Rider Information

Horse Information

Step 2: Lesson Details

1. Parties.  The parties to this document are Whitney Weston Eventing, LLC, d/b/a Valkyrie Sporthorses, a North Carolina limited liability company, (hereinafter “Whitney Weston Eventing”) and the rider (hereinafter “Equestrian”).

2. Activities with Whitney Weston Eventing. Whitney Weston Eventing is in the business of providing instruction in horseback riding and related activities and training horses. Equestrian executes and agrees to abide by this document, as consideration for being permitted to ride, or be around or near Whitney Weston Eventing’s equines, receive instruction or training services or lease or buy an equine (“Activities” or “Whitney Weston Eventing activities”), or be present on property used for Whitney Weston Eventing activities. Equestrian believes that participating in such activities will be of benefit to him or her and affirmatively desires and requests that Equestrian be permitted to do so. 

3. Representations of Equestrian.  Equestrian represents that she/he understands the nature of the Activities in which he or she will be participating and is familiar with his or her own health, abilities, and maturity level and represents that he or she can safely participate in those Activities. Equestrian has inspected the Whitney Weston Eventing premises and facilities and/or has in some other way satisfied him/herself that the condition of the premises and the facilities will provide an adequate and reasonable level of safety for Equestrian and any visitors he/she may bring onto the premises. 

4. Responsibilities of Equestrian.  Equestrian agrees to be aware of and follow such rules for safety as are attached or are subsequently provided to her/him, or posted. Equestrian acknowledges that his/her failure to follow safety rules or the directions of Whitney Weston Eventing or other staff may put her/him at risk of, or increase the risk of personal injury.

5.  Risks and Hazards.  According to the North American Horsemen's Association, numerous obvious and non-obvious inherent risks are always present in horseback riding and being around horses and ponies, despite all safety precautions.  No horse is a completely safe horse.  Horses are 5 to 15 times larger, 20 to 40 times more powerful and 3 to 4 times faster than a human.  If a rider falls from a horse to the ground it will generally be at a distance of 3 ½ to 5 ½ feet, and the impact may result in injury to the rider.  If a horse is frightened or provoked it may divert from its training and act according to its natural instincts which may include, but are not limited to:  stopping short, changing direction or speed at will, shifting its weight from side to side, bucking, rearing, biting, kicking or running from danger or with other equines.  These risks exist for any person around a horse, whether mounted or on the ground. Additional hazards or noises at Whitney Weston Eventing premises that may frighten an equine include but are not limited to carriages, low flying aircraft, deer, road traffic, and dogs. Equestrian acknowledges these risks and states that he/she is not relying on Whitney Weston Eventing to advise of all the risks.

6. Apportionment of Liability and Indemnity.  In consideration of Equestrian being allowed to participate in activities with Whitney Weston Eventing, use Whitney Weston Eventing’s services or facilities or equines, or be present on property used for its activities, Equestrian does agree to the following apportionment of legal liability.  Equestrian agrees to hold harmless and release Whitney Weston Eventing, its agents, employees, members, managers, agents, officers, representatives, assigns, affiliated organizations, insurers and others acting on Whitney Weston Eventing's behalf from all claims, demands, causes of action, and legal liability arising out of Equestrian’s activities with Whitney Weston Eventing or Equestrian’s presence on Whitney Weston Eventing property, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, and even if due to negligence and/or another Equestrian’s acts or omissions. Equestrian does further agree to waive all rights which may otherwise arise from an injury to Equestrian and shall not bring any claims, demands, legal actions or causes of action, against Whitney Weston Eventing, those persons described above, or any person or entity, for any economic or non-economic losses due to bodily injury, death, or property damage arising out of the activities of Whitney Weston Eventing or Equestrian’s presence on Whitney Weston Eventing property. Equestrian intends that this release shall be a complete and unconditional release of all liability on the part of the above- described parties to the greatest extent allowed by law. Equestrian agrees to accept full responsibility for all damages, injuries, or loss of life to or caused by Equestrian, and to indemnify Whitney Weston Eventing and all related parties described above, for any losses or expenses (including attorney fees) which they incur in connection with any claim related to Equestrian.

7.  Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks.  Equestrian acknowledges that he/she bears responsibility for his/her own safety and Equestrian should not participate in any Activity unless he/she is confident that he/she can do so safely.  Participation in Activities with or conducted by or at Whitney Weston Eventing constitutes a knowing and voluntary assumption of all risks associated with such activities involving Whitney Weston Eventing or being present on or using Whitney Weston Eventing property (including but not limited to inherent risks and the risk of negligence by Whitney Weston Eventing or others) which is a defense under North Carolina law to any claim for injury or damage, and a bar to recovery.

8.  Visitors.  Should Equestrian bring to Whitney Weston Eventing premises any person who is not a party to a liability agreement with it, Equestrian agrees to educate him/her as to the risks of being around horses and horse operations, supervise them, be solely responsible for their safety.

9.  Helmet Use.  Equestrian acknowledges that wearing a properly fitted and secured equestrian riding helmet which meets or exceeds the quality standards of the SEI Certified ASTM Standard F1163 while riding, mounting, dismounting and being near horses may reduce the severity of head injuries or prevent death occurring as the result of a fall or other occurrence.  Whitney Weston Eventing makes no representations as to the condition, effectiveness or suitability of any helmet it may allow Equestrian to use.  All helmet- related risks are assumed by Equestrian.   

10.  Other Terms.  This document states the entire agreement between the parties as to liability and may not be changed, except in writing and signed by the parties. The benefits to this agreement, including the release of legal liability, waiver of rights, and covenant not to sue are intended to benefit others, including officers, managers, members, employees, and agents of Whitney Weston Eventing. This agreement shall be binding upon Whitney Weston Eventing, Equestrian, and Equestrian’s heirs or estate, when signed by the parties.  If any clause, phrase or word is in conflict with North Carolina law, then only that single part is null and void.  This agreement and these acknowledgements shall remain in force until terminated by Equestrian through written notice to Whitney Weston Eventing at the address above.  The General Court of Justice Hoke County, North Carolina shall be the exclusive venue for any litigation between Equestrian and the parties described above, relating to the activities of Whitney Weston Eventing .