Membership and Liability

High Desert Equestrian Club

2026 Membership Form
Contestant Name:*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Birthdate*

MonthDayYear
Date
Age as of January 1st, 2026*
This determines the age group for all of 2025
Parent or Guardian Name (if under 18):

First NameLast Name
Parent or Guardian Number:
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
To be eligible for year-end awards, you must be a member in good standing and participate in at least 3 events. Membership includes arena usage for members participating in at least 3 events.

Membership fees are $40.00 per member and $30 for each additional member in a family (parents and children only).

Membership dues must be paid before the 1st event and can be paid via cash or venmo.

Your Liability Release Form must be signed prior to competing in any events.
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For questions please contact:

High Desert Equestrian Club - highdesertequestrianclub@gmail.com

Doris Crowley: (928)691-1064

Emily Crowley: (928)660-2033

Cassandra McConville: (928)660-1354

High Desert Equestrian Club

Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement
BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE GIVING UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES IN CASE OF INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING IT. YOUR SIGNATURE INDICATES YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF AND AGREEMENT TO ITS TERMS
In consideration and as a condition of the undersigned participant being permitted to participate and/or engage in an equine activity at the Big Water Arena (the ‘Arena’) or with the High Desert Equestrian Club (‘HDEC’) and/or enter upon, use, and remain upon the premises of the Arena, the undersigned participant acknowledges, confirms, represents, warrants, and agrees as follows:

1.        The undersigned participant acknowledges and agrees that equine activities and livestock activities ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO A PARTICIPANT OR PERSON ENGAGED IN AN EQUINE ACTIVITY OR A LIVESTOCK ACTIVITY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT. The Inherent Risks associated with equine activities and livestock activities include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) the propensity of the animal to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death to persons on or around them; (b) the unpredictability of the animal's reaction to outside stimulation such as sounds, sudden movement, and unfamiliar objects, persons, or other animals; (c) collisions with other animals or objects; or (d) the potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to the participant or others, such as failing to maintain control over the animal or not acting within his or her ability.

2.        The undersigned participant represents, warrants, acknowledges, and agrees that: (a) the undersigned participant is fully aware of the inherent risks associated with equine activities at the Arena; and (b) the undersigned participant, through his/her engagement or participation in an equine activity at the Arena, will be exposed to the inherent risks associated with equine activities at the Arena.

3.        The undersigned participant represents and warrants that the undersigned participant is physically able to participate and/or engage in an equine activity at the Arena.

4.       The undersigned acknowledges and confirms that the undersigned’s decisions to permit the undersigned participant to engage or participate in an equine activity at the Arena and sign this Agreement are voluntary decisions and acts by the undersigned participant.

5.        The undersigned participant, individually, on behalf of the undersigned’s spouse, any and all parents, legal guardians, and legal representatives of the undersigned participant, and their heirs, successors, executors, administrators, and personal representatives (collectively, the “Releasers”) hereby KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE AND RELEASE the town of Big Water, the Kane County School District, the High Desert Equestrian Club, and each of their respective insurers, administrators, agents, representatives, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, participants, officials, judges, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, local organizing committees, property owners, lessors, operators of the premises, heirs, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”) of and from any and all claims which the Releasers may have against the Releasees for the death, disability, disfigurement, paralysis, injury, property damage, property theft, or negligence in connection with my riding experience or ability including but not limited to training or selecting horses, maintenance, care, fit, or adjustment of saddles or bridles, instruction on riding skills or supervising riding activities, or any other claims arising from, in connection with, or relating in any way to the undersigned participant’s engagement or participation in an equine activity at the Arena, and/or the undersigned participant’s presence within or use of the premises of the Arena. The undersigned participant also agrees to abide by and follow any instructions given or rules established by HDEC or any of its employees, agents, or volunteers with regard to participation in any event, use of a horse or any equipment or gear provided therewith.

6.        The undersigned participant acknowledges and agrees that the town of Big Water, Kane County School District, and/or High Desert Equestrian Club IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH, DISABILITY, INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE TO ANY PARTICIPANT IN AN EQUINE ACTIVITY OR PERSON ENGAGED IN AN EQUINE ACTIVITY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT, caused by, arising out of, in connection with, or relating to THE INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES AT THE ARENA.

7.        The undersigned participant COVENANTS, on behalf of Releasers, that RELEASERS WILL NOT NOW OR AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, COMMENCE OR PROSECUTE ANY ACTION, SUIT, OR OTHER PROCEEDING AGAINST THE RELEASEES arising from, in connection with, or relating in any way to the causes of action, claims, or otherwise waived and released by Releasers pursuant to section 5 above.

