Includes the inherent-risk-of-equine-activity language most states require, plus rider experience, weight limits, and helmet policy.
[Business Name]
horseback riding activities
•Participant full name: ______________________________
•Date of birth: ____________________ Age: __________
•Address: ______________________________________________
•Phone: ____________________ Email: __________________
•Emergency contact name: ____________________________
•Emergency contact phone: ___________________________
•Date of horseback riding activities: ____________________
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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