliant condition.
• Maintaining appropriate insurance including vehicle insurance, public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance where applicable.
• Compliance with customs, border control and import/export legislation when undertaking international transport.
• Compliance with UK data protection legislation.

The welfare of every horse transported by Williams & Son Horse Transport takes precedence over commercial considerations. No journey will be undertaken where, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, it would compromise:

• The welfare of the horse;
• The safety of our drivers or handlers;
• The welfare of other horses travelling within the vehicle;
• The safety of members of the public or
• Compliance with applicable legislation.

Each journey will be planned to take account of:

• Journey duration
• Weather conditions
• Taffic conditions
• Suitable rest periods where required
• Access to water
• Feeding requirements where appropriate
• Overnight stabling where necessary
• The individual needs of the horse

Williams & Son Horse Transport reserves the right to delay, postpone, refuse or discontinue any journey where continuing would place the welfare of the horse or the safety of any person at risk.

• "Company" means Williams & Son Horse Transport.
• "Customer" means the individual, company, owner, trainer, rider, agent or representative instructing the Company to transport a horse.
• "Horse" includes any horse, pony, donkey, mule or other equine.
• "Driver" means any employee, subcontractor or authorised representative of Williams & Son Horse Transport.
• "Transport" means collection, carriage and delivery of horses within the United Kingdom and Europe.
• "Shared Load" means any journey in which more than one customer's horse is transported within the same vehicle.

• All bookings are subject to availability.
• A booking shall only become binding once confirmed in writing by Williams & Son Horse Transport.
• A deposit may be required before a booking is confirmed.
• Full payment must be received prior to transport unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in writing.
• The Customer confirms that they are authorised to instruct Williams & Son Horse Transport to transport the horse.
• The Customer warrants that all information supplied to the Company is accurate, complete and truthful.
• Failure to disclose any relevant information may result in transport being refused or terminated without refund.
• Williams & Son Horse Transport reserves the right to refuse any booking where it believes the transport cannot be undertaken safely, legally or in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all information provided to Williams & Son Horse Transport is accurate, complete and up to date.

The customer agrees to :

• Provide accurate collection and delivery addresses.
• Provide at least one emergency contact who will remain available throughout the journey.
• Ensure the horse is fit and legally eligible to travel.
• Disclose all behavioural, medical and welfare issues prior to booking.
• Ensure all required documentation accompanies the horse.
• Ensure a competent person is available to load and unload the horse where appropriate.
• Ensure the horse is wearing a properly fitted headcollar suitable for travel.
• Inform the Company immediately if any information provided changes before the journey commences.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in transport being refused, delayed or terminated. The Customer shall remain liable for any costs incurred by the Company as a result.

To comply with legal requirements and maintain the highest standards of biosecurity, the following conditions apply.

• A clear copy of the horse's passport must be supplied at the time of booking.
• The original passport must accompany the horse throughout the journey where required by law.
• Failure to provide the required documentation may result in transport being refused.

All horses presented for transport must be fully up to date with their vaccinations in accordance with current veterinary recommendations and any requirements of the destination country, competition organiser or venue. The Company reserves the right to request evidence of vaccination history before transport.

The Customer must immediately notify Williams & Son Horse Transport if, before transport, the horse:

• Develops a temperature
• Begins coughing
• Develops nasal discharge
• Shows signs of diarrhoea
• Develops a skin condition
• Suffers any illness or injury
• Has been diagnosed with an infectious disease; or
• Has been in contact with any horse known or suspected to be suffering from an infectious or contagious disease.

No horse shall be presented for transport if it is suffering from, or suspected of suffering from, an infectious disease unless agreed in writing by the Company.

These requirements exist to protect:

• Other horses travelling within the vehicle
• Horses subsequently transported by the Company
• Our staff
• The wider equestrian community.

Williams & Son Horse Transport reserves the right to refuse transport if transporting the horse may present a biosecurity risk.

Where there are concerns regarding the health or welfare of a horse, Williams & Son Horse Transport may request written confirmation from a veterinary surgeon confirming that the horse is fit to travel.