8.        The undersigned participant agrees and promises to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD RELEASEES HARMLESS of and from any liability, costs, or expenses arising from any action, causes of action, claims for relief, demands, damages, expenses, costs, fees, or compensation, whether or not said actions, causes of action, claims for relief, demands, damages, costs, fees, expenses and/or compensations are known or unknown, are in law, equity, or otherwise, including, but not limited to, all claims of relief which can be set forth through a complaint or otherwise that may arise out of the acts or omissions, negligent or otherwise, of the Releasors.

9.        This Agreement constitutes an exculpatory contract between Releasors and Releasees, which will deny Releasors the right to recover damages from Releasees for death, disability, disfigurement, paralysis, injury, property damage, property theft or otherwise arising from, in connection with, or relating to the undersigned participant’s entry, use, and/or presence on, upon, or within the premises of the Arena, and/or the engagement or participation of the undersigned participant in an equine activity Arena.

10.      Permission granted by this Agreement for the undersigned participant to enter upon, use and remain upon the premises of the Arena for the purpose of engaging or participating in an equine activity at the Arena is conveyed solely to the undersigned participant and said permission may not be transferred, assigned, or used by any other person or organization other than the undersigned participant. Failure to comply with this restriction may result in, among other things, the revocation of the permission granted under this Agreement.

11.      The undersigned participant acknowledges, understands, and agrees that: (a) HDEC IS RELYING UPON THE REPRESENATIONS, WARRANTIES, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, AGREEMENTS, WAIVERS, RELEASES, AND COVENANTS MADE HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICPANT, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF RELEASORS; and (b) HDEC WOULD NOT ALLOW THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT TO ENGAGE OR PARTICIPATE IN AN EQUINE ACTIVITY AT THE ARENA WITHOUT SUCH REPRESENATIONS, WARRANTIES, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, AGREEMENTS, WAIVERS, RELEASES, AND COVENANTS.

12. The undersigned participant acknowledges, understands, and agrees that: (a) THIS AGREEMENT IS BINDING UPON RELEASERS; (b) THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY AND FULLY READ AND ANALYZED BY THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT; and (c) THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT, FULLY UNDERSTANDING ALL OF THE TERMS, PROVISIONS, AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, HAS VOLUNTARILY EXECUTED AND DELIVERED THIS AGREEMENT TO HDEC as of the date set forth below.

I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT. I UNDERSTAND IT IS A PROMISE NOT TO SUE AND A RELEASE AND INDEMNITY FOR ALL CLAIMS.
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Printed Name of Participant*

First NameLast Name
By checking here, you are consenting to the use of your electronic signature in lieu of an original signature on paper. You have the right to request that you sign a paper copy instead. By checking here, you are waiving that right. After consent, you may, upon written request to us, obtain a paper copy of an electronic record. No fee will be charged for such copy and no special hardware or software is required to view it.
Signature*

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If the person who is to enter into this agreement (referred to as the “Undersigned” above) is under 18 years of age, his/her parent or guardian must read and sign the following:
I First Name* Last Name* , acting as parent, natural guardian or legal guardian of First Name* Last Name* (hereinafter “the minor”) hereby affirms that he/she had read the Agreement, understands the Agreement and understands that the Agreement is a release of all claims for injury, death and property damage, and understands and consents to the terms on behalf of him/herself and on behalf of the minor, and agrees to indemnify and save and hold harmless the Releasees from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur because of any defect in or lack of capacity to act on behalf of minor in executing this Agreement.
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian*

First NameLast Name
By checking here, you are consenting to the use of your electronic signature in lieu of an original signature on paper. You have the right to request that you sign a paper copy instead. By checking here, you are waiving that right. After consent, you may, upon written request to us, obtain a paper copy of an electronic record. No fee will be charged for such copy and no special hardware or software is required to view it.
Signature*

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High Desert Equestrian Club

2026 Goals and Objectives
Goals & Objectives of High Desert Equestrian Club Events:

1. Have Fun!

2. Learn and grow your equestrian skills.

3. Build a bond with your horse.

4. Celebrate your accomplishments and celebrate those around you!

5. Develop friendships that will last a lifetime.

6. Be role models for others! Somewhere around this arena, there is a little kid that wants to be just like you someday, you owe it to them to be the best you can be.

Trail Event & Gymkhana Rules:

1. To qualify for Year End Awards you must:

a. Volunteer during events.

b. Be a HDEC member in good standing.

2. Conduct & Safety:

a. Any un-sportsman like conduct or abuse will cause an exhibitor to be dismissed by the judge or HDEC committee person.

b. Any horse may be excused for lameness or for posing a danger to other horses and exhibitors by the judge or HDEC committee person.

