Release for Riding Students and Camp Participants
The undersigned participant, and his or her parent or legal guardian if the participant is under the age of 18 years, does/do hereby execute this release, waiver, and indemnification for himself or herself/themselves and his or her/their heirs, successors, representatives, and assigns and, thereby, agree(s) and represents as follows:
To release Montanova Stables, its directors, members, employees, agents, representatives from any and all liability, loss, damage, costs, claims, and/or causes of action, including but not limited to all bodily injuries and property damage arising out of participation in the activity, it being specifically understood that said activity includes the handling of equine by the undersigned participant. The undersigned person(s) further agree(s) to indemnify Montanova Stables, its directors, members, employees, agents, representatives and hold them harmless for any liability, loss, damage, cost, claim judgment, or settlement which may be brought or entered against them as a result of the undersigned person’s participation in said activity.
Pursuant to Section 3.2-6202 of the Code of Virginia (as amended) the undersigned(s) execute(s) this waiver of the undersigned(s) rights to sue and agree(s) to assume all risks resulting from the “intrinsic dangers of equine activities”. “Intrinsic dangers of equine activities” is defined as those dangers or conditions that are an integral part of equine activities, including but not limited to, (i) the propensity of equines to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death to persons on or around them; (ii) the unpredictability of an equine’s reaction to such things as sounds, sudden movement, and unfamiliar objects, persons, or other animals; (iii) certain hazards such as surface and subsurface conditions; (iv) collisions with other animals or objects; and (v) the potential of a participant acting in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to the participant or others, such as failing to maintain control over the equine or not acting within the participant’s ability.
This waiver shall remain valid unless expressly revoked by the participant or Parent or guardian of a minor. The revocation shall be in writing which shall be delivered to the provider and shall become effective thirty (30) days after delivery to the provider.
The undersigned(s) shall maintain all medical and health insurance needed to cover all risks of any kind in any place in livestock, equine, and/or other activities. In the event of injury, the undersigned (and parent/guardian of rider or handler if a minor) consents to any medical care that may be rendered to the rider or handler under the instructions of any physician or hospital. It is understood that this consent is given in advance of any diagnosis or treatment which may be required, and is given to enable Montanova Stables Foundation, its employees, agents, independent contractors, and the hospital staff and physicians, to exercise their best judgment as to the necessity for and requirements of diagnosis and treatment. The undersigned (parent/guardian of the rider or handler if a minor) agrees to pay all fees for doctors, hospitals, ambulances, and other medical charges incurred.
I, the undersigned participant, will wear and use, in accordance with Montanova Stables's policy and procedure, all safety equipment and ensure personal equipment is in good condition at all times.
By signing this waiver I also agree to Montanova Stables Foundation's Lesson Policies and fees, detailed below.
Lesson Policies
❖ Lessons will average 1 to 1.5 hours - including pre and post lesson care of horse and equipment - depending on lesson package purchased.
❖ All lessons must be paid for in full for the month during the first week of the month, considered late after the 7th, to which there will be a $25 late fee. All lesson fees are NON REFUNDABLE.
❖ To cancel a lesson, MSF must be contacted *24 hours in advance* of lesson and a make up-day will be scheduled. No makeups for last minute cancellations. In case of emergency, please contact MSF as soon as possible.
❖ Each rider will be allotted makeup credits as indicated in the package purchased. Instructor causated cancellations/reschedules will be allowed extra makeup credits. Emergencies will be treated fairly and on an individual basis.
❖ If a rider is late to a lesson, the lesson will still end at the scheduled ending time of the original lesson and the full amount will be charged. Any lesson students arriving 15 minutes after the start of the lesson time without notice are considered a no show, and the instructor reserves the right to consider the lesson canceled due to no notice.
❖ No shows and no notice for lesson cancellations will be charged in full and a make up day will not be allotted. No refunds.
❖ Acceptable forms of payment are bank account, credit, or debit via the online payment portal; Venmo; or check. The online payment portal is the preferred payment method for MSF, if possible.
- Online payment portal: https://montanova-stables.replit.app
- Venmo: @MontanovaStablesFoundation - To ensure proper allocation of your payment, kindly provide your name and the name of your child (if applicable). Please also include the lesson month.
- Check: Please issue a check payable to Montanova Stables Foundation, ensuring the correct amount. Once prepared, kindly deposit the check in the gray box located under our lesson board. If you need help finding it, please ask a staff member.
❖ Communication: Slack is the primary communication platform for all of our lesson students and families. It can be accessed via mobile app or online. We rely on it to facilitate efficient and timely communication, ensuring that you are informed of any changes or updates related to lessons. In some instances, we may need to make last- minute adjustments, and Slack permits us to do so effectively. *Please utilize the lesson channel of Slack for ALL lesson related communication. DMs should be used only for communications that are more private in nature.*
-Should you require assistance setting it up or have any queries, please don't hesitate to reach out. You will receive an invitation with a link by email.
❖ All students are required to wear a certified riding helmet & proper riding boots. Long pants are required to ride at any time. Montantova Stables reserves the right to decline conduction of any lessons if a student is not properly attired. We do have helmets and boots available to borrow. This is for the safety of your child.
❖ Montanova Stables reserves the right to request immediate removal of any photos, videos or audio that may have a negative impact on our program or agents.
❖ Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather such as rain, snow, ice, or wind, please refer to Slack for updates on the status of your lesson. *Unless driving conditions are unsafe an alternate horsemanship lesson will be provided.*
- Winter Weather: Lessons are scheduled throughout the winter season, unless traveling conditions are deemed unsafe or the weather is excessively cold. In most instances, lessons will be cancelled when snow, sleet, or ice is in the forecast. In the interest of safety, we advise you or your child not to attend lessons if you perceive the road conditions to be hazardous.
- Rain: Cancellation of riding lessons will be contingent on the extent of rainfall. While we can conduct some lessons in the rain, safety is our top priority so a horsemanship lesson will be scheduled if riding is not feasible.
If your lesson is canceled while you are at the barn, the student will participate in a horsemanship lesson, provide some TLC to a lesson horse, or lend a helping hand in the barn. It will be their choice.
❖ All borrowed equipment during lessons (tack, bridle, saddle, etc) will be cleaned and cared for after every ride and the student will be responsible for cleaning up after themselves which includes manure, putting up hoses, equipment, etc. If a staff member or instructor finds equipment incorrectly cared for or not put away, the student's next lesson will be unmounted in order to go over the pre and post lesson care of equipment. Students will be charged the full amount.
❖ Students are not permitted to groom, tack, or otherwise handle equines without an instructor present or prior approval.
❖ Montanova Stables has a ZERO drama tolerance policy toward behaviors exhibiting any form of bullying, harassment, or any other such behaviors that are considered negative toward any person or animal. We want to maintain a positive, encouraging environment at Montanova.
❖ Expectations:
- Care for lesson horse and equipment before and after lesson
- Put things away where they belong
- Communicate using Slack regarding lesson schedule changes or cancellations
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled lesson time in order to be ready on time
- Lesson payments for the month are due in advance of that month; makeup lessons will be allowed as outlined in lesson packages, and payment will be expected in full for lessons cancelled within 24hrs of scheduled lesson time
- During inclement weather, driving conditions permitting, we will offer indoor horsemanship lessons
- Parents are respectfully asked to refrain from interacting with their child or the instructors during the lessons due to safety concerns.
- Treat everyone with kindness and respect
Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in termination of lessons. Montantova Stables Foundation reserves the right to amend the lesson requirements at any time.
Montantova appreciates your desire to learn about horses & riding and we look forward to working with you!