PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.
This is a legally binding document. By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you understand and accept the risks associated with equine activities and voluntarily waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue. In consideration for being permitted to participate in activities at Copper Creek Stables (“Stable”), including but not limited to horseback riding, riding lessons, trail rides, camps, clinics, Special Olympics programming, adaptive riding, grooming, horse handling, pony rides, groundwork, barn activities, and other equine-related experiences, I agree to the following: 1. Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks I understand and acknowledge that equine activities are inherently dangerous and involve risks that may result in serious injury, illness, emotional trauma, paralysis, property damage, or death. I understand that horses and other equines are unpredictable animals and may: - Buck, Rear, Bite,Kick, Bolt, Spook, Stumble or fall
- React unexpectedly to sounds, movement, weather, people, vehicles, wildlife, or other animals
I understand that risks may arise from, including but not limited to: - Riding, mounting, or dismounting. Grooming or handling horses, Trail riding and outdoor terrain, Arena footing and farm conditions, Equipment or tack failure, The actions or inactions of other riders or participants, Physical contact with horses, livestock, fences, gates, vehicles, or natural obstacles
I voluntarily choose to participate despite these known and unknown risks. 2. Assumption of Risk I knowingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for all risks associated with participation in equine activities, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, including risks resulting from negligence. I accept personal responsibility for my own safety and the safety of my minor child. 3. Release and Waiver of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Copper Creek Stables and its owners, instructors, trainers, employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, horse owners, property owners, affiliates, and representatives (“Releasees”) from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, damages, actions, causes of action, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to participation in equine activities. This release includes, but is not limited to, claims arising from: - Personal injury, Death, Property damage, Emotional distress, Negligence, Premises liability, Horse selection or behavior, Tack or equipment failure, Instruction, supervision, or lack thereof
4. Indemnification I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Releasees from any claims, liabilities, damages, attorney fees, costs, or expenses arising from my participation or the participation of my minor child, including claims brought by third parties. 5. Medical Information and Emergency Care I certify that I/my child am/is physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of participating in equine activities with or without reasonable accommodations. I agree to disclose any condition that may affect safe participation, including but not limited to: - Allergies, Asthma, Seizure disorders, Heart conditions, Pregnancy, Mobility limitations. Sensory concerns, Behavioral or emotional conditions, Recent injuries or surgeries
I understand that Copper Creek Stables and its staff are not medical providers and are not responsible for diagnosing, monitoring, or treating medical conditions. In the event of illness, injury, or emergency, I authorize Copper Creek Stables to obtain emergency medical care for myself/my child if deemed necessary. I understand that all resulting medical costs are my responsibility. 6. Special Olympics and Adaptive Riding Participation (If Applicable) I understand that participation in Special Olympics or adaptive riding programs may involve additional physical, emotional, behavioral, and environmental demands. I acknowledge that: - Participation levels and horse assignments are determined solely by staff for safety purposes
- Participants may be removed from activities if staff determine participation is unsafe
- Volunteers, side walkers, and horse leaders may not be medically trained professionals
- Copper Creek Stables does not provide medical, occupational, psychological, or therapeutic services unless specifically stated
7. Helmet and Safety Requirements All mounted riders are required to wear a properly fitted equestrian helmet. Proper footwear is required. Riders may be denied participation if deemed unsafe or improperly equipped. I agree to follow all Stable rules, instructor directions, and safety procedures. I understand that the use of protective equipment, including helmets, does not eliminate the risk of injury. 8. Minors If signing on behalf of a minor child, I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the child and have authority to sign this Agreement on their behalf. I understand and agree that all terms of this Agreement apply fully to the minor participant. 10. Governing Law and Severability This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Maine. If any portion of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 11. Attorney Fees If legal action is brought in violation of this Agreement, I agree to pay all attorney fees, court costs, and expenses incurred by the Releasees in defending such action. 12. Maine Equine Activities Liability Act Warning WARNING:
Under Maine law, an equine professional is not liable for injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities pursuant to the Maine Equine Activities Liability Act, 7 M.R.S. § 4103-A. “Inherent risks of equine activities” include, but are not limited to: - The propensity of equines to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death;
- The unpredictability of an equine’s reaction to sounds, sudden movement, weather, other animals, people, or unfamiliar objects;
- Hazards such as surface and subsurface conditions;
- Collisions with other equines, animals, people, or objects; and
- The potential for participants to act negligently in a manner that contributes to injury.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I understand and accept the inherent risks associated with equine activities under Maine law. 13. Acknowledgment and Signature I acknowledge that: - I have carefully read this entire Agreement
- I fully understand its contents
- I understand that I am waiving substantial legal rights
- I sign this Agreement freely and voluntarily
- I intend this Agreement to be a complete and unconditional release of liability to the fullest extent permitted by law
Date: October 23, 2026 |