Equine

    Free Horseback Riding Waiver Template

    Includes the inherent-risk-of-equine-activity language most states require, plus rider experience, weight limits, and helmet policy.

    [Business Name]

    Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk

    horseback riding activities

    1. Participant Information

    Participant full name: ______________________________

    Date of birth: ____________________ Age: __________

    Address: ______________________________________________

    Phone: ____________________ Email: __________________

    Emergency contact name: ____________________________

    Emergency contact phone: ___________________________

    Date of horseback riding activities: ____________________

    2. Activity and Voluntary Participation

    I am requesting to participate in horseback riding activities operated by [Business Name] ("the Company"). I understand that horses are living animals that can react unpredictably to sounds, movement, other animals, and unfamiliar riders regardless of training.

    I confirm that my participation is entirely voluntary, that no one has pressured me to take part, and that I may stop participating at any time if I believe conditions are unsafe or beyond my ability.

    3. Assumption of Risk

    I understand that horseback riding activities involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken by the Company, and that those risks include, but are not limited to:

    The propensity of a horse to behave in ways that may result in injury, death, or loss

    Falls from the horse, including at speed or on uneven ground

    Being kicked, bitten, stepped on, thrown, or crushed against a fixed object

    The unpredictability of a horse's reaction to sound, movement, animals, or people

    Hazards of the trail surface, including holes, roots, rocks, and water crossings

    Tack or equipment failure, including saddle, girth, and rein failure

    The inability of a rider to control the horse or maintain the intended pace

    Serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis, and death

    I have read this list, I understand it, and I knowingly and voluntarily accept every one of these risks, including risks that may arise from the negligence of others or that are not specifically listed above.

    4. Rules and Instructions

    I agree to follow all posted rules, safety briefings, and instructions given by [Business Name] staff, including:

    Accurately disclosing riding experience before being assigned a horse

    Wearing an approved riding helmet where the stable requires one

    Observing posted weight limits and appropriate footwear requirements

    Staying with the guide, in single file, at the pace set for the ride

    Approaching horses only as instructed by staff

    I understand that failing to follow the rules may result in my removal from the activity without a refund.

    5. Alcohol, Drugs, and Fitness to Participate

    I confirm that I am not under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or any medication that impairs judgment, coordination, or reaction time, and I will not become so during the activity.

    I understand the Company may refuse or end my participation, without refund, if staff believe I am impaired.

    6. Health, Fitness, and Medical Authorization

    I confirm that I am physically able to take part in this activity and that I have disclosed any medical condition, injury, allergy, pregnancy, or medication that could affect my safety or the safety of others.

    Conditions to disclose: ______________________________________________

    In the event of an injury or medical emergency, I authorize the Company to arrange first aid, emergency transport, and medical treatment on my behalf, and I accept financial responsibility for the cost of that care.

    7. Weather and Conditions

    I understand that weather, water levels, wind, visibility, and other natural conditions can change quickly and may make the activity more difficult or hazardous.

    I agree that the Company may delay, shorten, reroute, or cancel the activity for safety reasons, and I accept the Company's published cancellation and refund policy for those situations.

    8. Release of Liability and Indemnification

    To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of [State], I release, waive, and discharge [Business Name], its owners, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, agents, and property owners (together, "the Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, damages, costs, and causes of action of any kind arising out of my participation in this activity, including those caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.

    I agree to indemnify and hold the Released Parties harmless from any claim brought by me, by anyone acting on my behalf, or by a third party as a result of my conduct during the activity.

    This release is binding on me, my heirs, my personal representatives, and my estate.

    9. Parent or Legal Guardian Consent (participants under 18)

    I confirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor named below and that I have full legal authority to sign this agreement on the minor's behalf.

    Minor name: ____________________________ Date of birth: ______________

    Minor name: ____________________________ Date of birth: ______________

    Minor name: ____________________________ Date of birth: ______________

    I have explained the risks described above to the minor in terms the minor can understand. I accept every term of this agreement on the minor's behalf, I authorize emergency medical care for the minor, and I agree to indemnify the Released Parties against any claim brought by or on behalf of the minor.

    10. Acknowledgement and Signature

    I have read this entire agreement. I understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue. I am signing it freely, without inducement, and I intend it to be as broad and inclusive as the law allows. If any part of this agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining parts stay in full force.

    Participant signature: ______________________________ Date: ____________

    Printed name: ______________________________________

    Parent/guardian signature (if participant is under 18): ______________________________ Date: ____________

    Printed name of parent/guardian: ______________________________

    This template is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Waiver enforceability varies by state and by activity. Have an attorney or your insurer review this document before using it with customers.

    How to use this horseback riding waiver

    Horseback riding is the one activity with its own dedicated body of law. Most states have an Equine Activity Liability Act that limits an operator's liability for the inherent risks of equine activities — but only if you post the required warning and, in many states, include statutory language in your signed documents.

    That statutory language is state specific and it is worth getting exactly right. Look up your state's act, use its wording verbatim, and keep the posted sign consistent with the waiver.

    Beyond the statute, the practical clauses are rider experience, weight limits, and helmet policy. Riders routinely overstate their experience, and being placed on the wrong horse is a leading cause of serious incidents.

    Before you use it

    • Insert your state's Equine Activity Liability Act language verbatim — wording varies by state.
    • Keep the waiver consistent with your posted equine warning sign.
    • Have riders self-report experience level in writing; assign horses from that record.
    Read the full horseback riding waiver guide

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