Every horse transported by Williams & Son Horse Transport must be covered by valid Public Liability Insurance throughout the duration of the journey. Evidence of insurance may be requested before transport. Williams & Son Horse Transport reserves the right to refuse transport if satisfactory evidence of current insurance cannot be provided. The Company's insurance does not replace or provide Public Liability cover for the horse or its owner.

Customers are strongly advised to maintain appropriate:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Veterinary Fees Insurance
• Mortality Insurance
• Loss of Use Insurance where appropriate.

The Customer remains solely responsible for any injury, damage or claims arising from the behaviour or actions of their horse.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that a competent and experienced person is present at both the collection and delivery locations to load and unload the horse where appropriate. Williams & Son Horse Transport drivers may assist with loading or unloading where it is safe and practical to do so. Such assistance is provided as a courtesy and does not transfer responsibility for the horse from the Customer.

If no suitable person is available upon arrival, or if loading or unloading cannot be carried out safely, the Company reserves the right to:

• Delay the journey
• Refuse transport
• Return at a later time
• Terminate the booking

Any additional waiting time, aborted collections, return visits or other reasonable costs incurred shall be payable by the Customer.

The Driver has absolute discretion to determine whether a horse is suitable to be loaded, transported or unloaded. The Driver's decision shall be final where, in their reasonable opinion, transport would compromise:

• The welfare of the horse
• The safety of the Driver
• The safety of Company personnel
• The welfare of other horses travelling
• The safety of members of the public
• The safe operation of the transport vehicle

Williams & Son Horse Transport shall not be liable for any losses arising from a decision made in accordance with this clause.

Williams & Son Horse Transport is committed to providing a safe transport environment for every horse in our care. To ensure the safety of our drivers, handlers, other horses travelling within the vehicle and members of the public, we do not accept for transport horses known to be dangerous or unsuitable travellers. The Customer must disclose before booking any horse that:

• Kicks during travel
• Rears or strikes
• Bites handlers
• Scrambles excessively
• Struggles to remain standing
• Throws itself around during transport
• Repeatedly attempts to escape
• Has previously damaged a horsebox or trailer
• Has injured handlers or other horses during transport
• Requires sedation in order to travel
• Is known to be extremely difficult to load or unload
• Has any behavioural or medical condition likely to affect safe transport

Williams & Son Horse Transport reserves the absolute right to refuse to load, transport or continue transporting any horse that, in the reasonable opinion of the Driver, presents an unacceptable risk to:

• Itself
• Other horses
• Company staff
• Company vehicles
• Members of the public
• Other road users

If dangerous travelling behaviour is discovered before or during the journey and was not disclosed at the time of booking, the Company may:

• Refuse to load the horse
• Terminate the journey at the nearest safe location
• Return the horse to the point of collection where reasonably practicable
• Require immediate collection of the horse by the Customer or their representative

In such circumstances, the Customer shall remain liable for:

• The full transport fee
• Waiting time
• Additional mileage
• Emergency stabling
• Veterinary attendance where required
• Vehicle cleaning
• Repairs
• Recovery costs
• Any other reasonable expenses incurred by Williams & Son Horse Transport as a result of the undisclosed behaviour.

Williams & Son Horse Transport shall not be liable for any loss, delay, injury or expense arising from the refusal to transport or continue transporting a horse where doing so would compromise safety, welfare or legal compliance.

All quotations provided by Williams & Son Horse Transport are valid only for the period stated within the quotation and are subject to availability.

A non-refundable deposit may be required to secure a booking. A booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received and written confirmation has been issued by the Company.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the outstanding balance must be paid in full before transport commences.

The Company reserves the right to refuse transport where payment has not been received by the agreed due date.

Prices quoted include only the services specifically detailed in the quotation.

Additional charges may apply where extra services or costs are incurred, including but not limited to:

• Additional waiting time.
• Diversions requested by the Customer.
• Changes to collection or delivery locations.
• Ferry or Channel Tunnel amendment fees.
• Customs charges.
• Border inspection charges.
• Overnight stabling.
• Veterinary attendance.
• Emergency accommodation.
• Additional mileage.
• Cleaning or disinfection beyond normal standards.
• Road tolls, congestion charges or parking fees where applicable.

