Welfare & Sustainability
Windsor Carriages Welfare and Sustainability Statement
Our Commitment to Horse Welfare
Our commitment to animal welfare is paramount. The horses are the heart of Windsor Carriages and the foundation of every experience we create.
Our horses are family-owned, commercial working animals who live with our coachmen and their families, receiving daily care, attention, and affection. Their well-being is the guiding principle behind every decision we make.
We believe in work that is varied, purposeful, and enjoyable. Each horse has a carefully managed routine, ensuring a balance of activity, rest, and downtime. Over the past decade, we have reduced our horses’ working schedules by more than 60%, introducing additional human support so that their workload remains light and sustainable.
When the time comes for retirement, our horses remain with their families as loved companions—what my father fondly called “stable and field ornaments.” They continue to receive the same level of love and care, living out their days in comfort and familiarity.
Quite simply, everything we do is designed with their welfare at heart. This commitment is what allows our horses to thrive—not only as working partners, but as much-loved members of our extended Windsor Carriages family.
Our Commitment to Excellence and Safety
Our Commitment to Excellence and Safety
Staff Requirements:
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Medical examinations every 3 years
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Security checks
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DBS criminal conviction clearance
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Safeguarding training
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Accessibility and inclusive service training provided by the Royal Borough
Horse and Carriage Safety:
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Annual veterinary checks for horse soundness
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Annual carriage inspections for road worthiness and safety
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Public Liability Insurance up to £5 million
Horse Welfare:
Our horses are family-owned commercial working animals. They live with our coachmen, receiving dedicated care and affection. Their work is varied and enjoyable.
Operational Standards:
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Proprietary Windsor Carriages Hackney Carriage regulations and operating procedures
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Staff training based on 30 years of experience
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Annual risk assessments for regular and special routes
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Coachmen required to have five years of commercial carriage driving experience
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DEFRA WATO Certificate of Competence for horse transportation
Additional Protections:
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Comprehensive event indemnity insurance covering potential service disruptions GDPR compliance and cybersecurity training
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Consumer credit card data compliance (PCI DSS)
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ICO Registration for handling personal data
Affiliations:
Member of Visit Windsor Partnership, SME Climate Hub, The British Driving Society and The British Horse Society
Our Sustainability Commitment
At Windsor Carriages, sustainability is a cornerstone of our operations. As a heritage experience rooted in horse-drawn travel, our primary mode of transport is inherently sustainable—powered by natural horsepower and guided by a deep respect for traditional, eco-friendly practices.
To further support a greener future, we actively offset the carbon emissions generated by our support vehicles and office operations through dedicated tree-planting initiatives. This ensures that every aspect of our business aligns with our principles of stewardship and care for the environment.
Our commitment in practice includes:
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Horse-drawn, low-impact transport – a naturally sustainable way to explore Windsor, moving at a gentle pace that respects wildlife and the landscape.
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Eco-friendly refreshments – we serve drinks in aluminium cans, ensuring they can be fully recycled, and use UK-made, sustainably manufactured gifts and supplies.
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Sustainable hospitality – reusable polycarbonate wine and champagne glasses, cotton napkins, and china are standard in our picnics, while all food is locally sourced wherever possible.
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Reducing travel impact – our own team uses an electric bicycle to travel around the town and estate.
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Paperless operations – where possible, our communications, proposals, and administration are digital, minimising unnecessary printing and packaging.
For us, sustainability is not a trend but a promise—to our horses, to our guests, and to the future of Windsor. Every detail is chosen with care, ensuring that the only thing we leave behind are cherished memories.
