Cancellation service n°1 in United Kingdom
Horse and Country TV is a specialist streaming service dedicated to equestrian content, offering comprehensive coverage of horse sports, lifestyle programming, and educational material for horse enthusiasts across the United Kingdom. Launched as a niche platform, it provides subscribers with access to live show jumping competitions, dressage events, eventing coverage, and behind-the-scenes content from the equestrian world. The service caters specifically to riders, horse owners, and fans of equestrian sports who want dedicated programming that mainstream streaming platforms simply don't offer.
The platform streams content through its website and mobile applications, allowing subscribers to watch on various devices including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers. Horse and Country TV has built its reputation by securing broadcasting rights to major equestrian events worldwide, including FEI World Cup competitions, international show jumping tours, and exclusive documentary content about top riders and their training methods. For the equestrian community, it's become a go-to resource for both entertainment and professional development.
Most importantly, Horse and Country TV operates on a subscription model rather than a pay-per-view system, meaning members pay a recurring fee for unlimited access to the content library. This subscription structure is precisely why understanding the cancellation process becomes crucial when your circumstances change or you no longer need the service. Keep in mind that many subscribers initially sign up during major competition seasons or when training for specific events, then find they're not using the service enough to justify the ongoing cost.
Horse and Country TV offers several subscription tiers designed to accommodate different viewing habits and budget requirements. Understanding exactly what you're paying for helps you make informed decisions about whether to continue or cancel your membership. The pricing structure has evolved over the years, and it's essential to know which plan you're currently on before initiating cancellation.
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pass | £6.99 | N/A | Full access, cancel anytime |
| Annual Pass | N/A | £69.99 | Two months free, advance billing |
| Premium Access | £9.99 | £99.99 | Additional exclusive content |
The monthly subscription provides flexibility with no long-term commitment, making it ideal for seasonal viewers who only want access during major competition months. However, the annual subscription offers better value if you're certain you'll use the service consistently throughout the year. From a cancellation perspective, monthly subscriptions are significantly easier to terminate since you're not locked into a yearly contract with potential early termination complications.
Additionally, Horse and Country TV includes features like live streaming of major events, an extensive on-demand library with thousands of hours of content, multi-device streaming capabilities, and the ability to download content for offline viewing on mobile devices. Premium tiers may include additional benefits such as ad-free viewing, early access to new content, and exclusive interviews with top riders. These features might seem attractive initially, but many subscribers find they primarily watch only during specific competition seasons, leading to months of unused subscriptions.
First, check your current subscription type by logging into your account before proceeding with cancellation. This information determines your notice period requirements and potential refund eligibility. Annual subscribers need to be particularly aware of their renewal dates, as these subscriptions often auto-renew with little advance warning, catching many members off guard with unexpected charges.
Understanding Horse and Country TV's terms of service is absolutely critical before initiating your cancellation. Like most subscription services, they operate under specific contractual terms that govern how and when you can terminate your membership. Reading these terms carefully can save you from unexpected charges or disputes down the line. Most importantly, the cancellation policy differs significantly between monthly and annual subscriptions, which catches many subscribers by surprise.
For monthly subscriptions, Horse and Country TV typically requires notice before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another month. The standard notice period is usually stated in the terms as requiring cancellation at least 48 hours before the renewal date, though I've processed cases where subscribers needed to provide up to five business days' notice. This timing requirement is precisely why postal cancellation with tracked delivery becomes so important—you need documented proof of when your cancellation request was sent and received.
Annual subscriptions present more complex considerations. Keep in mind that most annual plans do not offer pro-rata refunds if you cancel mid-term. This means if you're six months into a twelve-month subscription and decide to cancel, you typically won't receive a refund for the remaining six months. However, your access usually continues until the end of the paid period. Some subscribers mistakenly believe they can cancel anytime and receive a partial refund, leading to disappointment and disputes with customer service.
Under UK consumer law, specifically the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have specific protections when cancelling subscription services. If you signed up online or over the phone, you have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. This is your statutory right, and no company terms can override it. However, this cooling-off period only applies to new subscriptions, not renewals.
