1. DEFINITIONS
In this Agreement:
“Activities” include all equestrian-related activities, including but not limited to: riding, lessons, training, boarding, handling, grooming, lunging, turnout, feeding, competition, and use of facilities.
“Releasees” means Willowcrest Equestrian Ltd., its owners, directors, officers, employees, instructors, agents, volunteers, independent contractors, and representatives.
“Premises” includes all lands, buildings, arenas, paddocks, trails, parking areas, and equipment owned, leased, or used by Willowcrest Equestrian Ltd.
2. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INHERENT RISKS
I understand and acknowledge that horses are unpredictable animals and that equestrian activities are inherently dangerous.
Risks include, but are not limited to:
Falls, being thrown, dragged, or crushed
Being kicked, bitten, stepped on, or trampled
Horse spooking, bolting, rearing, bucking, or reacting to sudden stimuli
Faulty or improperly fitted tack or equipment failure
Slippery, uneven, icy, or unsafe footing
Collisions with other horses, riders, vehicles, or objects
Weather-related hazards
Acts or omissions (including negligence) of other participants or the Releasees
I acknowledge these risks may result in serious injury, permanent disability, or death.
3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I freely and voluntarily accept and assume all risks, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, associated with my participation in the Activities or presence on the Premises.
4. RELEASE OF LIABILITY (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE)
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Activities, I hereby release, waive, and discharge the Releasees from any and all liability for any loss, damage, injury, or expense that I may suffer, INCLUDING THOSE ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
5. INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including legal fees on a solicitor-client basis) arising out of:
My participation in the Activities
My presence on the Premises
Any breach of this Agreement
Any injury or damage caused by me or any horse owned, leased, or handled by me
6. ALBERTA OCCUPIERS’ LIABILITY ACT
I acknowledge that Willowcrest Equestrian Ltd. is an “occupier” under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
I understand that:
The occupier owes a duty to take reasonable care to ensure persons are reasonably safe on the Premises
This Agreement is intended to exclude or limit that duty to the fullest extent permitted by Alberta law
I expressly agree that this waiver applies to any claims made under the Occupiers’ Liability Act (Alberta).
7. HORSE OWNER / BOARDER LIABILITY
If I own, lease, or bring a horse onto the Premises, I acknowledge and agree that:
Horses can cause injury or damage to persons, property, and other animals
I am solely responsible for the behavior, care, and control of my horse
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any claims arising from:
Injury or damage caused by my horse
My failure to properly supervise, handle, or restrain my horse
8. HELMET AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT POLICY
I acknowledge that wearing an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious injury.
Helmet use is mandatory for all jumping activities and as required by barn rules
If I choose not to wear a helmet while riding on the flat, I do so voluntarily and assume all associated risks
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any claims arising from injuries sustained while not wearing a helmet.
9. MEDICAL FITNESS AND EMERGENCY CONSENT
I confirm that I am physically capable of participating in equestrian activities.
In the event of injury or medical emergency, I authorize Willowcrest Equestrian Ltd. to:
I agree that all associated costs are my responsibility.
10. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
I understand that Willowcrest Equestrian Ltd. is not responsible for:
Loss, theft, or damage to personal property, tack, or equipment
Injury or loss involving horses boarded or kept on the Premises
11. RULES, CONDUCT, AND REMOVAL
I agree to follow all barn rules, posted signage, and staff instructions.
I acknowledge that Willowcrest Equestrian Ltd. reserves the right to:
12. PHOTO AND MEDIA RELEASE (OPTIONAL BUT INCLUDED)
I grant permission to Willowcrest Equestrian Ltd. to use photographs or videos of me for promotional, educational, or social media purposes without compensation.
13. SEVERABILITY
If any portion of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
14. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta.
15. BINDING EFFECT
This Agreement is binding upon myself and my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.
16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I confirm that:
I have read and fully understand this Agreement
I am aware that I am waiving substantial legal rights, including the right to sue
I am signing this Agreement freely and voluntarily