MAIDEN JEWEL YELLOWSCONE ADVENTURES
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
I understand and acknowledge that HORSE RIDING IS A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY and that the horse can act suddenly and unpredictably, especially if frightened or hurt.
I understand and acknowledge that PROPERTY loss, SERIOUS INJURY, OR DEATH may result from horse-related activities, including riding and passive participation in horse-riding activities.
I understand that this applies to any horse-riding activities that I participate in which are organized by or associated with Maiden Jewel YellowScone Adventures, staff, and volunteers.
I agree not to drink alcohol or take drugs prohibited by law while taking part in any horse-riding activities.
I agree to follow instructions of the property owners/events organizers, volunteers, and any other persons appointed by Maide Jewel YellowScone Adventures and that my misconduct to follow any directions from these persons will result in termination of my involvement in the activity and removal from my horse NO MATTER where they may offer.
I always agree to wear an ASA-approved safety helmet when riding and appropriate footwear (riding boots) when I am in contact with horses. I further agree to ensure that my riding equipment is free from defects.
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Risk Assessment for Horse Trail Riding with Personal Horses
1. Rider Safety Risks
Risk: Riders falling off horses.
Cause: Uneven terrain, horse spooking, or rider unfamiliarity with the trail.
Mitigation:
o Require riders to demonstrate riding competence before the trail ride.
o Provide a mandatory safety briefing emphasizing trail etiquette and riding techniques. o Riders are to wear approved safety helmets and appropriate footwear.
o Encourage the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., body protectors).
o All trail rides are conducted at a walk with the guide.
o Opportunities for a trot or canter will be in a controlled environment in small numbers.
Risk: Injuries during mounting/dismounting.
Cause: Rider inexperience or horse movement.
Mitigation:
o Provide a stable mounting area at the round yard with mounting block. o Train staff to assist riders as needed.
2. Horse Behaviour Risks Risk: Spooking or bolting.
Cause: New environment, wildlife, or sudden stimuli.
Mitigation:
o Advise riders to familiarize their horses with new surroundings before the ride in the round yard.
o Group horses based on temperament (e.g., separating high-energy from calm horses). o If there is any behavioral issues the ride will cease and assistance will be given.
Risk: Aggression between horses.
Cause: Unfamiliar horses grouped together.
Mitigation:
o Maintain a safe distance between horses on the trail.
o Communicate the need for space to all riders during the safety briefing.
o Limited to no more than 17 riders on each ride allowing ample space between horses.
3. Environmental Risks
Risk: Accidents due to uneven or hazardous terrain.
Cause: Lack of familiarity with trail conditions.
Mitigation:
o Provide riders with an orientation ride and detailed trail maps and hazard warnings. o All trails are mowed or graded gravel tracks accessible by a vehicle.
o Mark hazardous sections with visible signs.
o Trails are based on the horse’s fitness level and rider expertise.
Risk: Weather-related hazards.
Cause: Sudden storms, extreme heat, or cold.
Mitigation:
o Share weather forecasts with riders before the ride.
o Having Base camp in the centre of the property it is only a 5 minute walk back to camp. o Advise riders to carry appropriate gear (raincoats, water, etc.).
o Cancel or reschedule rides in extreme weather conditions.
4. Equipment Risks
Risk: Rider equipment failure.
Cause: Damaged or unsuitable tack.
Mitigation:
o Encourage riders to inspect their equipment thoroughly before the ride.
o A pre-ride tack inspection by a qualified staff member will be conducted.
Risk: Poorly fitting tack causing horse discomfort.
Cause: Riders using incorrect tack.
Mitigation:
o Provide guidelines on selecting and fitting tack before the ride. o Suggest a pre-ride tack fitting consultation.
5. Wildlife and Other Trail Users Risk: Encounters with wildlife.
Cause: Trails passing through wildlife habitats.
Mitigation:
o Brief riders on how to handle wildlife encounters calmly stop and give way to all wildlife. o Suggest carrying noise-making devices to alert wildlife to their presence.
o Wide open and clean mowed trails allowing clear visibility with all wildlife.
Risk: Conflicts with hikers or other riders.
Cause: Shared trails.
Mitigation:
o Communicate trail-sharing rules (e.g., Hiker must give way to horse riders).
o Equip guides or group leaders with whistles or bells to signal approaching horses.
6. Emergency Situations
Risk: Medical emergencies (rider or horse).
Cause: Falls, injuries, or sudden illness.
Mitigation:
o Require riders to carry first-aid kits for humans and horses.
o Ensure riders have access to emergency contact numbers and GPS coordinates of the trail. o Emergency support vehicle available at all times.
Risk: Getting lost or separated.
Cause: Poor navigation or trail familiarity.