Additionally, subscription services must make their cancellation processes clear and not unnecessarily difficult. If Horse and Country TV makes cancellation deliberately complicated or hides the cancellation procedure, this could potentially breach consumer protection regulations. That said, requiring written notice by post is generally considered acceptable, provided they clearly communicate this requirement in their terms of service. Next, be aware that verbal cancellation requests or email notifications may not be legally sufficient if the terms specifically require postal notification.
The notice period you must provide depends entirely on your subscription type and the specific terms you agreed to when signing up. For monthly subscriptions, the notice period typically ranges from 48 hours to five business days before your next billing date. Missing this deadline means you'll be charged for another full month, even if you cancel one day late. I've seen countless subscribers frustrated by this timing requirement, especially when they assumed cancellation would be immediate.
| Subscription Type | Notice Period | Refund Eligibility | Access After Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 48 hours - 5 days | None (except cooling-off) | Until period end |
| Annual | 30 days recommended | None (except cooling-off) | Until period end |
For annual subscriptions, providing notice well in advance of your renewal date is crucial. I recommend sending your cancellation letter at least 30 days before renewal, even if the terms don't explicitly require this much notice. This buffer period protects you from processing delays and ensures your cancellation is registered before the automatic renewal triggers. Keep in mind that annual subscriptions often auto-renew silently, with only a brief email notification that many subscribers miss or overlook.
Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your Horse and Country TV subscription, and I'll explain exactly why this approach provides superior protection compared to other methods. First, written cancellation creates an undeniable paper trail that proves you submitted your request. Unlike phone calls that aren't recorded or emails that can be filtered to spam folders, a posted letter with tracking provides concrete evidence of your cancellation attempt. This documentation becomes invaluable if disputes arise about whether you properly cancelled or if unexpected charges appear on your account.
Additionally, using Royal Mail's Signed For or Special Delivery services provides legal-grade proof of delivery. You receive a tracking number, delivery confirmation, and often a signature from the recipient, creating multiple layers of evidence. I've processed thousands of cancellations over my career, and postal cancellation with tracking has consistently proven the most dispute-proof method. When subscribers later face billing issues or claims they never cancelled, having that Signed For receipt immediately resolves the situation in their favour.
The primary advantage of postal cancellation is the creation of legally admissible evidence. If Horse and Country TV later claims they never received your cancellation or that you didn't provide sufficient notice, your tracked delivery receipt proves otherwise. This protection is particularly important with subscription services, where billing disputes can drag on for months and potentially affect your credit rating if unpaid charges are reported to collection agencies.
Next, postal cancellation forces the company to process your request through formal channels rather than relying on customer service representatives who might make errors or fail to properly log your cancellation. When a formal letter arrives at the registered business address, it typically gets routed to the accounts or legal department, where cancellation processing is more systematic and reliable. Phone cancellations, by contrast, depend entirely on the individual representative correctly entering your request into their system—a process prone to human error.
Most importantly, postal cancellation with tracking provides time-stamped proof of when you initiated cancellation. This timestamp is crucial for meeting notice period requirements and demonstrating you acted within the required timeframe. Even if delivery is delayed by postal service issues, your posting date (shown on your tracking receipt) typically serves as the effective cancellation date, protecting you from late fees or additional billing cycles.
First, gather all necessary information before drafting your cancellation letter. You'll need your full name as it appears on the account, your subscription account number or customer ID, the email address associated with your account, and your current billing address. Having this information readily available ensures your letter can be immediately matched to your account without delays or confusion. Check your most recent billing email or log into your account to find your customer ID—this number is critical for quick processing.
Next, draft your cancellation letter using clear, concise language. State your intention to cancel immediately in the opening sentence, then provide all identifying information. Specify the exact date you want your cancellation to take effect—I recommend stating "immediately" or "at the end of the current billing period" depending on your preference. Include a sentence requesting written confirmation of your cancellation, which creates an expectation that they must respond and provides another layer of documentation.
