EQUINE RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS AGREEMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.
BY SIGNING, YOU ARE GIVING UP CERTAIN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE.

This Agreement is entered into in consideration for being permitted to participate in equine activities with Veronica Painter, Horsemanship Unlocked (“Released Parties”), at any location, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, or other states, whether on private property, public facility, competition venue, clinic site, or traveling event.

Equine activities include, but are not limited to: riding, groundwork, liberty work, trick training, trick/cossack riding, roman riding, vaulting, clinics, camps, lessons, horse handling, and all related barn or facility activities.

1. Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks

I understand and acknowledge that equine activities involve inherent risks, dangers, and hazards that may result in serious injury, permanent disability, or death.

These risks include, but are not limited to:

  • The propensity of horses to behave in dangerous ways (kicking, bucking, biting, bolting, rearing, spooking)

  • The unpredictability of a horse’s reaction to sound, movement, weather, animals, or objects

  • Surface and subsurface conditions (mud, ice, uneven footing, holes)

  • Equipment failure or improper adjustment

  • Collisions with other horses, animals, people, or objects

  • Slips, trips, and falls in barns, arenas, or on surrounding grounds

  • Allergic reactions or environmental exposure

I voluntarily and knowingly assume all inherent and ordinary risks associated with equine activities.

2. Statutory Notices (MN / WI)

Where activities occur in Minnesota or Wisconsin, the following state statutory notices apply:

Minnesota: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 604A.12, livestock activities involve inherent risks. I acknowledge that I am assuming the risks associated with participation as defined by Minnesota law.

Wisconsin:NOTICE: A person engaged for compensation in the rental of equines, instruction, or participation in equine activities is not liable for injury or death resulting from inherent risks of equine activities, per Wisconsin Statutes § 895.481(1)(e).

3. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, waive, and discharge Veronica Painter and Horsemanship Unlocked, including all employees, assistants, volunteers, property owners, facility owners, and affiliates (“Released Parties”), from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, or liability for injury, death, or property damage arising out of or related to participation in equine activities, including claims arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties, at any location in the United States.

4. Indemnification

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, liabilities, damages, attorney’s fees, or costs arising from my participation or presence at any Horsemanship Unlocked event, clinic, competition, or lesson, regardless of state or location.

5. Medical Authorization

I understand no medical professional is on site. I authorize emergency medical treatment if deemed necessary and accept full financial responsibility for any medical services rendered.

6. Photo and Media Release

I grant Horsemanship Unlocked permission to use photographs, video, or digital media of me for lawful promotional, educational, or business purposes without compensation. I waive any right to inspect or approve final media products and release all related claims.

7. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state where the activity occurs. Any legal action shall be brought exclusively in the state or county courts located in that state. This ensures enforceability for traveling clinics, competitions, and lessons across the U.S.

8. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

9. Minor Participants

If the participant is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign below and agrees to all terms of this Agreement on behalf of the minor.

10. Acknowledgment

I certify that:

  • I have read and understand this Agreement.

  • I understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights.

  • I sign this Agreement voluntarily.

  • I am at least 18 years old OR am the parent/legal guardian of a minor participant.