Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 24, 2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how Skill Tipster ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit our website at skill-tipster.com or use our horse riding lesson services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Age and date of birth (for safety and insurance purposes)
• Emergency contact information
• Medical information relevant to horse riding safety
• Riding experience and skill level
• Payment and billing information
• Photos and videos taken during lessons (with consent)
• Preferences and feedback about our services

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referral source
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing horse riding lessons and related services
• Communicating with you about bookings, schedules, and updates
• Ensuring safety during lessons and activities
• Processing payments and managing accounts
• Improving our services and customer experience
• Marketing and promotional communications (with your consent)
• Complying with legal obligations and insurance requirements
• Website analytics and performance optimization

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate our business (payment processors, insurance providers, IT services)
• Emergency Services: Medical professionals or emergency services in case of accidents or medical emergencies
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Partners: With your consent, for joint marketing activities or events

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure data transmission using SSL encryption
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Secure storage of physical and electronic records
• Regular staff training on privacy and security practices

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Specific retention periods include:

• Student records: 7 years after last lesson
• Payment records: 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Medical information: 7 years or as required by law
• Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe
• Website analytics: 26 months

7. Your Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request a copy of your personal information in a portable format
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 11.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please see our Cookie Policy.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

We provide services to children under 18 years of age with parental consent. We collect only the personal information necessary for providing safe riding lessons and require parental consent for marketing communications to minors.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

13. Complaints

If you have a complaint about how we handle your personal information, please contact us first using the details above. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.