Privacy Policy — The Vluggen Institute for Equine Osteopathy and Education – USA

(Effective Date: August 12, 2026)

This policy gives you a clear, comprehensive explanation of how our website collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information from prospective and registered students in the United States and internationally.

🏇 1. Overview

Your privacy matters. This website collects only the information necessary to answer inquiries, process registrations, and operate the school. We do not sell personal data, and we apply safeguards consistent with U.S. privacy expectations and international standards such as GDPR.

🌐 2. Information We Collect

We collect information in two ways: information you provide directly and information collected automatically.

Information You Provide

• Contact details — name, email address, phone number
• Registration information — address, country, professional background, prior training
• Questions or messages — any information you include when submitting a question
• Payment information — if tuition or fees are paid online (processed through secure third‑party providers)

Information Collected Automatically

• Device and browser data
• IP address
• Cookies and analytics

This helps us improve site performance and security.

🛠️ 3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information only for legitimate educational and administrative purposes:

• **Responding to inquiries** — answering questions submitted through the website
• **Processing registrations** — evaluating eligibility and enrolling students
• **Communicating important updates** — course information, schedules, policy changes
• **Improving website functionality** — analytics and troubleshooting
• **Legal compliance** — meeting U.S. and international regulatory obligations

🌍 4. International Students

We welcome students worldwide. If you reside outside the United States:

• Your data may be stored or processed in the U.S.
• We apply reasonable safeguards aligned with international expectations, including GDPR principles such as transparency, purpose limitation, and data minimization.
• You may have additional rights depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., access, correction, deletion).

You can request these rights by contacting us.

🔐 5. Data Storage & Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Encrypted transmission (HTTPS)
• Secure servers and restricted access
• Reputable third‑party payment processors
• Regular security monitoring

No system is 100% secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your data.

🤝 6. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

We may share data only with:

• **Service providers** — hosting, email, payment processing
• **Accreditation or regulatory bodies** — when required
• **Legal authorities** — if necessary to comply with law or protect rights

All third parties are required to safeguard your information.

🧹 7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for:

• Responding to inquiries
• Processing registrations
• Meeting legal or administrative requirements

You may request deletion of your data unless we are legally required to retain it.

👶 8. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

🔄 9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights such as:

• Access
• Correction
• Deletion
• Withdrawal of consent

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.

📬 10. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, contact:

The Vluggen Institute for Equine Osteopathy and Education – USA — Privacy Office
Email: info@thevluggeninstitute.net
Phone: +1 (512) 448‑3152
Address: 8757 S. Magnolia Avenue, Ocala, FL USA

🔁 11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.