Terms of service

Bit hire

It is the Customer's responsibility to ensure that items are cared for appropriately, kept in good condition and safe from theft and loss during the trial period. 

We will endeavour to send out new, unless stated as second-hand at purchase, however, this is not always possible and you may receive a second-hand bit that has been trailed previously but will not show any signs of wear or damage.

For any queries, please contact The Bit Doctor on 07801556810, Whatsapp is best or info@thebitdoctor.co.uk, Facebook or Instagram.

In carrying out a consultation with The Bit Doctor you agree to the following terms. Please read this carefully. You agree to be bound by these terms. The information and services in this document are provided subject to your agreement to these terms.

Please be aware that biting is not a quick fix all to problems. The Bit Doctor can help make your horse more comfortable and create a better connection with the rider so that the learning and the progress you make together can be easier and development will come. In all most all circumstances there will need to be training and development after the appointment and so The Bit Doctor can help you on you development journey.

Please remember that we may be making your horse carry itself in a new outline and therefore use muscles that may not be developed, This may cause tiredness and fatigue in the immediate future and your horse may need a different work schedule. The Horse may not be able to maintain a new frame and needs to be carefully ridden with lots of stretching and relaxing exercises in between working in a better frame until muscles can maintain it.

If your horse has behavioural problems The Bit Doctor can only find you a better, more comfortable tool to use to retrain and teach your horse.

The Bit Doctor is committed to helping you in the best way possible with the horses best interests. If you ride in the new equipment for 15 sessions and you think that it is not suitable then please contact The Bit Doctor and we can arrange to swap it for something else based on the appointment and any feedback you have.

The Bit Doctor cannot be held responsible for any diseases, infections, viruses or mouth conditions or medical conditions that appear after an appointment or hiring items from us.

The Bit Doctor is not responsible if your horse has an adverse reaction to any equipment used during and after the appointment.

The Bit Doctor will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to horse, rider, stable or equipment during or after the appointment.

Appointment

Advise given during the appointment is given on the situation and what is best for you and your horse at the time. Conditions do change, moods and situations change. This may result in the need for an additional or different item. We are here to help you. Things may be a one off or constant change. We offer a bit hire, outlined below if you feel you would like to try something else.

No refunds will be given if the horse or you change your mind on the items sold. You may exchange items, subject to hire charges outlined below. No refunds will be given for the appointment charge unless in line with the cancellation policy below.

If you require me to come out to see your horse again, unless something is extremely wrong and the items suggested or sold are completely wrong, an appointment will need to be booked and charged accordingly.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel before 7 days prior to the consultation date you will receive a full refund. If you cancel less than 7 days prior , then no refund will be issued. You may postpone if you wish and arrange another date more suitable. If people wish to take your place this is acceptable.

One change of date will be done for free, if the appointment needs to be postponed more than once then a £20 fee will be due. If a postponed appointment is cancelled no refund will be given.

If you cancel with 36 hours or less until your appointment start time then to rearrange your appointment you will need to pay again. 

Bit Hire

If you wish to hire bits or bridles it is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure that the items are cared for appropriately and kept in good condition and safe from theft, loss and damage during the trial and return period. Any damages or loss of parts will not be eligible for return or refund.

We will endeavour to send out new, unless stated as second-hand at purchase, however, this is not always possible, and you may receive a second-hand bit that has been trailed previously but will not show any signs of wear or damage.

You will be charged full price for the items hired and the trial is for 14 days. This starts from the date of receipt and includes all days of the year.

If you chose to return any items, then we advise you return in person or use a tracked delivery service to ensure the item arrives back to us. If an item is lost in the post, then you will need to claim from the courier and no refund, exchange or credit will be given from us.

If you do not return the bit within the time outlined above, then the trial period will be deemed to be over, and no refund will be given for the bit. No additional hire charge will be charged at this point.

Upon arriving back with us, we will inspect for damages or misuse. If we approve the return, the refund will be minus the shipping cost of £6 (if applicable) and a small hire charge outlined below. If items are damaged in anyway there will be no refund and the item will be sent back to you. You will be invoiced for the items and will have to cover the cost of postage incurred (£6).

Hire charges are charged per individual item, in case of a double bit set if it is sold as 2 bits together it will be charged as 1. 

Value up to £50, hire charge £5. Value up to £100, hire charge £10. Value up to £150, hire charge £15. Value up to £20, hire charge £20. Value up to £250, hire charge £25. Value up to £300, hire charge £30.

Returns

Items have a 14 day trial period and a further 7 days to allow them to be returned. Items will be inspected for any damages. Damages include but are not limited to: scratches, dents, deep tooth marks if metal, any chew marks if plastic. Any sharp points. Rips and tears, extended holes, buckle marks and more. This is at the discrepancy of The Bit Doctor upon return. 

If the items are found to be damaged in any way there will be no refund and the item will be returned to you at your expense. Unclean items will be charged £10 fee for cleaning. Please do not put items into the dishwasher, this tarnishes metal, especially copper based metals and will cause polymer bits to degrade.

Please DO NOT put bits through the dishwasher. Heat is adverse for many bits, especially Sweet iron, copper and polymers. Please wash with soapy water and dry thoroughly before returning. They will be sanitised here. If the bit has undergone heat there will be extra charges and any damages caused by heat will be charged or your refund could be refused entirely. 

The returns cost is the customers’ responsibility and if the item is to go missing the customer will need to claim from the courier used. In the event an item is damaged in the post or goes missing The Bit Doctor will not refund or exchange items.  The Bit Doctor cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage in the post.

Warranty

All new items are covered by manufacturers statutory 6 months warranty. If in the event of a fault arises in the first 6 months then please contact The Bit Doctor with photos and an assessment will be made on whether a replacement is warranted.

All secondhand items are sold as seen and second-hand and cannot be guaranteed and have no warranty. Their integrity, structure and condition is thoroughly checked before resale. 

Returns will be subject to assessment on how much use the items have had, the condition, the state of care been carried out, whether the owner has cared for the items and kept them in good condition. If the fault is found to be due to misuse or neglect then this will void the warranty.

It is up to the owner of the items to look after them and keep them from breaking or failing.

Basic Care of items purchased from The Bit Doctor

In order to care for your items we advise the following method and products to use.

Leather – Ecorider leather is vegetable tanned leather which means that the manufacturing process is different to other leathers. Neatsfoot oil will rot Ecorider leather so please use balms and conditioners rather than oil. This will prolong your leatherwork and keep it in the best condition.

Bits – all bits especially Sweet iron bits should be kept clean and dry. In order to prolong the life of sweet iron bits clean, dry off and coat in a thin layer of vegetable or olive oil when storing. Plastic/polymer bits will get chewed if the horse is allowed to. Please monitor these bits as improper maintenance will void any warranty. It is advised that the customer does not allow dried food, sweat and grease to develop on the items. This hinders their effectiveness and can cause sore spots on your horse.