Today's Date: September 8, 2024 In consideration of the services of Equine Adventures, their officers, agents employees, and stockholders, and all other persons or entities associated with those businesses (hereinafter referred to as “This Stable”), I agree to as follows: Although This Stable has taken reasonable steps to provide you with appropriate equipment and skilled guides so you can enjoy an activity for which you may not be skilled, we wish to remind you this activity is not without risk. Certain risks cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of this activity. The same elements that contribute to the unique character of this activity can be causes of loss or damage to your equipment, or accidental injury, illness, or in extreme cases, permanent trauma or death. We do not want to frighten you or reduce your enthusiasm for this activity, but we do think it is important for you to know in advance what to expect and to be informed of the inherent risks. The following describes some, but not all, of those risks. Horses are unpredictable by nature: when frightened or angry or under stress, a horse’s natural instincts are to jump sideways, to run away from danger at a trot or gallop, to kick, to buck, to rear up in front, or to bite. “WARNING: Under North Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury or death of a participant in equine activities resulting exclusively from the inherent risks of equine activities. Chapter 99E of the North Carolina General Statutes.” I understand that the provisions of N.C.G.S. Section 99E – 10 limits the liability of This Stable for certain acts, injuries and accidents. IT IS HEREBY AGREED TO AS FOLLOWS: That I, the undersigned, hereby voluntarily request to rent and ride a horse from This Stable. That I understand that horses are unpredictable by nature; that when frightened or angry or under stress a horse’s natural instincts are to jump sideways, to run away from danger at a trot or gallop, to kick, to buck, to rear up in front, or to bite. That upon mounting and taking up the reins, I, the rider, am in primary control of the horse I am riding and that This Stable is not responsible for the results of my actions or inactions. That I understand that although a saddle cinch may be adequately tight to make mounting the horse possible, that several minutes later it is possible for the saddle to become loose because of the horse expelling air from its lungs or because of loss of weight through perspiration, or because of other natural causes. That I understand that This Stable is not responsible for any act of nature which can scare a horse and/or cause injuries to rider or horse; examples of such acts of nature, including but not limited to a rabbit, deer or other animal running or flying into, across or beside the trail on which I am riding, or if a bee, wasp or other insect bites the horse or rider. I further understand the trails or beach I will be riding on are natural with variation of terrain, irregular footing and that the trails are subject to constant change in condition according to weather conditions. I am aware that horseback riding entails risks or injury or death to myself. I understand the description of these of risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated risks may result in injury or death. I agree to assume responsibility for the risks identified herein and those risks not specifically identified. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, no one is forcing me to participate in spite of the risks. I am aware that I have been provided with a helmet to wear while riding. A helmet will greatly decrease my risk of serious injury. I possess at least the following qualifications, which I understand are prerequisites to participate in this activity. I am in good physical condition. I am able to mount my horse without assistance of stable personnel, excluding mounting block. I know of no reason why I am not physically or mentally capable of engaging in this activity and will inform This Stable if I feel otherwise. I certify that I am fully capable of participating in this activity. Therefore, I assume full responsibility for myself and my minor children, for bodily injury, death and loss of personal property and expenses thereof as a result of those inherent risks and dangers and of my negligence in participating in this activity. I have read and understood and accepted the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon myself, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate and for all members of my family, including any minors accompanying me. |