SADDLE ROCK FARM RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING IT. YOUR SIGNATURE INDICATES YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ITS TERMS. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, YOU (AND YOUR CHILD) ARE GIVING UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE OR RECOVER DAMAGES IN CASE OF INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, FOR ANY REASON, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE STABLE, ITS OWNER, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS ("THE RELEASEES").
I, on behalf of myself (and my minor child), residing at _______________________, in _______________________, _______, _________, ______________________ (Street address, City, State, ZIP, Phone), in consideration for allowing me (or my child) to handle and ride a horse, and on behalf of myself, my child, or our personal representatives, heirs, next-of-kin, spouses, and assigns, HEREBY:
1. Acknowledge that a horse may, without warning or apparent cause, buck, stumble, trip, rear, bite, kick, spook, jump, step on a person's foot, push or shove a person, or otherwise behave unpredictably, all of which may cause the rider to fall or be jolted, resulting in serious injury or death.
2. Acknowledge that horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity and involves risks that may cause serious injury or death due to the unpredictable nature and behavior of horses, regardless of their training or past performance.
3. Voluntarily assume the risk and danger of injury or death inherent in the handling or riding of horses and use of saddles, bridles, equipment, and gear provided to me by SaddleRock Farm.
4. Release, discharge, and promise not to sue SaddleRock Farm, its owners, employees, and agents for any loss, damage, injury (including death), or cost to myself or my child's person or property arising out of riding or handling a horse or use of saddles, bridles, equipment, or gear provided by SaddleRock Farm.
5. Release SaddleRock Farm, its owners, employees, and agents from any claim that they were negligent in connection with my or my child’s participation, including but not limited to training, horse selection, care, maintenance, instruction, supervision, or equipment provided.
6. Agree to indemnify and hold harmless SaddleRock Farm, its owners, employees, and agents from any claim, liability, loss, or cost they may incur arising out of my or my child’s participation, regardless of whether such claim arises from their negligence.
7. Understand there is always a risk of coming into contact with persons who have been exposed to or have communicable diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of SaddleRock Farm.
8. Agree that this agreement is governed by North Carolina law and intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted. If any portion is held invalid, the remaining terms shall remain enforceable.
9. Acknowledge that I have read and understand North Carolina Equine Activity Liability Law (NC Gen Stat § 99E), which limits the liability of equine professionals.
10. Acknowledge that this document is a contract and agree that if a lawsuit is filed in breach of this contract, I will pay all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by SaddleRock Farm in defending such action.
