WARNING, INDEMNITY, HOLD HARMLESS & RELEASE OF LIABILITY 

WARNING – CONNECTICUT EQUINE LIABILITY ACT

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 52-557p, individuals engaged in equestrian activities assume the inherent risks and legal responsibility for any injury to their person or property arising from equestrian sports, except where such injury is proximately caused by:

The negligence of the person providing the horse; or
The failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity by the person providing the horse, or their agents or employees.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK

I, on behalf of myself and/or my child/ward, acknowledge that equestrian sports involve inherent risks, including but not limited to the risk of serious physical injury, loss, and/or death. In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 52-557p, I fully assume all risks associated with equestrian activities, including but not limited to:

Variations in riding surfaces;
Man-made and natural obstacles;
Equipment failure;
Interactions with other riders, horses, and spectators; and
Any other conditions inherent to horseback riding.

I further acknowledge that while I assume these inherent risks, this release does not waive liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct by Ridgebury Farm and Stables, LLC and/or Ridgebury Riders, Inc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as “RF”), its trainers, instructors, guest instructors, officers, agents, volunteers, employees, or any individuals acting on its behalf.

I understand that this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by Connecticut law and that if any portion is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

I, on behalf of myself and/or my child/ward, acknowledge that while horses, ponies, and farm animals are domesticated, they remain unpredictable in nature. I understand that these animals may buck, shy, spook, kick, bite, trip, fall, or react unexpectedly to external stimuli, including but not limited to:

The actions of other horses, riders, or employees of RF;

Environmental factors such as noise, wind, changes in lighting; and

Unexpected natural or man-made obstacles beyond the control of RF.

I acknowledge that RF, its Trainers, Instructors, Barn Manager, Guest Instructors, Officers, Owners, Directors, Agents, Volunteers, and Employees cannot guarantee my safety while participating in equestrian activities.

I, on behalf of myself and/or my child/ward, for my heirs, assigns, successors, executors, administrators, and legal representatives, agree to indemnify and hold harmless RF, its guest or assistant instructors, Officers, Agents, Volunteers, and Employees from any and all lawful claims, suits, or demands arising from my participation in equestrian activities at RF, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by RF or its representatives.

I acknowledge that equestrian activities involve inherent risks, and I assume full responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur while using the facilities, equipment, or animals owned or provided by RF. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I voluntarily waive any right to sue RF for injuries arising from the inherent risks of equestrian activities.

I understand that this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by Connecticut law, and if any portion is found to be unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

I, on behalf of myself and/or my minor child/ward, understand that RF may take photographs and/or videos of participants, riders, and volunteers during activities and events for promotional purposes in print, multimedia, or online formats (including social media).

If you or your child prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please notify the RF office in writing.

By signing below, I affirm that:

I have read and fully understand this WARNING, INDEMNITY, HOLD HARMLESS, and RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

I understand that by signing this Agreement, I may be waiving certain legal rights.

I am signing this Agreement voluntarily and of my own free will.