Silver Spoon Ranch Liability Waiver

MICHIGAN LAW — REQUIRED NOTICE

Under the Michigan Equine Activity Liability Act, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of the equine activity. By signing this document, you acknowledge this notice and assume all inherent risks associated with equine activities.

MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

I authorize Silver Spoon Ranch to obtain emergency medical care on my behalf should I be unable to do so. I accept full financial responsibility for any emergency care rendered. I acknowledge that failure to disclose medical conditions, medications, or allergies increases my personal risk of harm or death.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INHERENT RISK

I fully understand and acknowledge that equine activities are inherently dangerous and involve substantial risk of serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or death. Horses are large, powerful, instinct-driven prey animals that may react suddenly and unpredictably to sound, movement, environmental changes, or human interaction. 

Such reactions may include but are not limited to: kicking with full force, biting, rearing, striking, bolting, spinning, crushing, or trampling. I understand these risks exist at all times regardless of the level of training, supervision, or safety measures in place.

RIDING & HANDLING RISKS

I understand that riding risks include falling, being thrown, dragged, or crushed; equipment failure; collisions with other horses or obstacles; and loss of control. I acknowledge that even while stationary, serious injury may occur. I accept that these risks may result in catastrophic outcomes including traumatic brain injury, paralysis, or death.

GROUNDWORK & PROXIMITY RISKS

I understand that being on the ground in proximity to horses presents equal or greater risk than mounted activity. Risks include being stepped on, pinned against structures, kicked, bitten, or entangled in equipment during grooming, tacking, lunging, or any other ground-based activity.

ENVIRONMENTAL & PROPERTY RISKS

I understand that the Silver Spoon Ranch property includes uneven terrain, mud, fencing, machinery, active construction areas, livestock, and wildlife. Environmental hazards may be hidden or unpredictable. I accept responsibility for maintaining awareness of my surroundings at all times while on the property.

CAMP & SPECIAL EVENT ACTIVITIES

I understand that pony camp and special events may include activities beyond mounted riding, which may include nature activities, swimming in natural environments without dedicated lifeguard supervision, and other experiential programming. Associated risks include drowning, slipping, falling, and other water-related or outdoor injury or death. I accept full responsibility for my participation in such activities. 

HELMET USE & PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

I understand that failure to wear an ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmet significantly increases the likelihood of traumatic brain injury or death. Silver Spoon Ranch strongly recommends helmet use during all mounted and groundwork activities.

PHOTO & VIDEO CONSENT

Silver Spoon Ranch may photograph or video record activities on the property for use in marketing, social media, and promotional materials.

CANCELLATION, RESCHEDULING & REFUND POLICY

I understand and agree that Silver Spoon Ranch maintains a strict no-cancellation, no-reschedule, and no-refund policy on all programs, lessons, camps, and events. Lesson packages are booked and scheduled at time of enrollment. Missed sessions are forfeited without exception regardless of the reason for absence. 

FULL RELEASE OF LIABILITY

I irrevocably release and discharge Jessica Marie Schwartz, her family, Silver Spoon Ranch, Horse Connections, and all officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action — including those arising from negligence — to the fullest extent permitted by law. This release applies to all activities on or off the Silver Spoon Ranch property including riding lessons, groundwork, camps, clinics, events, photo shoots, spa services, and any other participation. 

INDEMNIFICATION

I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Silver Spoon Ranch and all associated parties from any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and legal fees — including attorneys' fees — arising from or related to my participation or the participation of my minor child in any Silver Spoon Ranch activity. 

GOVERNING LAW, VENUE & SEVERABILITY

This agreement shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the State of Michigan. Any dispute arising from this agreement shall be litigated exclusively in Michigan courts. If any provision is found to be invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

DURATION OF AGREEMENT

This agreement shall remain valid and binding for ten (10) years from the date of signing and shall apply to all current and future participation in any Silver Spoon Ranch activity during that period, unless a new agreement is required by Silver Spoon Ranch at its sole discretion.

By signing below, I certify that I have read this agreement in its entirety, that I fully understand its contents and legal implications, that I am voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights including the right to sue, and that no representations have been made to me outside of those contained in this document. I sign of my own free will.