Last updated: March 2026

1. Introduction

At Optimal Equine, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you use our services or visit our website.

2. Who We Are

Optimal Equine provides equine therapy and saddle fitting services across the East Midlands, including McTimoney manipulation, massage and saddle fitting.

For the purposes of data protection law, Optimal Equine is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is handled, please contact us via the contact details provided on our website.

3. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following information:

Personal Information

Name

Email address

Telephone number

Yard or location details

Appointment and booking details

Horse / Client Records

To provide treatment and saddle fitting services, we may record information such as:

Horse name and details

Clinical observations or treatment notes

Saddle fitting assessments

Appointment history

Payment Information

If you pay by card, payments are processed securely through SumUp. Optimal Equine does not store your full card details.

4. How We Collect Your Data

We collect information when you:

Book an appointment

Contact us through the website, email, phone or social media

Use our booking and record system via Equigate

Pay for services

The website may also collect limited technical data such as IP address or cookies to improve site functionality.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

Manage appointments and bookings

Maintain client and horse treatment records

Communicate with you regarding appointments or services

Process payments

Provide reports or follow-up information

Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

We only process your data where we have a lawful basis to do so, including:

Contract (to provide booked services)

Legitimate interests (running and improving our services)

Legal obligations

6. Third-Party Services

We use trusted third-party providers to help deliver our services:

Equigate
Used for client bookings, records and treatment reports.

SumUp
Used to securely process card payments.

These providers may process personal data on our behalf but only for the purposes of delivering their services and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

7. Data Storage and Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

Information stored within Equigate and other systems is protected using secure platforms and access controls.

8. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain client records only for as long as necessary to:

Provide services

Maintain treatment history

Meet legal or insurance requirements

When data is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.

9. Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Request access to your personal data

Request correction of inaccurate information

Request deletion of your data where appropriate

Restrict or object to certain processing

Request transfer of your data (data portability)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details on our website.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office if you believe your data has been handled improperly.

10. Cookies

Our website may use basic cookies to improve functionality and user experience. Cookies do not normally identify you personally.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.