Please read these Terms before submitting a request or using a Ranch service. A confirmed booking may also include a written itinerary, quotation, payment schedule, cancellation terms or activity-specific acknowledgement. Those documents form part of the agreement for that booking.
1. Scope and Acceptance
These Terms apply to use of the website and to booking requests, riding, accommodation, transport and other services arranged directly with Vonfidel Ranch. Browsing the website or submitting an inquiry does not by itself create a booking. A service agreement arises only when the Ranch accepts the request in writing and any stated confirmation requirement has been completed.
2. Requests, Confirmation and Payment
- Review before acceptance: Every request is considered against availability, rider suitability, horse welfare, weather, terrain and operating capacity.
- Written confirmation: Dates or availability are not secured until the Ranch issues written confirmation and any required deposit or other condition has been satisfied.
- Booking-specific terms: Prices, inclusions, payment schedule, cancellation, refund and change terms may vary by service and are stated before confirmation.
- Changes: Guests should communicate requested changes promptly. A change is effective only when accepted in writing and may affect price, availability or other terms.
- Third-party charges: Transport, payment or other external providers may apply their own charges and conditions.
3. Participant Information and Suitability
The person submitting a request must provide complete and accurate information for the applicant and every participant. This may include name, contact details, country, age or minor status, rider sex, riding experience, rider weight, travel details and health or mobility information relevant to safe participation.
- Information must be updated if circumstances change before arrival or participation.
- The Ranch may request additional information, decline a request, adjust the proposed activity or require a different arrangement where suitability is uncertain.
- Horse matching, route, pace and duration remain operational decisions made around the horse, rider and conditions on the day.
4. Horse Welfare, Weather and Operational Changes
Horse welfare and safety take precedence over a planned schedule. The Ranch may change the assigned horse, route, pace, duration, start time or other element of an activity, or postpone or cancel it, because of heat, rain, ground conditions, horse health or workload, rider suitability, staffing, access restrictions or another operational or safety concern.
Where a material change or cancellation occurs, the Ranch will communicate the available options in light of the booking-specific terms and circumstances. No itinerary can guarantee a particular horse, route, pace or weather condition.
5. Inherent Risk and Participant Responsibility
Horses are living animals and equestrian activities carry inherent and sometimes serious risks, including falls, unpredictable movement, terrain, weather and interaction with other animals or vehicles. Participants must follow staff instructions, use required safety equipment, act within their ability and disclose information that could affect safe participation.
The Ranch may stop or refuse participation where conduct, fitness, information supplied or conditions create an unacceptable risk. Any activity-specific acknowledgement or waiver must be read before participation. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits a right or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
6. Conduct, Property and the Estate
- Respect: Guests must treat horses, staff, residents, other guests, communities, property and the natural environment with care.
- Instructions: Ranch directions concerning horses, routes, access, equipment, accommodation and estate operations must be followed.
- Unsafe conduct: Abuse, harassment, deliberate risk-taking, or participation under the influence of alcohol or drugs may result in immediate suspension or termination of the service.
- Damage and belongings: Guests remain responsible for personal belongings and may be responsible for loss or damage caused by their deliberate or negligent conduct.
7. Accommodation, Transport and Third Parties
Where accommodation, transfers or another supporting service is included, the written confirmation identifies the agreed scope. Guests must observe check-in, access, occupancy and estate instructions. Services delivered by an independent provider may also be subject to that provider's terms. To the extent permitted by law, the Ranch is not responsible for an independent provider's acts or omissions outside the Ranch's reasonable control.
8. Minors
A request involving a participant under 18 must be submitted or authorised by a parent or legal guardian. Participation is subject to prior approval, suitability assessment and the supervision arrangements specified by the Ranch. The responsible adult must provide accurate information and complete any required consent or acknowledgement.
9. Photography and Media
The Ranch may create photographs or recordings during activities, but identifiable promotional use is handled with appropriate notice or permission. Guests may decline to be photographed or filmed by informing the team before or during the activity. A parent or guardian must authorise identifiable promotional use involving a minor.
10. Privacy and Data Protection
Personal information is handled as described in the Privacy Policy. Information supplied for another participant must be provided with appropriate authority. Operational and safety information may be shared with staff or service providers where reasonably required to assess or deliver the service.
11. Website and Intellectual Property
Website text, photographs, video, branding and other materials are owned by or licensed to Vonfidel Ranch unless otherwise stated. They may not be reproduced, altered, sold or used commercially without permission. Guests must not interfere with website operation, attempt unauthorised access or use the site unlawfully.
12. Events Outside Reasonable Control
The Ranch is not responsible for delay or failure caused by events outside its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural events, government restrictions, transport interruption, utility or communications failure, disease, civil disturbance or another material operational emergency. The Ranch will communicate reasonable alternatives where practicable.
13. Changes, Governing Law and Disputes
These website Terms may be revised when services, operations or legal requirements change. The effective date above identifies the current version. A confirmed booking remains governed by the terms accepted for that booking unless a later change is required by law or agreed in writing.
These Terms are governed by the laws of Sri Lanka. The parties should first attempt to resolve a concern directly and in good faith. If it cannot be resolved, the courts of Sri Lanka have jurisdiction unless a separate written agreement provides another lawful process.
14. Contact
For a question about these Terms or a booking-specific condition, contact Vonfidel Ranch directly.