Cancellation & Refund Policy

‍

Cancellation & Refund Policy

This Cancellation & Refund Policy applies to bookings made through Julia Maria Borner, Individual Entrepreneur, trading as Saddle Stories (“Saddle Stories”, “we”, “us”, “our”).

Because Saddle Stories offers curated, limited-capacity equestrian experiences with independent Providers, cancellation terms may vary depending on the type, size, and complexity of the booking.

The cancellation terms shown on the booking page, invoice, checkout page, or booking confirmation will apply to your booking.
‍

1. Simple Day Experiences

For standard day experiences, such as single-day horseback rides, short riding experiences, lessons, stable visits, or simple local activities, unless stated otherwise:

Cancellations made 72 hours or more before the scheduled start time are eligible for a full refund, excluding any non-refundable payment processing fees, bank charges, currency conversion fees, or third-party charges.

Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the scheduled start time are non-refundable.

No-shows, late arrivals, or failure to meet riding level, weight, health, clothing, or safety requirements are non-refundable.
‍

2. Private, Custom, Multi-Day & High-Value Bookings

For larger or more complex bookings, including private experiences, custom itineraries, retreats, riding holidays, ranch stays, accommodation-based experiences, multi-day trips, one-week or two-week programmes, corporate events, brand events, group bookings, and luxury experiences, stricter cancellation terms may apply.

Unless stated otherwise in your booking confirmation:

Cancellations made 30 days or more before the start date may be eligible for a refund minus non-refundable deposits, Provider charges, payment processing fees, bank fees, and any costs already incurred.

Cancellations made 14–30 days before the start date may be eligible for a 50% refund, unless Provider terms are stricter.

Cancellations made less than 14 days before the start date are non-refundable.

Certain custom, private, retreat, accommodation, corporate, seasonal, or limited-capacity bookings may be fully non-refundable after confirmation if this is stated before payment.
‍

3. Deposits

Some bookings may require a deposit to secure availability, horses, guides, accommodation, staff, transport, venue space, or other arrangements.

Deposits may be non-refundable where stated before booking.

If a booking requires a balance payment, the balance due date will be shown in the booking confirmation or invoice.

Failure to pay the balance on time may result in cancellation of the booking and loss of the deposit.
‍

4. Provider Cancellations

If the Provider cancels or cannot deliver the booked experience, Saddle Stories will aim to offer a suitable alternative, new date, credit, or refund, depending on availability, Provider terms, and applicable law.
‍

5. Weather, Safety & Animal Welfare

Horseback riding experiences may depend on weather, terrain, animal welfare, horse suitability, guide availability, local restrictions, or safety considerations.

If Saddle Stories or the Provider determines that conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for horses or guests, the experience may be rescheduled, modified, or cancelled.

Where a cancellation is made by the Provider for safety, weather, or animal welfare reasons, Saddle Stories will aim to offer a new date, alternative experience, credit, or refund, depending on Provider policy and applicable law.
‍

6. Client-Initiated Changes

Date changes, name changes, group-size changes, riding-level changes, or booking modifications are subject to availability and may involve additional costs.

For simple day experiences, we will try to accommodate reasonable date changes requested at least 72 hours before the experience.

For private, custom, multi-day, accommodation-based, corporate, or group bookings, change requests may be subject to stricter Provider terms and additional costs.
‍

7. Refund Timing

Approved refunds will be processed to the original payment method where possible.

Payment processing times may vary depending on banks, card providers, and payment processors.

Payment processing fees, bank fees, currency conversion charges, and third-party charges may be non-refundable.
‍

8. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellation, illness, injury, travel disruption, horseback riding, equestrian activities, and medical expenses.

This is especially important for retreats, riding holidays, ranch stays, corporate events, multi-day trips, and international travel bookings.

‍