Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
Important Information
Last Updated: January 13, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Pone Horses (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you visit our website or use our services. Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site or use our services[citation:1][citation:2][citation:5].
Complete Privacy Policy
1. Introduction & Scope
Pone Horses (operating as https://pferd-horses.com) is a premium equine sales platform specializing in miniature horses, ponies, and Friesians adapted for African climates. We are owned and operated by Stefan Herman and family[citation:1][citation:2].
This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information collected through our website, mobile applications, auctions, sales transactions, shipping services, and any other interactions with Pone Horses. It covers information collected from clients in Africa, Europe, and worldwide[citation:4][citation:8].
We comply with multiple privacy regulations including:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European clients
- South African Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents
- Other applicable national and regional privacy laws[citation:2][citation:5][citation:6]
2. Information We Collect
Collection Transparency
We collect information to provide our services, process transactions, and ensure the highest standards of care for our horses and clients[citation:2][citation:5].
| Data Category | What We Collect | Purpose of Collection | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Information | Name, email, phone, address, payment details | Transaction processing, communication, shipping | Contract fulfillment, legitimate interest |
| Business Information | Company name, tax ID, business address | B2B transactions, invoicing, compliance | Contract fulfillment, legal obligation |
| Horse Transaction Data | Purchase history, health certificates, pedigree documents | Service provision, health guarantees, records | Contract fulfillment, legitimate interest |
| Technical Data | IP address, browser type, device information, cookies | Website functionality, security, analytics | Legitimate interest, consent |
| Communication Data | Emails, messages, support requests | Customer service, relationship management | Legitimate interest, consent |
In the context of equine transactions, we may process sensitive information including:
- Veterinary health certificates and medical history
- Insurance documentation for international shipping
- Import/export permits and regulatory compliance documents
- Financial information for high-value transactions[citation:4][citation:8]
We automatically collect technical information including:
- IP addresses and browser characteristics
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring websites and search terms
- Device information and operating systems[citation:3][citation:7]
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: Processing horse purchases, auctions, and shipping
- Transaction Processing: Handling payments and financial transactions
- Communication: Sending order updates, shipping notifications, and service information
- Customer Support: Responding to inquiries and providing assistance
- Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements for international equine trade
- Business Operations: Improving our services and website functionality[citation:2][citation:5][citation:6]
With your consent, we may send you information about:
- New horse arrivals and availability
- Upcoming auctions and special offers
- Educational content about horse care and training
- Company updates and news
You can opt-out of marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us directly[citation:3].
4. Data Sharing & Third Parties
We share information with trusted third parties who assist in our operations:
| Service Provider | Purpose | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Processors | Transaction processing | Payment information, contact details |
| Shipping Companies | International horse transport | Address, contact info, documentation |
| Veterinary Services | Health checks and certifications | Horse information, client contact |
| IT & Hosting Services | Website operation and security | Technical data, contact information |
We may disclose your information when required by law, including:
- To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- To protect our rights, property, or safety
- In connection with legal proceedings or government requests
- For international trade compliance and customs documentation[citation:7]
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify you of any such change and outline your choices regarding your information[citation:2].
5. International Data Transfers
Cross-Border Operations
As an international equine business operating across Africa and Europe, we regularly transfer data across borders in compliance with applicable regulations[citation:3][citation:7].
Your data may be transferred to and processed in:
- South Africa: Our primary operational base
- European Countries: Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Luxembourg, Lithuania for European clients and operations
- Other African Nations: Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other countries we serve
- United States: For certain service providers and partners[citation:3][citation:7]
We implement appropriate safeguards for international data transfers including:
- Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
- Data processing agreements with all international partners
- Regular security assessments of international data flows
- Compliance with both African and European data protection standards[citation:5][citation:7]
6. Data Security
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
- Access Controls: Strict access limitations based on role and necessity
- Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
- Employee Training: Regular privacy and security training for all staff
- Physical Security: Secure facilities for paper records and documentation[citation:2][citation:6]
While we implement robust security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to implementing industry-standard protections and responding promptly to any security incidents[citation:1][citation:3].
In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:
- Notify you without undue delay as required by applicable law
- Provide details of the breach and affected information
- Outline steps we’re taking to address the breach
- Offer guidance on protective measures you can take[citation:5]
7. Your Privacy Rights
Right to Access
You can request copies of your personal information we hold[citation:2][citation:7].
Right to Correction
You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information[citation:2][citation:7].
Right to Deletion
You can request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances[citation:2][citation:5].
Right to Restriction
You can request restriction of processing in specific situations[citation:7].
Right to Object
You can object to processing based on legitimate interests[citation:2][citation:7].
Right to Portability
You can request transfer of your data to another organization[citation:7].
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@pferd-horses.com. We will respond within 30 days as required by applicable laws. We may need to verify your identity before processing certain requests[citation:2][citation:5].
| Jurisdiction | Specific Rights | How to Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| European Union (GDPR) | Right to object to processing, right to data portability, right to withdraw consent | Email request to privacy@pferd-horses.com |
| California (CCPA/CPRA) | Right to know, right to delete, right to opt-out of sale, right to non-discrimination | Email request or call +27 [Phone Number] |
| South Africa (POPIA) | Right to lodge complaint with Information Regulator, right to correction | Email request to privacy@pferd-horses.com |
| Other African Nations | Rights as per national data protection laws | Contact us for jurisdiction-specific procedures |
8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience and understand how our site is used[citation:1][citation:3].
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- See what cookies are stored and delete them
- Block cookies from specific sites or all sites
- Set preferences for different types of cookies
Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience[citation:3].
We use third-party services that may track your activity, including:
- Google Analytics: For website traffic analysis
- Payment Processors: For transaction security
- Advertising Platforms: For targeted marketing (with consent)
- Social Media: For social sharing features[citation:2][citation:3]
9. Children’s Privacy
Age Restriction
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children[citation:1][citation:6].
By using our services, you represent that you are at least 18 years old. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information[citation:1].
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at privacy@pferd-horses.com. We will promptly investigate and take appropriate action[citation:2].
10. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:
| Data Type | Retention Period | Reason for Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Records | 7 years | Legal and tax compliance |
| Health Certificates | Lifetime of horse + 3 years | Health guarantee compliance |
| Customer Communications | 3 years after last contact | Customer service and relationship management |
| Marketing Preferences | Until consent withdrawn | Compliance with consent preferences |
| Website Analytics | 26 months | Business analysis and improvement |
When retention periods expire, we securely delete or anonymize your information using industry-standard methods. Some information may be retained longer if required by law or necessary for legal proceedings[citation:2][citation:7].
11. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website with a new “Last Updated” date
- Sending email notifications for major changes
- Displaying notices on our website for a reasonable period
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy[citation:1][citation:2].
12. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries, please contact our Data Protection Officer:
Data Protection Officer
Pone Horses
Email: privacy@pferd-horses.com
Phone: +27 [Phone Number]
Postal Address: [Physical Address, South Africa]
You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. Relevant authorities include:
- South Africa: Information Regulator
- European Union: Your local data protection authority
- United Kingdom: Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
- California: California Attorney General[citation:2][citation:7]
Acceptance of Privacy Policy
By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. You consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.