Lessons and Leases

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RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

Read this agreement carefully before signing it. Your signature indicates you understand it and agree to its terms. By signing this agreement, you are giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue or recover damages in case of injury, death, or property damages, for any reason, including but not limited to Wolf Hills Horse Rescue, its owners, employees, instructors, volunteers, and agents (hereafter referred to as the Rescue). 

I, (name and contact entered on signature page) on behalf of myself or my minor child/children, in consideration for allowing me (or my minor child/children) to handle and ride a horse and on behalf of myself, my child and our personal representatives, heirs, next-of-kin, spouses, I HEREBY: 

1. Acknowledge that a horse or mule may, without warning or any apparent cause, buck, stumble, fall, rear, bite, kick, run, make unpredictable movements, spook, jump obstacles, step on a person’s feet, push or shove a person, saddles or bridles may loosen or break – all of which may cause injury or death to the rider or volunteer. 

2. ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HORSEBACK RIDING AND HORSE HANDLING ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES AND INVOLVES RISKS THAT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND IN SOME CASES DEATH, because of the unpredictable nature and irrational behavior of horses, regardless of their training and past performance. 

3. Voluntarily assume the risk and danger of injury or death inherent in the use of the horse, equipment and gear provided to me by the Rescue. 

4. RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE the Rescue, doing business under its own name or any other name, for any loss, liability, damages, or cost arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, or death to my person or property. 

5. Release the Rescue from any claim that there may be negligence in connection with my riding experience or ability including but not limited to training or selecting horses, maintenance, care, fit or adjustment of saddles or bridles, instruction or riding skills or leading and supervising riders. 

6. INDEMNIFY, AND SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Rescue, from and against any loss, liability, damage, or cost that may incur arising out of or connected with my use of the horse and equipment or gear provided, and any acts or omissions of the Rescue.

7. Expressly agree that the foregoing release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement is governed by the State of Virginia and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by Virginia Law (INHERENT RISK LAW), and that in the event any portion of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the balance of the Agreement shall not be affected or impaired, and shall continue in full legal force and effect. 

8. Acknowledge that this document is a contract and agree that if a lawsuit is filed against the Rescue for any injury or damage in breach of this contract, the Undersigned will pay all attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the Rescue in defending such an action. 

9. State that I (and/or my minor child/children) am not now pregnant and have no history of epileptic seizures, heart condition or any other medical problem that could be affected by horseback riding or horse handling. 

10. IT IS REQUIRED THAT ALL RIDERS WEAR A PROTECTIVE HELMET FOR SAFETY. A HELMET IS PROVIDED, OR YOU ARE WELCOME TO BRING YOUR OWN FEI APPROVED RIDING HELMET.

11. If the person who is to enter into this Agreement is less than eighteen (18) years of age, his/her parent or guardian must read this Agreement and sign below on behalf of the minor. I have read this entire Release of Liability Document. I have made a free and deliberate choice to sign this Release and Waiver as a condition to the Rescue allowing me or my child to ride or handle a horse.