Welcome to Sierra Trails. These Terms and Conditions govern your booking and participation in our horse riding trail excursions in Las Alpujarras, Andalusia, Spain. By contacting us to make a booking or by making a payment, you agree to comply with and be bound by these terms.
1. Booking Confirmation and Payment Policy
Because we operate a manual booking system to ensure personalized horse-to-rider matching, bookings are processed as follows:
Reservation Requests: Places on the trail rides requested via email, contact form, or phone are held provisionally for a maximum of 3 business days to allow for payment (or proof of payment) of the deposit.
Securing Your Booking (Week Rides): A booking deposit of 300€ (Euros) will be required to confirm your reservation, the balance to be paid no later than 40 days prior to the commencement date of the ride.
Securing Your Booking (Short Breaks): A booking deposit of 170€ (Euros) will be required to confirm your reservation, the balance to be paid no later than 40 days prior to the commencement date of the ride.
Final Payment: Final payment should be made no later than 40 days prior to the start of the ride.
2. Client Cancellation and Refund Policy
Operating an outdoor trail riding business requires precise staffing and horse preparation. Therefore, we enforce a strict cancellation policy:
Deposits are not refundable or transferrable.
We will refund 50% of the final payment if notice is given 31 days or more before the start date of the ride.
No refund will be given for cancellations 30 days or lessbefore the start date of the ride.
All cancellations must be made in writing either by email or registered post.
Late Arrivals: Our trail rides depart promptly at the scheduled time to ensure safety and fairness to other riders. It is not always possible to join the trail ride once it has started as the number of horses leaving at the start matches the number of riders.
3. Weather and Operator Cancellation Policy
The mountain environment of Las Alpujarras can experience rapid weather shifts. The safety of our riders and the welfare of our horses are our absolute priorities.
Safety Thresholds: Rides will go ahead in light rain or overcast conditions. However, in the event of extreme weather (such as torrential rain, severe thunderstorms, high winds, or excessive heat alerts), Sierra Trails reserves the right to cancel the excursion.
Operator Cancellation Options: If we cancel a ride due to weather, horse welfare, or unforeseen staff emergencies, you will be offered:
- An alternative date or time for your ride.
- A voucher/credit note valid for 12 months.
- A 100% full refund of all monies paid.
We are not responsible for any external travel expenses, accommodation costs, or third-party losses incurred due to a weather cancellation.
4. Rider Weight Limits and Fitness Declarations
For the health, spinal safety, and long-term welfare of our horses, we enforce a strict maximum rider weight limit of 90kg (14 stone, 2 lbs) for experienced riders and 75kg (11 stone, 11 lbs) for intermediate riders.
Accurate Declarations: All clients must provide accurate weight and riding experience details at the time of booking.
Right to Weigh: We reserve the right to discreetly verify rider weights at the stables using an on-site scale if there is a visible discrepancy.
Non-Compliance: If a rider is found to exceed our maximum weight limit upon arrival, they will not be permitted to ride, and their payment will be forfeited without a refund.
5. Mandatory Safety Equipment and Attire
Safety Helmets: Wearing an approved safety helmet is mandatory for all riders, regardless of age or experience level, for the entire duration of the time spent mounted.
Appropriate Clothing: Clients must wear long trousers (such as jeans, jodhpurs) and fully enclosed, sturdy footwear (riding boots/shoes with a rubber sole comfortable to walk and ride in). Riders arriving in sandals, flip-flops, shorts, or dresses will be refused entry on safety grounds without a refund. See our Info Page for full details of recommended equipment.
6. Guide Authority and Right of Refusal
Our trail guides are highly trained professionals responsible for the safety of the entire group.
Guide Instructions: All participants must follow the safety instructions and route directions given by the guide at all times.
Behavioral Restrictions: We reserve the right to refuse service to any individual who acts aggressively, behaves in a way that endangers the horses, or appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
No refunds will be issued in these scenarios.
7. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Spain. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Spain courts.