1. DEFINITIONS
“Released Parties” means Summit Farm Corp. d/b/a Summit Equestrian Club, and its owners, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, instructors, trainers, contractors, volunteers and agents; the owners and lessors of the premises at 24 Bloomer Rd., North Salem, New York; and the owners of any horse used in the activities described below. “Horse-Related Activities” means lessons, rides, training, events, and any handling, grooming, tacking, mounting, or other activity involving horses, and being on or near the premises where horses are present.
2. ASSUMPTION OF RISKS
I understand that riding and being around horses are inherently dangerous activities. Horses are powerful, easily frightened, unpredictable animals. All horses, even those that are well trained and appear gentle, may buck, rear, stop short, change direction or speed at will, shy, spook, strike, bite, or bolt, all without warning and without apparent cause, or in response to wind, sounds, movement of people, cars, bikes or other animals. The inherent risks include loss of control; falling or being
thrown off; being stepped on; collisions with fences, gates, trees, horses or other obstacles; and being hung up or entangled in stirrups, reins or other gear. Tack may break and cinches may come loose. I understand that SERIOUS PERMANENT BODILY INJURY, DISABILITY OR DEATH MAY RESULT from handling, riding or being in the vicinity of horses, and that my property or the property of others may be damaged as well. I HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AND ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISKS of injury, disability, illness or death, including financial losses and damage or destruction of property, resulting from Horse-Related Activities, including risks caused by the negligence of the Released Parties.
3. RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INCLUDING LIABILITY FOR NEGLIGENCE
On behalf of myself, my family, heirs, estate, distributees, legal representatives and assigns, I release the Released Parties, and each of them, from all claims, demands, causes of action and liabilities based on injury, disability, illness, death, financial loss, property loss or damage, or other harm suffered by me, or by any third party for whom I may be held responsible, that may result from my participation in Horse-Related Activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, excepting the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Released Parties.
4. INDEMNIFICATION
I agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Released Parties from and against all claims, losses, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from (a) any claim for injury or death resulting from my participation in Horse-Related Activities that is brought by or on behalf of me, my family, estate, heirs, representatives or assigns, and (b) any claim for injury or death of any person whom I bring or invite to the premises, except to the extent caused by the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Released Parties.
5. ADULTS ONLY; GUESTS AND MINORS ON PREMISES
I represent that I am at least 18 years of age and legally competent to enter into this agreement. Summit Equestrian Club does not offer riding, lessons, or horse-related activities to persons under 18. Persons under 18 may not ride or handle horses. Any guest or minor I bring onto the premises must remain under my direct supervision at all times, and I remain responsible for them.
6. HEALTH, SAFETY AND EMERGENCY TREATMENT
I represent that I have disclosed any injury or physical limitation that may affect my ability to ride safely, and that I know of no medical reason I should not participate. I agree to wear an ASTM/SEI- certified helmet whenever mounted and to follow all instructions of Summit Equestrian Club staff. Summit Equestrian Club may end or decline any ride or lesson at any time for reasons of safety or horse welfare. In an emergency, I authorize the Released Parties to arrange emergency medical treatment and transport on my behalf, at my expense.
7. GOVERNING LAW; SEVERABILITY
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York, and any dispute will be brought in
the state or federal courts located in Westchester County, New York. If any provision of this
agreement is held to be unenforceable, that provision will be excluded and the remainder will be
enforced in accordance with its terms.
8. BINDING LEGAL DOCUMENT
I have read this release and understand that I am giving up legal rights, including the right to sue for
negligence. I have signed it knowingly and voluntarily, without relying on any statement or
representation of any of the Released Parties. I understand that this is a binding legal document.
Rider Information