Your letter should include these essential elements: a clear subject line stating "Subscription Cancellation Request," your full account details, an explicit cancellation statement, your preferred effective date, a request for written confirmation, and your contact information for their response. Keep the tone professional and factual—there's no need to explain why you're cancelling or justify your decision. The briefer and more direct your letter, the less room for misinterpretation or processing errors.
Sending your cancellation letter to the correct address is absolutely critical. Using an incorrect address can delay or completely invalidate your cancellation, potentially resulting in additional unwanted charges. Always verify the current cancellation address before posting, as companies occasionally update their registered addresses or use specific departments for cancellation processing. Based on current information, send your cancellation letter to:
Double-check this address against any recent correspondence from Horse and Country TV, as companies sometimes specify alternative addresses for cancellation requests in their terms of service or billing emails. If you find a different address listed specifically for cancellations in your account documentation, use that address instead. When in doubt, sending to the registered business address shown above provides the safest option, as they're legally required to process official correspondence sent to their registered location.
Always send your cancellation letter using Royal Mail Signed For (1st Class) or Special Delivery Guaranteed. These services cost between £2 and £7 depending on the option you choose, but this small investment provides invaluable protection worth far more than the fee. Signed For service includes tracking, signature on delivery, and proof of delivery—everything you need to demonstrate your cancellation was properly submitted and received.
Keep your proof of postage receipt and tracking number in a safe place, ideally photographed or scanned for digital backup. Additionally, check the online tracking regularly to confirm delivery. Once delivered, note the delivery date and time, and if possible, print or screenshot the delivery confirmation page. This documentation should be retained for at least 12 months after cancellation, as billing disputes sometimes emerge months later when you've forgotten the details of your cancellation.
Most importantly, send your letter with enough time to meet the required notice period plus a buffer for postal delays. If your subscription renews on the 15th and you need five days' notice, send your letter by the 5th at the latest, preferably earlier. Royal Mail typically delivers Signed For items within one to two business days, but allowing extra time protects you from unexpected delays due to holidays, postal strikes, or processing backlogs.
While you can certainly handle postal cancellation yourself, services like Postclic streamline the entire process and eliminate common mistakes that lead to failed cancellations. Postclic allows you to submit your cancellation letter digitally, then handles the printing, envelope preparation, and tracked posting on your behalf. This approach saves you the trip to the post office and ensures your letter is formatted professionally and posted promptly.
The key advantage of using Postclic is the automatic tracking and digital proof of delivery. Instead of keeping physical receipts and manually checking tracking numbers, everything is managed through your Postclic account with notifications when your letter is posted and delivered. This digital record-keeping is particularly valuable if you need to reference your cancellation months later during a billing dispute. Additionally, Postclic ensures your letter reaches the correct address formatted properly, eliminating the risk of addressing errors that could invalidate your cancellation.
Keep in mind that Postclic charges a service fee for this convenience, typically ranging from £3 to £5 depending on the delivery option you select. For many subscribers, this fee is worthwhile for the time saved and peace of mind provided. However, if you're comfortable handling postal matters yourself and have easy access to a post office, you can certainly manage the cancellation independently for just the cost of tracked postage.
Having processed thousands of Horse and Country TV cancellations, I've gathered invaluable insights from former subscribers about what works, what doesn't, and what pitfalls to avoid. These real-world experiences can save you significant frustration and potential financial losses when terminating your subscription.
Understanding why others cancel can help you evaluate whether cancellation is right for you or if there might be better alternatives. The most common reason I encounter is seasonal usage—subscribers sign up during major competition seasons like summer show jumping tours or spring eventing, then realise they're paying for months when they're not watching anything. Rather than maintaining year-round subscriptions, many former members now subscribe only during their preferred competition months, saving substantial money annually.
Additionally, many subscribers cancel after discovering they can access sufficient equestrian content through other platforms they already pay for, such as YouTube channels, social media streams, or general sports packages. The rise of free equestrian content online has reduced the unique value proposition of dedicated services like Horse and Country TV for casual viewers. However, serious competitors and professionals often find the specialised content still justifies the cost.
