AGREEMENT
CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event of your ride coinciding with poor weather, such as a thunderstorm or extreme heat (horses have a low tolerance for high heat and humidity) and where riding conditions are considered unsafe for the horses or riders, you will have the option to reschedule your ride or be refunded.
To cancel your reservation email hello@ashfieldfarm.ca. Prior to 10 days before your reservation you can be refunded except for a $20 administration fee. Within the 10 days prior to your ride you can receive a 50% refund. Same day cancellations or no-shows will not recieve a refund.
PUNCTUALITY
I understand that trail ride times are planned and that I need to be on time. Ashfield Farm aims to be on time. However, with animals there is an element of unpredictability. If the lesson is started late due to Ashfield Farm, the riding time length will remain as planned. If a lesson is started late due to late arrival, the riding time length may be shortened in order to finish on time.
RIDING WEAR
All riders must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Boots with a heel (ie. rainboots) are recommended. Helmets will be provided and must be worn at all times while riding.
INDEMNITY & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK
I recognise the inherent risks of injury involved in any type of horseback riding and in learning to ride in particular. Horses are animals with minds of their own. No horse is a completely safe horse. If a rider falls from a horse to the ground the distance fallen may be from .5m to 2m and may consequently cause injury to the rider. If a horse is frightened or provoked it may divert from its training and act according to its natural survival instincts; which may include but not limited to: stopping short, changing direction or speed at its own will, shifting its weight, rearing, biting, bucking, kicking, or running from danger.
In horseback riding at Ashfield Farm, I assume any such risk of injury and further, I voluntarily release Ashfield Farm, its instructors, managers, grooms and agents from any responsibility on account of any injury I or my child or ward may sustain while receiving instruction or while riding in connection therewith, and I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ashfield Farm, its instructors, managers, grooms and agents on account of any such claim.
Likewise I accept full responsibility for dependants, friends and visitors accompanying myself to Ashfield Farm property.
Ashfield Farm, its instructors, managers, grooms and agents are not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.
I am aware, understand and assume the risk of activities involving horses involve many risks, dangers and hazards, including but not limited to the following:
1) Horses, which are powerful and potentially dangerous animals, may change their behaviour at any time and may without warning, jump, run wildly, buck, kick, bite or step on people or things;
2) Horses may collide with other horses or objects or trip, stumble, or fall even if being led, ridden or attended to;
3) rough or unstable terrain may cause the animal or Riders to slip;
4) Equipment may fail;
5) Weather conditions can change and sometimes may be dangerous;
6) the Horse may accidental step upon a Rider; strike a rider; or throw a Rider
I am also aware that the risks, dangers and hazards referred to above exist throughout the trail, stable, and other areas and many are unmarked. I understand and acknowledge that no amount of caution, experience or instruction can eliminate all of the risks involved and Ifreely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage and damages of loss resulting there-from. I understand any injury in relation to horseback riding can be extremely serious including, but not limited to, a serious head injury; paralysis; spinal injury, and death.
Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement
In consideration of the provider providing me or my child with their horse riding and other services and permitting me or my child’s use of their equipment, trail and other facilities and Ashfield Farm providing me or my child with the use of their property (hereinafter collectively referred to as “the services”), I hereby agree as follows:
1) TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I or my child have or may have in the future against Ashfield Farm and their directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and volunteers (all of whom are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “RELEASEES”) and to release the Releasees from any and all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense that I or my child may suffer, or that my or my child’s next of kin may suffer as a result of mine or my child’s use of the Services or due to any cause whatsoever, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREECH OF CONTRACT, OR BREECH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE INCLUDING ANY DUTY OF CARE OWNED UNDER THE “OCCUPIERS LIABILITY ACT” ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES;
2) TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any damage to the property of or personal injury to any third party resulting from mine or my child’s horseback riding and use of equipment.
STABLE RULES
1. Horses may be loose on the premises and all students, visitors and children must stay within designated areas.
2. Please do not go to the grazing paddocks without being accompanied by an employee, manager or agent of Ashfield Farm. This includes the Petting Zoo area.
3. Children under the age of 12 must be under their parents supervision at all times.
4. Only students, riders and instructors are allowed into the riding arenas.
5. No loud shouting, swearing, whistling, clapping or banging around horses and riders.
6. No playing of balls or throwing things is permitted as this is distracting to both horse and rider.
7. Please do not litter – use the garbage bins provided around the stable yard area to dispose of garbage. NO SMOKING POLICY on site.
8. Horses are unpredictable and do bite and kick and, even if in their stables, should be approached with caution – children who do not have their own horses stabled at Ashfield Farm are not allowed to go near or enter a stable without instructor or supervision.
9. For your own safety - all instructions by Stable Managers or Instructors must be adhered to at all times. Not doing so could result in your immediate removal from the property.
10. Remember carrots for your noble steed! Please place on the ground for them to enjoy. Grain is to only be fed by the barn staff.
11. Riders and visitors must stay completely away from all farm equipment. Farm equipment is extremely dangerous and must be avoided at all times. This includes tractors, shredders, discs, 4-wheelers, round pens, lawn mowers and any other farm equipment.
12. Please drive slowly.
13. Feel free to use the bathroom just inside the front door of the house but refrain from accessing the rest of the house.
14. If you open ANY gate or door, please close it right behind you!