3. Add/Scratch/Refunds for classes:

a. Please provide any class “adds” to the show personnel prior to class start.

b. Please notify the show manager of scratches ASAP, classes will have a “final gate call” and provide the exhibitor no more than 2 minutes of final gate call time to enter the ring. It is your responsibility as an exhibitor to notify the show staff of any tack or horse/rider changes.

c. Reasonable tack change requests will be accommodated as best as possible. However, as a courtesy to all other exhibitors please have those items arena side and ready for change (2-minute standard).

**No refunds once entries are paid

4. Cash Pay Outs on Event Days:

a. 1st through 3rd place cash payouts will be awarded per age division provided there are enough entrants to cover the arena fee

b. Cash payouts may be eliminated with reduced entrance fees

c. Points will be tallied for end of year prizes

5. Gymkhana Events

a. Current rider must enter the arena within 2 minutes of being called or move to the end of the runs.

b. Horses will be allowed to help when entering the arena as long as it is done in a safe manner.

c. There is a 5 second penalty for knocking over a barrel, pole (per pole), jump or other obstacle.

d. A maximum of 2 riders may use the same horse per age class.

e. Time will not be given for tack changes so please be prepared.

f. A rider may enter more than one horse for the events but will only collect end of year points on one horse (done at time of entry).

g. One entry per horse is required.

h. All arena rules must be followed.

i. A broken pattern constitutes as a No Time.

j. No dress code but please wear appropriate attire.

6. Lead line Class:

a. Age 7 and under.

b. Must be led by an adult handler (18 & or over)

7. Western or English Attire for Judged Events (Not Gymkhanas):

a. Western Attire: Western hat (or helmet) and boots must be worn in all classes. Western riders should wear a long-sleeved western type of shirt with a collar.

b. English Attire: Long sleeve shirt, jacket preferred - collared short sleeve (polo type ok) for summer shows and boots. Half Chaps with paddock boots are permitted.

8. Eligibility:

a. The age of the rider as of January 1st will determine the age group for that year.

**Age groups are as follows: 0-5, 6-9, 10-14, 15-18, 19+

b. Show management will determine any other eligibility issues.

9. Show Ground Etiquette

a. Outside the arenas, riders must walk their horses at all times, Safety First!

b. Bleachers/Announcers Stand: No horses allowed in the bleacher area or around the announcer's stand.

c. Per insurance, dogs will not be allowed on arena grounds.

10. Event Etiquette & Grievances:

a. Any grievance must be submitted in writing before the end of the event and will not be discussed at the announcer's stand but with show management directly.

b. It is the expectation of HDEC that good sportsmanship be exercised at all times.

c. Interrupting the judge during the show is not acceptable. This pertains to exhibitors, coaches, trainers and spectators.

d. All questions concerning patterns should be addressed prior to the start of the class with the ring steward for clarification.

11. Judges

a. Judges are providing their opinion of a particular performance, opinion will vary.

b. Judges may discuss feedback with riders at their discretion, post results.

c. Please be courteous to your judges, we are appreciative of the time and effort they make to support our events.

12. Volunteering

HDEC encourages volunteering. Putting these events together takes a lot of time and effort. Any volunteering will be greatly appreciated. Volunteering includes but is not limited to:

· Set up equipment

· Gate keeper (usually 2 are needed per event)

· Announcing

· Timekeeper

· Equipment tear down

· Arena maintenance i.e. pulling weeds

13. Sponsorships

The more money we are able to raise as a club, the better our year-end prizes will be. We encourage members to seek out sponsorships from businesses and individuals. There are different sponsor levels available. Sponsor forms are available from one of our board members or on our website: highdesertequestrian.wixsite.com/bigwater

Club Benefits and Board Member Information

1. One of the benefits of being a club member is the use of the arena outside of scheduled events. You must participate in at least three scheduled events to take advantage of this benefit. You are welcome to bring nonmembers with you, but they must sign a liability form before using the arena. Nonmembers cannot use the arena without a member. If a member gives out the gate combo to any nonmember, the arena usage privilege will be revoked. Please do not abuse this benefit.

2. As board members, we try to be available to all members through various means of communication. All members will be added to the GroupMe app chat. All board members can be reached through the app or via text or phone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any members of the board.

HDEC Board members:

            Doris Crowley: (928)691-1064

            Emily Crowley: (928)660-2033

            Cassandra McConville: (928)660-1354

            highdesertequestrianclub@gmail.com
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High Desert Equestrian Club

High Desert Equestrian Club

High Desert Equestrian Club

Goals & Objectives of High Desert Equestrian Club Events: