Trust & safety

Trust is at the heart of every equestrian experience. Whether you're travelling across Europe to compete on a leased horse, attending a training camp, or welcoming riders to your stable, Equelle is committed to creating a safer, more transparent marketplace for everyone involved. Our goal is simple: help riders book with confidence, help hosts operate with peace of mind, and ensure horses are treated with the care and respect they deserve. Verified Hosts Not every stable can join Equelle. Every host goes through a review process before their experiences are published on the platform. We assess: Stable facilities and training environment Experience and qualifications Horse welfare practices Professionalism and communication standards Accuracy of listings and pricing This helps ensure that riders are booking with reputable equestrian professionals. Transparent Listings We believe riders should know exactly what they are booking. Hosts are required to provide accurate information regarding: Horse suitability and experience level Training and competition opportunities Accommodation standards What's included in the package Additional fees or requirements No hidden surprises. No misleading advertisements. Horse Welfare Standards Horse welfare is non-negotiable. All Equelle hosts are expected to: Maintain horses in good physical condition Provide appropriate nutrition, turnout, veterinary care, and farrier care Match horses responsibly to rider ability Avoid overworking horses through excessive bookings Prioritize horse wellbeing over commercial gain Any reports of welfare concerns are reviewed immediately. Rider Safety Equestrian sport carries inherent risk, but responsible management significantly reduces it. Hosts are expected to: Match riders to suitable horses Clearly communicate rider requirements Provide safe riding environments Maintain equipment used during experiences Inform riders of local safety procedures and stable rules Riders are expected to ride within their ability and disclose relevant experience honestly when booking. Competition Lease Protection Competition leasing involves significant trust from both riders and horse owners. For Competition Lease experiences, Equelle encourages: Clear written agreements Transparent pricing and inclusions Honest disclosure of horse experience and competition records Pre-arrival rider assessment Clear responsibility allocation for damages, veterinary emergencies, and competition participation This reduces misunderstandings and helps both parties feel protected. Secure Payments Payments are processed between host & the customer. Where available: Booking records are stored on the platform Payment confirmations are documented Transaction histories remain accessible to both parties This creates accountability and transparency throughout the booking process. Reviews & Accountability After each experience, riders can leave feedback about: The host The facilities The horse The overall experience Reviews help future riders make informed decisions and encourage consistently high standards across the marketplace. Dispute Resolution Support While most bookings proceed smoothly, disagreements can occasionally occur. If an issue arises, Equelle can: Review booking records and communication history Facilitate communication between parties Assist in resolving misunderstandings Take action against hosts or users who repeatedly violate platform standards Community Standards Every member of the Equelle community agrees to: Treat horses with respect and care Communicate honestly and professionally Respect stable rules and local regulations Promote a positive and supportive equestrian environment Act with integrity both online and offline Building a Safer Equestrian Marketplace The equestrian world has traditionally relied on word-of-mouth recommendations and personal networks. Equelle combines that trusted community approach with modern marketplace safeguards, creating a platform where riders can discover new opportunities with greater confidence. By setting clear standards, verifying hosts, promoting transparency, and prioritizing horse welfare, we are building a marketplace that works for riders, horses, and hosts alike.