Financial pressures represent another major cancellation driver. When household budgets tighten, subscription services are typically the first expenses to be cut, especially specialist services like Horse and Country TV that serve specific interests rather than general entertainment needs. I've processed numerous cancellations from subscribers who simply needed to reduce monthly outgoings and decided equestrian streaming was a luxury they could temporarily live without.
First, never assume that deleting the app or removing your payment method cancels your subscription. This is the single most common mistake I encounter, with subscribers believing they've cancelled when they've merely stopped accessing the service. Your subscription continues and charges keep accumulating until you formally submit a cancellation request according to the terms of service. I've seen subscribers rack up hundreds of pounds in unwanted charges because they thought deleting the app was sufficient.
Next, avoid missing the notice period deadline by even a single day. Subscription services are extremely strict about timing requirements, and missing the deadline by mere hours can result in another full billing cycle charge. Set calendar reminders well in advance of your renewal date, ideally 30 days before for annual subscriptions and at least one week before for monthly plans. This buffer time protects you from last-minute complications or postal delays that could push your cancellation past the deadline.
Additionally, don't rely on verbal cancellation requests or untracked emails. Even if a customer service representative verbally confirms your cancellation, without written proof, you have no protection if the cancellation isn't properly processed. Always follow up verbal or email requests with a formal postal cancellation letter using tracked delivery. The few pounds spent on Signed For postage can save you from disputed charges worth far more.
If charges appear on your account after you've submitted proper cancellation notice, don't panic—this situation is resolvable with the right approach. First, gather all your cancellation documentation: your copy of the cancellation letter, your Signed For receipt showing posting and delivery dates, and any delivery confirmation from Royal Mail tracking. This documentation forms the foundation of your dispute case.
Next, contact Horse and Country TV immediately in writing, referencing your original cancellation letter and providing copies of your proof of delivery. Explain that you properly cancelled according to their terms and should not have been charged. Request an immediate refund of the incorrect charge and written confirmation that your cancellation has been processed. Send this dispute letter using tracked delivery as well, maintaining the same documentation standards you used for the original cancellation.
If Horse and Country TV doesn't respond satisfactorily within 14 days, escalate to your payment provider. Credit card companies and PayPal offer dispute resolution processes that can reverse charges when you provide evidence of proper cancellation. Your Signed For receipt and delivery confirmation typically provide sufficient evidence to win these disputes. Most importantly, keep detailed records of all communication, including dates, times, and the content of any phone conversations with customer service representatives.
Before committing to full cancellation, consider whether pausing your subscription might better serve your needs. Some subscribers don't realise that Horse and Country TV may offer subscription pause options for members who want to take a temporary break without losing their account history and preferences. While not all subscription services provide this feature, it's worth investigating if you think you might want to return during future competition seasons.
Additionally, evaluate whether downgrading to a less expensive plan might address your concerns better than complete cancellation. If you're cancelling purely for cost reasons but still want occasional access to content, switching from annual to monthly or from premium to basic tiers could provide sufficient savings while maintaining some access. This approach works particularly well for subscribers who watch content seasonally rather than year-round.
After processing thousands of subscription cancellations across various services, my strongest recommendation is to always use postal cancellation with tracked delivery for any subscription worth more than £5 monthly. The small cost of Signed For postage provides disproportionate protection against billing disputes, failed cancellations, and the stress of proving you properly terminated your subscription. This advice applies not just to Horse and Country TV but to virtually all subscription services.
Keep meticulous records of all cancellation correspondence for at least 12 months after termination. Create a dedicated folder—physical or digital—containing your cancellation letter, proof of postage, delivery confirmation, and any subsequent correspondence with the company. This organised documentation makes resolving any future disputes quick and straightforward, whereas scrambling to find records months later creates unnecessary stress and complications.
Most importantly, act decisively and promptly when you decide to cancel. Procrastination costs money with subscription services, as every day you delay represents another day closer to your next billing cycle. Once you've made the decision to cancel, draft your letter immediately, send it using tracked delivery, and follow up to confirm delivery. This proactive approach ensures you're not paying for services you've already mentally decided to stop using, and it minimises the risk of missing critical notice period deadlines that could lock you into additional billing cycles.