Monday 4 May 2020

SMART Services Update: 1st May 2020


Update to Solution Saddles services: 1st May 2020

Solution Saddles is pleased to announce that, following rigorous review of Government policy and our own business operations, we have developed a strict risk assessment and test ride protocol to be able to safely conduct home consultations where we are unable to help our clients remotely. As the situation has developed, and as we have become increasingly informed about the virus, it has been our priority to develop a safe and practicable system so that we can continue to provide a test ride/home consultation service whilst reliably meeting and maintaining the highest standards of health and safety - for as long as it takes for Covid-19 to be combatted.

In order to safeguard our valued clients and SMART Advisors, Solution Saddles made the decision to cancel/postpone all SMART Test Rides indefinitely well ahead of the official announcement for the UK-wide ‘lockdown’. Although we fully understand that not everybody will be in a position to proceed with a test ride for some time yet, we are inviting those who wish to book a home consultation under our new guidelines, to please get in touch so that we can begin the process of allocating saddles and putting you in contact with your local SMART Advisor.

The re-opening of our test ride system at this time will serve to maximise efficiency and get you back in the saddle as soon as we can safely arrange a home consultation, according to each individual’s circumstances.

There are many existing SMART saddle owners who require fitting reviews due to their horses changing shape during this time. By contacting us now, we can start preparing kit ready for your refit under our new operating standards as quickly as possible.

We are fortunate that the Solution Saddles SMART Advisor network and SMART Test Ride model affords us great flexibility in how we can safely and responsibly approach saddle fitting under the current circumstances:
  • We allocate and ship a hand-picked selection of SMART Saddles from Solution Saddles HQ for each client, so that the saddles you try are not shared by other clients on the same day
  •  SMART Advisors rarely see more than one client in one day
  • All equipment is returned to HQ for careful cleaning between each test ride, with additional storage time factored in to prevent cross-contamination


Although the Government clearly supports continued business practice for most types of business, wherever it is safe to do so, we are fully committed to continuing to offer free remote fitting advice in place of home consultations, which is suitable for most of our clients at this time. For more information on this service, simply contact us:

Tel: 01909 720 259


Booking a Test Ride

Although we're delighted to be able to resume Home Consultation visits, it is essential that we take every precaution possible, for the health and safety of yourselves, our SMART Advisors, friends and family. When you get in touch to arrange an appointment, we (Solution Saddles HQ or your SMART Advisor) will:

  • Run through a risk-assessment to ensure that your facilities allow a safe venue for the test ride.
  • Describe the test ride protocol, so that you know what to expect and how to safely accommodate your SMART Advisor as they work with you and your horse.
  • Send you digital copies of all test ride paperwork, for you to read through, complete and return to us ahead of your test ride, eliminating the need for shared paperwork on the day.
  • Request payment in advance by BACS or our secure payment page. We will not be accepting cash for the foreseeable future.
  • Contact you the day before your appointment to check that neither you, nor anybody you live with, are displaying any Covid-19 symptoms. It is critical that you inform us if you are unwell or are exhibiting symptoms, so that we can postpone the appointment accordingly.

We look forward to supplying SMART saddles for you to try under the expert guidance of our trained SMART Advisors. However, please note that this service may not be available across our full network and is subject to each individual SMART Advisor's situation. We are also operating with reduced staffing levels, so please allow extra time for saddles and equipment to be allocated and shipped.

Our risk assessment and test ride protocol, as adapted from those issued by BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association), are available on request.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch; e-mail is our preferred contact method: smart@solutionsaddles.com


    

Personal Protective Equipment

For the time being, all of our SMART Advisors will be utilising a selection of PPE throughout the Test Ride process:

  • Disposable gloves
  • Hand sanitising gel
  • Face masks

We ask that you also take similar precautions and insist that gloves are worn at all times. 

Full details on what is expected at the test ride will be discussed at the point of booking the appointment. 


"Our SMART Advisor was extremely helpful, from first point of contact, through consultation, to after sales care. She adhered well to social distancing during the appointment and asked many questions beforehand to determine the best saddles to bring on the day. The saddle is very comfortable for both me and my horse, he is young and green, but our SMART Advisor was very patient with us both!"
~ Christine & Eve Waterhouse, SMART Saddle Customers





No comments :

Post a Comment