Mitigation:
o All Trails are mowed and riders must stay on the designated trails at all times. o Riders riding alone is prohibited.
o Riders must carry mobile phones at all times
o Provide riders with maps or recommend GPS apps for navigation.
o Signage with emergency numbers are on all the trails and at campsites.
7. Rider Responsibility Risks Risk: Riders bringing unfit horses.
Cause: Lack of awareness of trail difficulty or horse conditioning.
Mitigation:
o Educate riders on the fitness requirements for their horses based on trail difficulty.
o All riders are notified they must have shoes or scoot boots for their horses. If horses are
unshod or unfit they will be taken on the mowed grass trails avoiding hills and gravel tracks. o Advise on proper hydration and feeding before and during the ride.
Risk: Riders disregarding safety rules.
Cause: Overconfidence or negligence.
Mitigation:
o Provide a signed agreement where riders acknowledge safety rules and personal responsibility.
o Designate a trail leader to enforce safety guidelines during the ride.
o All riders are told at the beginning of each ride that is will be at a walk no matter their riding
experience.
Record and Review Procedures
Keep records of incidents and near-misses for analysis and improvement.
Review and update safety guidelines annually or after significant events.
Encourage riders to provide feedback to identify potential risks.
Rules for Horse Trail Riding with Personal Horses General Safety Rules
Pre-Ride Check: Riders must ensure their horses are healthy, fit for the ride, and properly shod or booted for the trail.
Helmet Requirement: All riders must wear approved safety helmets while riding.
Appropriate Tack: All equipment (saddles, bridles, reins, etc.) must be in good condition and fit
both horse and rider correctly.
Rider Fitness: Riders must be physically capable of managing their horses on the trail and handling
potential challenges.
Ride in Control: Maintain control of your horse at all times. Walk through challenging terrain.
There will be opportunities for trotting and cantering in a controlled area.
Trail Conduct Rules
Stay on Designated Trails: Do not stray from trails to protect your horses and avoid hazards.
Respect Wildlife: When wildlife is encountered on the trail stop and let them pass.
Other riding groups: Following trail-sharing etiquette. Use verbal communication to alert others of
your approach.
Maintain Safe Distances: Keep at least a horse-length distance between horses to prevent biting,
kicking, or crowding.
10. Group Riding: Follow the trail leader’s instructions, and ensure the group remains together. Always
let the rider in front know that you will be going around them.
11. Always be aware: If you see someone having trouble with their horse, stop and ask for help.
Horse Care Rules
11. Hydration and Rest: Ensure horses have access to water and sufficient breaks during long rides. 12. No Overloading: Do not carry excessive gear or push horses beyond their fitness level.
13. Watering horse on trail: Always offer them to drink on the trail, and let them walk for at least 5
minutes before a trot or canter. Canter with full belly of water could cause cramping.
14. Watering after a ride: When the ride is finished access the horse if it is blowing wait 10 minutes
then offer a drink when it has stopped blowing this will help avoid any cramping.
15. Inspect After Ride: Check your horse for injuries, soreness, or signs of stress after the ride.
Emergency Preparedness Rules
14. Carry First-Aid Kits: Riders must have basic first-aid supplies for both horse and rider.
15. Communication Tools: Carry a mobile phone or GPS device for navigation and emergencies.
Ensure it is fully charged before the ride.
16. Know Emergency Contacts: Riders should know the location of the nearest veterinary services and
emergency numbers.
Environmental and Ethical Rules
17. Leave No Trace: Pick up after your horse in parking areas and avoid leaving trash on the trail. 18. Avoid Sensitive Areas: Refrain from riding through environmentally sensitive zones, such as
wetlands or wildlife nesting sites.
19. Follow Local Rules: Adhere to all posted trail regulations, including restrictions on riding during
certain weather conditions or seasons.
Behavioral Rules
20. Respect Others: Be courteous to fellow trail users, landowners, and other riders.
21. Avoid Loud Noises: Refrain from shouting, playing loud music, or making sudden noises that could
spook horses.
22. No Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol before or during the ride.
Pre-Ride Preparation Rules
23. Understand Trail Difficulty: Riders must choose trails appropriate for their and their horse’s experience level.
24. Horse Health Certification (if required): Be prepared to provide proof of vaccinations or health checks if riding on regulated trails.
25. Plan for Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Cancel rides during severe weather conditions.
I understand that by signing this document, I have made a complete and unconditional release of ALL LIABILITY OF Maiden Jewel YellowScone Adventures staff and volunteers to the greatest extent allowed by law in the event of myself and or any minors under my care suffering any loss, injury or death. I agree that I undertake any such risk voluntarily of my own free will and at my own risk.
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