Any additional costs reasonably incurred shall be payable by the Customer.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• More than 14 days before transport – Deposit refunded less any administration costs.
• Between 7 and 14 days before transport – Deposit forfeited.
• Less than 7 days before transport – Up to 100% of the transport fee may be payable, particularly where the Company is unable to reallocate the booking.

If Williams & Son Horse Transport is unable to carry out the booking due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Vehicle breakdown
• Driver illness
• Severe weather
• Road closures
• Ferry or Eurotunnel cancellation
• Government restrictions.
• Disease outbreaks
• Border closures.

The Company will, where reasonably possible:

• Offer an alternative transport date
• Refund any monies paid for the cancelled journey

The Company shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses arising from such cancellation.

Williams & Son Horse Transport includes up to 30 minutes waiting time at both the collection and delivery locations unless otherwise agreed. Waiting time begins from the scheduled arrival time. Where delays are caused by the Customer or their representatives, additional waiting time will be charged at the Company's current hourly rate. Where excessive delays affect subsequent bookings or shared loads, the Company reserves the right to:

• Reschedule the journey
• Refuse transport
• Recover any additional costs reasonably incurred.

For all international journeys, the Customer is solely responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements relating to the movement of their horse have been satisfied. This includes obtaining and providing all documentation required by the relevant authorities. Such documentation may include (where applicable):

• Original Horse Passport
• Export Health Certificate (EHC)
• Customs declarations.
• Import permits
• Vaccination records
• Ownership documentation
• Destination country declarations
• Temporary admission documentation
• Any additional documentation required by DEFRA, HMRC or the competent authorities of the destination country.

All original documentation must be provided to the Driver before the journey commences unless otherwise agreed in writing. Williams & Son Horse Transport does not accept responsibility for preparing, completing or obtaining documentation unless this service has been specifically agreed in writing.If transport is delayed, refused or cancelled because documentation is incomplete, incorrect, expired or unavailable, the Customer shall remain liable for:

• The agreed transport fee
• Waiting time
• Additional mileage
• Customs charges
• Border fees
• Ferry amendment charges
• Overnight stabling
• Return transport
• Veterinary costs where applicable
• Any other reasonable expenses incurred

The Company accepts no liability for decisions made by customs officials, veterinary inspectors or border authorities.

The Customer acknowledges that many journeys are undertaken as shared loads involving horses belonging to different owners. Routes and timings are carefully planned to maximise efficiency while maintaining the welfare of every horse travelling. Where one horse is refused transport before departure or refused entry at any port, border crossing or destination due to:

• Missing documentation
• Incorrect documentation
• Vaccination failures
• Biosecurity concerns
• Illness
• Legal non-compliance
• Any circumstance attributable to that Customer

Williams & Son Horse Transport will continue the journey for the remaining horses wherever reasonably possible. The Company shall not delay the transport of other customers unless legally required to do so. The Customer responsible for the refused horse shall remain liable for:

• All transport charges
• Waiting time
• Additional mileage
• Customs costs
• Ferry amendment fees
• Emergency stabling
• Return transport
• Veterinary fees
• Accommodation expenses
• Any other reasonable costs incurred

Where one Customer's failure causes financial loss to the Company or to other customers travelling on the shared load, Williams & Son Horse Transport reserves the right to recover those reasonable losses from the Customer responsible.

The welfare of the horse will always take priority. If, during transport, the Driver believes that immediate veterinary attention is necessary and the Customer cannot be contacted within a reasonable period, Williams & Son Horse Transport is authorised to obtain veterinary treatment in the best interests of the horse. The Customer agrees to accept responsibility for all veterinary fees and associated costs incurred. The Company shall not be liable for any veterinary decisions made by an attending veterinary surgeon.

The Customer shall be responsible for any damage caused by their horse to:

• Company vehicles
• Partitions
• Ramps
• Equipment
• Fixtures
• Fittings
• Any third-party property

Except where such damage results solely from the negligence of Williams & Son Horse Transport. The Company reserves the right to recover the reasonable costs of repair, replacement or specialist cleaning.

Whilst every effort is made to maintain vehicles to the highest standards, unforeseen mechanical failures may occasionally occur. Where necessary to protect the welfare of the horses, Williams & Son Horse Transport may:

• Transfer horses into another suitable authorised vehicle
• Arrange temporary stabling
• Alter the planned route
• Engage another authorised transporter

Such decisions shall be made solely in the interests of animal welfare and safety. The Company will keep Customers informed wherever reasonably practicable.

