BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU WILL WAIVE CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE OR CLAIM COMPENSATION. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! IMPORTANT: If the individual participating in the activity is a minor (under 18 years of age in British Columbia), this waiver must be reviewed and signed by a parent or legal guardian as acknowledgment of risk and consent to participate. For the remainder of this document, the individual participating—whether an adult or minor—will be referred to as the "Participant." 1. By signing this agreement you are, on behalf of yourself or other, agreeing that the Participant is able to participate in any activities organized by Together In Stride, for programs up to 12 weeks in duration, that may be taking place at one or more of the following locations: - Humble Hooves – Cobble Hill, BC
- Heart Lake Farm – Saanichton, BC
- VTRA (Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association) – Saanich, BC
To the fullest extent permitted under the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the laws of Canada applicable therein, I hereby release, waive, and discharge Together In Stride at all locations, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees on a solicitor-client basis) arising out of the named Participant(s) participation or involvement in the activities including but not limited to those in this waiver, including but not limited to claims of negligence, except for claims arising from gross negligence or intentional misconduct. 2. Indemnification:
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Together In Stride Foundation and it's location partnerships of Heart Lake Farm, Humble Hooves and The Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association, as well as the land owners of these sites from any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees on a solicitor-client basis) arising out of the named Participant(s) involvement in the activities, including those arising from: - The Participants(s) actions or conduct
- Interactions with other participants or animals
- Accidental harm to others or damage to property unless caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Released Parties.
3. Assumption of Risk:
- I am aware that there are inherent dangers, hazards, and risks associated with all farm activities, including those involving horses. Injuries resulting from these risks are common occurrences which may include but are not limited to, the risk of serious injury, death. I am aware that the risks of farm-based activities include, but are not limited to:
(a) The propensity of any horse to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death to persons on or around them and to potentially collide with, bite, or kick other animals, people, or objects;
(b) The unpredictability of a horse’s reaction to such things as sounds, sudden movement, tremors, vibrations, unfamiliar objects, persons, or other animals, and hazards such as subsurface objects;
(c) The potential for other participants to behave in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to themselves or others, including failing to act within their abilities to maintain control over a horse. (d) I acknowledge that the horses used by Together in Stride may have certain limitations, sensitivities, or concerns, medical or otherwise, that may impact their ability to perform certain activities, may affect how they interact with me, Together in Stride’s or my ability to control the horse, or may cause unpredictable behaviour such as, but not limited to, kicking, biting, or running. While Together in Stride makes efforts to choose horses appropriate to the activities that it organizes based on each horse’s behaviour and temperament, I acknowledge and agree that Together in Stride cannot guarantee a horse’s behaviour or ability to successfully perform any activities that Together in Stride organizes, and I acknowledge that any given horse may have limitations, concerns, medical concerns or sensitivities that I am not aware of. I freely accept and assume any and all of the risks, dangers, and hazards involved and the possibility of injury, death, or property damage, whether caused by the negligence of Together in Stride or otherwise. I agree that although Together In Stride has taken steps to reduce the risks and increase the safety of the horse and farm activities, it is not possible for the Organization to make the farm and animal activities without risk. I accept these risks and agree to the terms of this waiver on behalf of myself, and or the named Participant even if the organization is found to be negligent or in breach of any duty of care or obligation during program participation.
4. Activities CoveredI, the undersigned, understand and acknowledge that participation in programs operated by Together In Stride may include, but is not limited to: Horse-Assisted Learning Activities- Grooming, feeding, or leading horses
- Observing and interacting with horses
- Engaging in reflective and team-based learning activities
General Farm Activities and Environmental Exposure- Interacting with and feeding farm animals
- Engaging in farm-based nature walks, or outdoor games
- Walking on uneven, muddy, or slippery ground
- Exposure to allergens, insects and animal waste
- Being near bodies of water (e.g., ponds, streams, troughs) with drowning or slip hazards
- Being near open flames or other heat sources
- Proximity to farm tools, electric fencing, and machinery (in use or idle)
- Limited access to indoor plumbing or hygiene facilities
- Exposure to changing weather and natural terrain
Group Participation and Social Interaction- Working alongside other participants, staff, or volunteers
- Participating in group discussions and cooperative tasks
- Potential for accidental contact, misunderstandings, or interpersonal conflicts
- Requirement to follow instructions and interact respectfully with others
5. Rules and ExpectationsI acknowledge and agree with the following rules and expectations during the Participant(s) participation in the program: - No use of phones: unless approved by staff
- Alcohol and Drug Use: No guests to the property are allowed to be under the influence of any alcohol or drugs at any time.
- Proper Attire: Helmet worn by those who are 18 and under and all participants are wearing closed toe shoes
6. Governing Law and JurisdictionThis agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes arising under this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of British Columbia. 7. Emergency Medical Treatment ClauseIn the event of an emergency, I authorize Together In Stride staff and its affiliates to provide immediate medical treatment or transport to a medical facility if necessary. I agree to be responsible for any costs incurred for medical treatment and transportation.
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