Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern your participation as a Farrier (“Farrier,” “you,” or “your”) on the Ready Farriers platform (“Platform”). By registering, maintaining a profile, or accepting bookings through the Platform, you agree to be bound by these terms. Ready Farriers, LLC (“Ready Farriers”) operates as a marketplace connecting horse owners with qualified farrier professionals.

If you do not understand this Agreement or do not agree to all of its terms and conditions, you may not use the Ready Farriers Platform. If you are registering on behalf of a business or legal entity, you may only do so if you have authority to agree to this Agreement on behalf of that business or entity.

1. Definitions

• “Platform” refers to the Ready Farriers website, mobile application, and all related services.
• “Client” refers to a horse owner or authorized representative who books services through the Platform.
• “Booking” refers to a scheduled appointment between a Client and a Farrier arranged through the Platform.
• “Service Fee” refers to the commission or fee charged by Ready Farriers for facilitating bookings and processing payments.
• “Service Area” refers to the geographic region(s) you designate as areas where you are willing to provide services.
• “Farrier Profile” refers to the information you provide on the Platform, including credentials, certifications, services offered, pricing, and availability.
• “Facilitation Services” refers to the services provided by Ready Farriers to facilitate introductions, scheduling, and payment processing between Clients and Farriers.

2. Independent Contractor Relationship

2.1 Status

You are an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, joint venturer, or partner of Ready Farriers. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment relationship between you and Ready Farriers. Where required by law, you will maintain workers' compensation insurance for yourself and your personnel. You acknowledge sole responsibility for occupational injuries. Ready Farriers does not control or direct how services are performed, does not supervise or manage Farriers, and is not a party to any service contract between Farrier and Client.

2.2 Freedom to Operate

You retain full control over how, when, and where you provide your services. You are free to accept or decline any Booking at your discretion. You may use the Platform alongside any other business or marketing channels.

2.3 Tax Responsibility

You are solely responsible for all tax obligations arising from your farrier services, including income tax, self-employment tax, and any applicable state or local taxes. Ready Farriers will issue a 1099 form as required by law.

2.4 No Benefits

As an independent contractor, you are not entitled to employee benefits including but not limited to health insurance, retirement plans, workers' compensation, or paid leave from Ready Farriers.

3. Registration & Qualifications

3.1 General

To register and maintain a Farrier account on the Platform, you must satisfy the following and hereby represent and warrant that you are/will:

1. Be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to provide farrier services in your jurisdiction.
2. Provide verifiable professional credentials, including certifications, training history, and years of experience. IAPF (International Association of Professional Farriers) accreditation is strongly encouraged and will be highlighted on your profile.
3. Maintain all required business licenses, permits, and insurance coverage as mandated by your state or local jurisdiction.
4. Submit to a background check as part of the onboarding process. Ready Farriers reserves the right to deny or revoke access based on results.
5. Provide accurate and current information regarding your services, pricing, availability, and Service Area.
6. Keep your profile updated to reflect current qualifications, certifications, and service offerings.

3.2 Ongoing Verification

You may be subject to periodic re-verification during your use of the Platform, which may include identity verification, credential re-confirmation, insurance validation, and additional background checks using third-party services as appropriate. Ready Farriers may audit compliance on reasonable notice, including requesting records of licenses, insurance, service reports, and safety practices.

4. Insurance Requirements

4.1 General Liability

If you maintain general liability insurance (including any commercial general liability or business owner's policy), you shall maintain coverage of at least $250,000 per occurrence, or the minimum required by your jurisdiction, whichever is greater. Ready Farriers does not require, verify, or monitor your insurance on an ongoing basis, and the existence or absence of coverage does not shift responsibility for your services away from you. Ready Farriers may, in its sole discretion, decline to onboard or continue working with any Farrier who does not maintain insurance acceptable to Ready Farriers. To the extent you carry general liability or commercial liability insurance, you shall, upon Ready Farriers' request, name Ready Farriers, LLC as an additional insured on a primary and non-contributory basis, and include a waiver of subrogation in Ready Farriers' favor. You acknowledge that your insurer may charge a fee or premium adjustment for adding Ready Farriers as an additional insured, and you are solely responsible for any such fee. Your coverage shall be primary with respect to your services, and any insurance maintained by Ready Farriers shall sit excess to and non-contributing with your coverage. Certificates of insurance must be provided upon request.

4.2 Professional Liability

Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for certain service categories.

4.3 Vehicle Insurance

If you use a vehicle to transport equipment and travel to client locations, you must maintain appropriate commercial auto insurance.

4.4 Proof of Insurance

You must provide proof of current insurance coverage upon registration and promptly upon any renewal or change. Ready Farriers may suspend your account if insurance documentation is not current. Furthermore, Ready Farriers may suspend access and withhold disbursements if we suspect fraud, policy violations, chargebacks, safety concerns, or insurance lapses, pending investigation.

5. Service Standards & Professional Conduct

As a Farrier on the Ready Farriers Platform, you agree to:

1. Provide hoof care services in a professional, competent, and humane manner consistent with industry best practices.
2. Arrive at scheduled appointments on time or provide reasonable advance notice if you will be late or unable to attend.
3. Communicate clearly with Clients regarding the scope of work, any findings during the appointment, recommendations for follow-up care, and any changes to the expected cost before performing additional work.
4. Maintain clean, safe, and well-maintained tools and equipment.
5. Treat all horses humanely and with appropriate care. Any reports of animal mistreatment will result in immediate investigation and potential removal from the Platform.
6. Report any pre-existing conditions, injuries, or concerns discovered during your service to the Client and document them through the Platform.
7. Refrain from providing veterinary advice or performing services outside the scope of farriery unless appropriately licensed, and you hereby represent and warrant you will not perform regulated veterinary services absent required licensure and will upload proof of such licensure. Any violation constitutes a material breach and triggers indemnification.

6. Platform Matching & Visibility

6.1 Matching Algorithm

The Platform uses an algorithm to match Clients with Farriers. Among the Farriers who provide the requested services in the Client's area, the algorithm may attribute higher ranking or visibility to those who maintain higher ratings, faster response times, more complete profiles, competitive pricing, verified credentials, and consistent availability. The presence of a default algorithm does not preclude Clients from choosing any available Farrier.

6.2 Profile Completeness

Maintaining a complete and accurate Farrier Profile, including photos, detailed service descriptions, and up-to-date credentials, may improve your visibility and ranking in the matching algorithm.

6.3 Ready Farriers

Ready Farriers does not warrant the accuracy, availability, or outcomes of matching, ranking, or automated features, and such features may be modified, delayed, or disabled at any time.

7. Booking & Scheduling

7.1 Accepting Bookings

You have full discretion to accept or decline Booking requests. Once a Booking is confirmed, you are committing to provide the scheduled services.

7.2 Availability

You are responsible for maintaining accurate availability on the Platform. Repeated failure to honor confirmed Bookings may result in reduced visibility, penalties, or account suspension.

7.3 Service Documentation

After each appointment, you must submit a service report through the Platform documenting the work performed, any observations or recommendations, and photos if applicable.

7.4 Unsafe Conditions

You will follow reasonable safety protocols (PPE, horse-handling standards) and may require client cooperation (safe workspace, restraint). Failure of client cooperation authorizes cancellation without liability. You have the right to refuse or discontinue service if you determine that conditions are unsafe for you, the horse, or others present. You must document the reason for refusal through the Platform.

8. Cancellation Policy

8.1 Farrier Cancellation

You may cancel a confirmed Booking up to 24 hours before the scheduled time without penalty. Cancellations within 24 hours or repeated cancellations may result in reduced profile visibility, penalty fees, or account review.

8.2 Client Cancellation

If a Client cancels within 24 hours or is a no-show, you may be entitled to a cancellation fee as outlined in the Client's Terms and Conditions.

8.3 Emergency Exceptions

Emergency cancellations due to personal injury, vehicle breakdown, severe weather, or other genuinely unforeseen circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not automatically count against your standing.

9. Payment & Fees

9.1 Pricing

You set your own rates for services offered through the Platform. You may update your pricing at any time, though changes will not affect already-confirmed Bookings.

9.2 Platform Commission

Ready Farriers charges a commission on each completed Booking. The current commission rate will be clearly communicated during onboarding and before you accept any Booking. Commission rates may be adjusted with 30 days' written notice.

9.3 Payment Processing

Ready Farriers processes all Client payments and disburses your earnings (less the applicable commission) on a regular payment schedule. You must provide and maintain accurate bank account or payment information.

9.4 Payment Schedule

Earnings will be disbursed weekly via direct deposit or the payment method on file. Processing times may vary by financial institution.

9.5 Additional Charges

If the scope of work changes during an appointment (e.g., corrective shoeing is needed beyond what was originally booked), you must obtain Client approval through the Platform before proceeding. Unauthorized additional charges may be disputed. All scope changes and price adjustments must be approved via in-Platform authorization; off-platform approvals are invalid.

10. Reviews & Ratings

Clients may leave reviews and ratings after each completed Booking. Your average rating and review history will be visible on your profile. You agree not to solicit fake reviews, offer incentives for positive reviews, or engage in any conduct intended to manipulate the review system. Consistent low ratings may trigger a review of your account standing. Ready Farriers may moderate, remove, or refuse to post reviews that violate Ready Farriers' policies, and disclaim responsibility for user-generated content.

11. Safety & Compliance

11.1 Workplace Safety

You are responsible for your own safety while providing services. You should assess site conditions upon arrival and exercise professional judgment regarding potential hazards.

11.2 Equipment

You are solely responsible for providing, maintaining, and transporting all tools and equipment necessary for your services.

11.3 Regulatory Compliance

You must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and industry standards applicable to farrier services in your Service Area.

11.4 Incident Reporting

You must promptly report any injuries (to yourself, a Client, a horse, or any third party) or significant incidents that occur during a service appointment through the Platform. You must notify Ready Farriers in writing within 48 hours of any incident or claim and cooperate fully in Ready Farriers' investigation and defense, including preserving evidence and providing statements.

11.5 Ready Farriers

Ready Farriers is not responsible for site conditions, animals' behavior, or client-provided equipment/facilities, and disclaim all liability arising therefrom.

12. Non-Circumvention

12.1 Platform Bookings

For Clients initially connected to you through the Platform, you agree to process all bookings and payments through the Platform. Breach of this provision will result in liquidated damages equal to the greater of $1,000 or the total fees collected by you from the Client for 12 months following first contact, representing a reasonable estimate of lost commissions.

12.2 Existing Clients

This clause does not apply to Clients with whom you had a pre-existing professional relationship before joining the Platform. You are welcome to continue servicing existing Clients outside the Platform.

13. Platform Release

In recognition of the fact that Ready Farriers is not a party to any contract between Clients and Farriers, you hereby release Ready Farriers, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from claims, demands, and damages (actual and consequential) of every kind and nature, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising out of or in any way connected with any dispute you have with a Client. This release includes, without limitation, any disputes regarding payment for services, property damage, personal injury, or horse behavior. This release does not apply to any claim that Ready Farriers failed to meet its obligations under this Agreement.

14. Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers

14.1 Marketplace Role

Ready Farriers is a marketplace providing Facilitation Services. Ready Farriers does not supervise your work and are not responsible for the services you provide.

14.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Ready Farriers shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, even if foreseeable. Our total liability shall not exceed the total commissions earned by Ready Farriers from your bookings in the 12 months preceding any claim.

14.3 No Liability

Ready Farriers will not be liable for any loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption, or loss of business opportunity arising from your use of the Platform. Furthermore, to the maximum extent permitted by law, in addition to the foregoing, Ready Farriers is not liable for lost data, service interruptions, or acts/omissions of Clients or third parties. Ready Farriers total liability shall not exceed the greater of $100 or the commissions earned from your bookings in the 12 months preceding the claim, in the aggregate.

14.4 Exclusion of Warranties

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Ready Farriers excludes all conditions, warranties, representations, or other terms which may apply to the Platform or any content on it, whether express or implied.

14.5 No Guarantee of Bookings

Ready Farriers does not guarantee any minimum number of Bookings, revenue, or business volume. Your success on the Platform depends on factors including your qualifications, pricing, availability, location, and Client reviews.

If any portion of Sections 14 or 18 is found unenforceable, the remainder shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted, and the parties agree to replace invalid terms with enforceable ones that most closely reflect the original intent.

15. Indemnification

15.1 By Farrier

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Ready Farriers, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any third-party claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) to the extent arising out of or resulting from: (a) your negligence, gross negligence, or willful misconduct in providing services through the Platform; (b) any injury, death, or property damage caused by your negligent acts or omissions; (c) your material breach of this Agreement; (d) your violation of any applicable law, regulation, or professional standard; or (e) claims by your personnel arising from or related to their engagement by you. This indemnification shall not apply to the extent any claim arises from Ready Farriers' own negligence, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.

15.2 By Ready Farriers

Ready Farriers agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Farrier from and against any third-party claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) to the extent arising out of or resulting from Ready Farriers' own negligence, gross negligence, or willful misconduct, or Ready Farriers' material breach of this Agreement. This indemnification shall not apply to the extent any claim arises from Farrier's negligence, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of this Agreement, and shall be subject to the limitations of liability set forth in Section 14.

16. Intellectual Property & Content

16.1 Platform IP

All content, trademarks, logos, and intellectual property on the Platform are owned by Ready Farriers or its licensors. Ready Farriers owns all Platform data and may use anonymized/aggregated data for analytics and improvement. Ready Farriers has no obligation to retain or store your content or reports beyond standard retention periods.

16.2 Your Content

By uploading photos, service reports, or other content to the Platform, you grant Ready Farriers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use such content for Platform operations, marketing, and promotional purposes.

17. Confidentiality

You agree to treat all Client information, horse health records, and Platform data as confidential. You shall not share, sell, or disclose Client information to third parties except as necessary to provide your services or as required by law. You will implement reasonable safeguards, promptly (within 72 hours) notify us of any suspected breach, and upon termination return or securely destroy confidential information.

18. Arbitration Agreement & Class Action Waiver

18.1 Agreement to Arbitrate

This arbitration agreement is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. The arbitrator has exclusive authority to resolve disputes regarding the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this arbitration agreement. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach, termination, or validity thereof, shall be finally resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules, to be held in New York, NY. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single neutral arbitrator. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

18.2 Class Action Waiver

You and Ready Farriers agree that each party may bring claims against the other only in your or its individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, or representative proceeding. The arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person's claims and may not otherwise preside over any form of a representative or class proceeding.

18.3 Jury Trial Waiver

By agreeing to this Agreement, you are waiving your right to a jury trial and your right to have a court hear any claim arising in connection with this Agreement.

18.4 Opt-Out

You may opt out of this arbitration agreement. To opt out, you must notify Ready Farriers in writing within thirty (30) days of the date that you first accepted or became subject to this Agreement. The opt-out notice must state that you do not agree to the arbitration agreement, and must include your name, address, phone number, and your Ready Farriers account information. The opt-out notice must be sent to: Ready Farriers, LLC, Attn: Legal — Arbitration Opt-Out, or by email to [email protected]. If you opt out, neither you nor Ready Farriers can require the other to participate in an arbitration proceeding.

18.5 Exceptions to Arbitration

Notwithstanding the above, either party may (i) seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent the actual or threatened infringement of intellectual property rights or to address urgent safety concerns, or (ii) bring qualifying claims in small-claims court in the county of the claimant's residence or principal place of business.

18.6 Disputes Between You and a Client

If a dispute arises with a Client, you agree to first attempt resolution through the Platform's dispute resolution process. Ready Farriers will facilitate but is not an arbiter.

19. Recording & Monitoring

Ready Farriers may record or monitor phone calls, video calls, and Platform communications for quality assurance, training, safety, and dispute resolution purposes. By using the Platform, you consent to such recording and monitoring. You may revoke consent to the recording of a particular call by notifying Ready Farriers at the time of the call.

20. Account Termination

20.1 By You

You may deactivate your account at any time after completing all confirmed Bookings and settling any outstanding obligations.

20.2 By Us

Ready Farriers may immediately suspend or terminate your account for violation of these terms, fraudulent activity, consistently low ratings, substantiated complaints of unprofessional conduct, failure to maintain required insurance, or for any other reason with thirty (30) days' notice.

20.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, you must complete any outstanding Bookings unless otherwise agreed. Earned but unpaid fees will be disbursed per the regular payment schedule. Sections 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22 survive termination.

21. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.

22. General Provisions

22.1 No Waiver

Ready Farriers failure to insist upon or enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any provision or right. Ready Farriers failure to act with respect to a breach by you or others does not waive Ready Farriers right to act with respect to subsequent or similar breaches.

22.2 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

22.3 Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with the Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement between you and Ready Farriers regarding your participation on the Platform, superseding any prior agreements.

22.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer this Agreement or your rights hereunder without our prior written consent. Ready Farriers may assign this Agreement in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets.

23. Modifications to Terms

Ready Farriers reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, including commission rates. Material changes will be communicated via the Platform or email at least 30 days before taking effect. Your continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

24. SMS Communications

Ready Farriers offers an SMS messaging program (“Ready Farriers SMS Service Notifications”) to send service-related text messages to Farriers who provide a phone number and opt in during account creation or onboarding.

24.1 Message Types

• Service request alerts when a Client near you submits a new request.
• Booking confirmations and schedule reminders.
• Account and security alerts.

24.2 Frequency & Cost

Message frequency varies based on your service request and appointment activity. Message and data rates may apply. Ready Farriers does not charge for SMS messages; your wireless carrier's standard rates apply.

24.3 Opt-Out (STOP)

Reply STOP to any message to unsubscribe at any time. You will receive one final confirmation message and no further texts.

24.4 Help (HELP)

Reply HELP for support, or email [email protected].

24.5 Carrier Disclaimer

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Supported carriers include AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, U.S. Cellular, Boost, MetroPCS, and most other US carriers.

24.6 Privacy

Mobile information is never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. See our Privacy Policy and SMS Terms for full details.

25. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact Ready Farriers at:

• Ready Farriers, LLC
• Email: [email protected]
• Legal: [email protected]
• Website: www.readyfarriers.com

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: By registering as a Farrier on Ready Farriers, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, including the arbitration agreement and class action waiver set forth in Section 18.