Company vehicles may be fitted with CCTV for the safety and security of horses, staff and equipment. Williams & Son Horse Transport may take photographs of horses:

• Before loading
• During transport where necessary
• Following unloading

These records may be retained for:

• Insurance purposes
• Welfare monitoring
• Accident investigation
• Legal proceedings
• Customer enquiries

Photographs and CCTV recordings will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

Except where liability cannot legally be excluded, Williams & Son Horse Transport shall not be liable for:

• Delays caused by traffic congestion
• Road traffic collisions involving third parties
• Severe weather
• Fooding
• Ferry cancellations
• Channel Tunnel delays
• Customs inspections
• Border delays
• Government restrictions
• Disease outbreaks
• Industrial action
• Acts or omissions of third parties
• Stress naturally associated with travel
• Pre-existing illness or injury
• Losses arising from incorrect documentation supplied by the Customer

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded under the laws of England and Wales.

Williams & Son Horse Transport shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay arises from circumstances beyond its reasonable control. These include, but are not limited to:

• Severe weather conditions
• Flooding
• Snow or ice
• Road traffic accidents
• Road closures
• Mechanical breakdown despite proper maintenance
• Ferry cancellations
• Channel Tunnel disruption
• Border delays
• Customs inspections
• Government restrictions
• Disease outbreaks
• Veterinary movement restrictions
• Industrial action
• Terrorist incident
• Civil unrest
• Acts of God
• Any other event beyond the Company's reasonable control.

Where possible, the Company will make reasonable efforts to minimise disruption and keep Customers informed.

Any journey times provided are estimates only. Whilst Williams & Son Horse Transport will use reasonable endeavours to collect and deliver horses at the agreed times, no guarantee can be given regarding arrival times. Delays may occur due to:

• Traffic
• Accidents
• Road closures
• Weather
• Ferry or Eurotunnel delays
• Border inspections
• Veterinary inspections
• Shared load requirements
• Animal welfare considerations.

The Company accepts no liability for losses arising solely from delays outside its reasonable control.

Customers should present horses in a reasonably clean and dry condition. Where excessive cleaning or disinfection of the vehicle is required following transport, the Company reserves the right to recover the reasonable cost from the Customer.

The Company reserves the right to refuse transport of mares in the late stages of pregnancy. Where transport is agreed, the Company may require written confirmation from the attending veterinary surgeon confirming that the mare is fit to travel. The Customer accepts all risks associated with transporting pregnant mares.

Customers must advise Williams & Son Horse Transport if their horse has recently been shod or has any shoeing issues that may affect transport. Where, in the reasonable opinion of the Driver, shoeing presents a significant risk to the horse or to other horses travelling within the vehicle, transport may be refused.

Williams & Son Horse Transport will collect and process personal information only for purposes connected with:

• Booking transport
• Carrying out transport services
• Legal compliance
• Insurance
• Invoicing
• Customer communication

Personal information will be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation. Information will not be shared with third parties except where necessary for:

• Veterinary treatment
• Border authorities
• Customs procedures
• Insurance claims
• Legal obligations

Williams & Son Horse Transport aims to provide the highest standards of customer service. Any complaint should be submitted in writing within seven (7) days of the transport taking place. Complaints should include:

• Customer name
• Horse's name
• Date of transport
• Details of the complaint
• Supporting photographs or documents where available

The Company will investigate the complaint and respond as soon as reasonably practicable.

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.

These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between Williams & Son Horse Transport and the Customer. No verbal statement, representation or promise made by any employee or representative of the Company shall vary these Terms unless confirmed in writing by a Director of Williams & Son Horse Transport. If any provision of these Terms is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

By paying a deposit, signing a booking form or instructing Williams & Son Horse Transport to provide transport services, the Customer confirms that:

• They have read these Terms and Conditions
• They understand these Terms and Conditions
• They agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions.
• They have authority to instruct Williams & Son Horse Transport on behalf of the owner of the horse, where applicable
• All information provided is true, complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge.