Table of Contents
- Understanding your rights: online purchase withdrawal period
- Equestrian equipment return conditions: what is accepted
- Steps to return your equestrian equipment
- Equestrian equipment exchange procedure: size or model
- Riding equipment return fees: who pays?
- Refunds and deadlines: what you need to know
- Specific returns: defective or damaged items
- Conclusion: returning with confidence at Équitavi
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last update: October 18, 2026
Understanding your rights: online purchase withdrawal period
In France and the European Union, every online purchase is covered by a legal right of withdrawal: the online purchase withdrawal period is 14 calendar days from the receipt of the order (Returns and the right of withdrawal).
You can change your mind without justification: if the equestrian equipment is disappointing or the size does not fit, feel free to initiate an equestrian equipment return.
The period runs from the receipt of the package, not the order. Notify your intention to return before the 14 days expire; after that, the seller is no longer required to accept the return, except in cases of defect or non-compliance.
Equestrian equipment return conditions: what is accepted
Equestrian equipment return conditions depend on the type of equipment, hygiene rules, and safety requirements. A seller may accept a return within the legal period but refuse it if the item was tried on in conditions that make it unfit for resale: distinguish between the law and the seller's commercial policy.
General eligibility rules
For a return to be accepted, most sellers require the item to be:
- in its original state, unused or very lightly used;
- with its original packaging intact;
- with tags unremoved or undamaged;
These requirements are legitimate for resale, but they cannot override your legal right of withdrawal if the product has not been used beyond a simple trial.
Precautions specific to equestrian equipment
Equestrian equipment has specific constraints to check before any return:
- Helmets and head protection: for hygiene and safety, a tried-on helmet may be refused if there are traces of sweat, makeup, or hair, or compressed foam. Try it on with a hairnet and keep the original cover and box.
- Boots and shoes: try them on a clean, non-abrasive surface; marked soles, even slightly, can lead to a refused return.
- Technical textiles: try them on over clean undergarments; a washed, outdoor-worn, or odor-impregnated textile (stable, sweat) can be refused; tags must remain attached.
Items excluded from returns
Some items are excluded from the right of withdrawal by law or the seller's policy. Frequent cases in equestrian equipment:
- personalized or made-to-order products (custom saddles, embroidered saddle pads, adjusted bridles);
- sealed or hygienic products that have been opened (bits, mouthpieces, certain ear bonnets);
- sale or promotional items, when the seller clearly states this before the purchase;
Note: a sale item is not automatically excluded from the legal right of withdrawal; the seller must explicitly indicate this before the purchase. In case of doubt, ask for written confirmation.
What to check before returning
Before preparing your package, check: has the item been used beyond a simple trial? Are the tags attached? Is the original packaging complete? Are all accessories present? Does the seller require prior authorization? In case of doubt, contact customer service in writing before shipping: you keep a record and avoid a refusal.
Steps to return your equestrian equipment
The process of returning equestrian equipment purchased online involves several key steps. First, check the seller's specific return conditions.
Preparing your return package
Gather your order number, the item in its original condition with its packaging, and any provided accessories.
Here is how to properly prepare your equestrian equipment return:
- Inspect the item to ensure it is in good condition
- Reattach the tags if they have been removed
- Place all elements back in the original packaging
Careful packaging reduces transit damage and facilitates processing upon receipt.
Tracking and confirmation of receipt
Ship the package to the return address provided by the seller and always keep the tracking number to verify its safe arrival.
Follow these important points:
- Note the tracking number provided by the carrier
- Keep your proof of shipment for at least 30 days
- Regularly check your package status online
Processing an equestrian equipment return typically takes 5 to 10 business days after receipt; you will receive a notification of acceptance or refusal.
Equestrian equipment exchange procedure: size or model
Inappropriate size or model? An equestrian equipment exchange procedure is often faster than a return followed by a new purchase.
Contact the seller's customer service clearly indicating:
- Your original order number
- The reason for the exchange (wrong size, different model desired)
- The new size or model desired
Many sellers offer free exchanges if the product is in its original condition.
Riding equipment return fees: who pays?
Riding equipment return fees are often misunderstood: the seller is not required to cover them in all cases of withdrawal. The law regulates their allocation, and commercial policies may add options (prepaid label, free return under conditions).
What the law says
For a return due to simple withdrawal (change of mind), the default rule is as follows:
- the seller must inform the consumer, before purchase, who bears the return costs;
- if the seller does not provide this information clearly, they bear the return costs;
- if the seller clearly informs that the costs are at the consumer's expense, then the consumer pays;
In practice, many equestrian equipment sellers charge return fees to the customer for withdrawals, with a prepaid label deducted from the refund; others offer free returns over a certain amount or for exchanges. Always check the conditions before ordering.
What the seller's policy says
Beyond the law, every seller can offer more favorable conditions. The most common configurations are:
- Prepaid return label provided by the seller: the customer prints the label, drops off the package, and the costs are absorbed by the seller or deducted from the refund. Ask for the exact amount before shipping.
- Return at customer's expense: the customer chooses their carrier and pays the fees. They must keep the proof of shipment and payment receipt.
- Free return under conditions: some sellers offer free returns for size exchanges, for members of a loyalty program, or above a certain purchase amount.
The case of defective or non-compliant items
If the item is defective, damaged, or non-compliant, the seller must cover the return and replacement costs: do not advance any fees. Keep photos of the defect, original packaging, and proof of purchase. In case of refusal, request an amicable solution in writing, then contact the consumer mediator if necessary.
International returns
International returns are more expensive and slower. Check: customs duties and import taxes, sometimes charged to the recipient; restrictions on certain products (leather, hygiene, protective gear); transport times, which may exceed the withdrawal period; declaration of value and nature of the return. Prioritize a carrier with tracking and insurance, and keep all evidence.
How to anticipate and reduce fees
To limit return fees: consult size guides before purchasing; group your returns into one package if authorized; use the seller's prepaid label; compare home pickup and drop-off points; keep proof of shipment and payment receipt for at least 30 days.
Refunds and deadlines: what you need to know
Once your equestrian equipment return is accepted, the refund follows a schedule depending on the initial payment method and the seller's policy.
Typical deadlines are:
- Refund by bank transfer: 5 to 10 business days
- Refund by credit card: 3 to 5 business days
- Refund by gift card or store credit: immediate or within 48 hours
The deadline runs from the confirmation of acceptance of your equestrian equipment return, not from the shipment. Banks process refunds at the end of the day, with delays sometimes longer on weekends or holidays.
Specific returns: defective or damaged items
For a defective, damaged, or non-compliant item, you have additional rights: unlike withdrawal, you have two years to report a lack of conformity (Guarantees on goods bought in the EU).
Here is how to proceed for a defective item:
- Photograph the defect immediately upon receipt
- Contact the seller within 48 hours with photos and description
- Keep the original packaging and all accessories
Defective items enjoy enhanced protection: the seller cannot charge return fees.
Always document defects with clear photos: this speeds up the claim and strengthens your position.
Conclusion: returning with confidence at Équitavi
Returning equestrian equipment purchased online should not be stressful: in France and the European Union, the 14-day online purchase withdrawal period, the coverage of return fees, and protections for defective items offer you real security.
| Step | Timeframe | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt and inspection | 24 hours | Check condition and labels |
| Return request | 14 days | Contact the seller |
| Package preparation | 2-3 days | Pack properly |
| Shipping | Variable | Track the tracking number |
| Return processing | 5-10 days | Await confirmation |
| Refund | 3-10 days | Check your bank account |
Returning an item at Équitavi is simple and secure. We understand that finding the right equestrian equipment sometimes requires trying out several options. Our transparent equestrian equipment return process and high-performance technical fabrics mean you are investing with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to return my equestrian equipment purchased online?
In France and the European Union, you have a 14-calendar-day cooling-off period from the receipt of your order. This period applies to all online purchases of equestrian equipment, technical clothing, or horse-riding gear. For defective or non-compliant items, additional rights apply according to the legal warranty.
What are the conditions for returning a horse-riding item?
The item must be returned in its original condition, unused or very lightly worn, with its original packaging intact. Technical clothing must retain its label. Sale or exclusive items may have specific conditions. To make a return, you must keep your order number and proof of purchase. Damaged or heavily used equipment may be refused.
Who pays for the return shipping of horse-riding gear?
In the case of a standard withdrawal (14 days), return shipping costs are your responsibility as the customer. However, if the item is defective, damaged during delivery, or does not conform to your order, the seller covers the return costs. Keep your return label and check the shipping terms with the retailer.
How do I exchange an item if the size does not fit?
Contact customer service with your order number to request an exchange of size or model. Return the item in its original condition with packaging intact. Once received and inspected, the new equipment will be shipped to you. Exchange times depend on the return period (14 days) plus processing and re-shipping. Some sellers offer free exchanges under certain conditions.