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Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement

Chicago Children Equestrian Center Inc NFP

Important: Please read this agreement carefully before signing.

This agreement addresses the inherent risks of horseback riding, horse handling, and related equestrian activities. By signing, the undersigned acknowledges these risks, agrees to applicable safety requirements, and accepts the terms of this agreement to the extent permitted by Illinois law.

Participant Information

Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name

Minor Participant's Full Name

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Untitled checkboxes field

I, the undersigned, request permission for the minor participant identified above to participate in horseback riding, horse handling, instructional programs, and related activities offered by Chicago Children Equestrian Center (hereinafter referred to as the "Center").

In consideration of the opportunity to participate, I acknowledge and agree to the following provisions:

1. Acknowledgment of Equine Behavior

I understand that horses and other equines are inherently unpredictable animals and may, without warning or apparent cause, buck, stumble, fall, rear, bite, kick, bolt, run, or react unexpectedly to sounds, sudden movements, unfamiliar objects, people, or other animals.

I acknowledge that such behavior may cause falls, collisions, serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or death, even when reasonable safety precautions are taken.

2. Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks

I understand that horseback riding, horse handling, and related equestrian activities are inherently dangerous and involve risks that cannot be completely eliminated through instruction, supervision, protective equipment, or other safety measures.

These risks include, but are not limited to, unpredictable animal behavior, falls, collisions, equipment-related incidents, surface and subsurface hazards, and the possibility that a participant may lose control of an animal.

I recognize that these risks may result in personal injury, property damage, serious physical harm, or death.

3. Voluntary Assumption of Risk

I voluntarily acknowledge and assume the inherent risks associated with equestrian activities offered by Chicago Children Equestrian Center.

As the parent or legal guardian of the minor participant, I acknowledge these risks and authorize participation with full understanding of their nature and potential consequences.

I understand that participation is voluntary and that the Center cannot guarantee the complete safety of any participant.

This acknowledgment is intended to operate in accordance with the Illinois Equine Activity Liability Act and other applicable Illinois laws.

4. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Illinois law, I release and discharge Chicago Children Equestrian Center, its directors, officers, employees, instructors, volunteers, representatives, and authorized agents (collectively, the "Released Parties") from claims belonging to me that arise from the inherent risks of participating in equestrian activities.

This release does not extend to claims or conduct for which liability cannot lawfully be excluded, including applicable statutory exceptions, intentional wrongdoing, and willful or wanton misconduct.

Nothing in this agreement is intended to waive a minor participant's independent legal rights or claims that a parent or legal guardian is not legally authorized to release.

5. Acknowledgment of Instruction and Supervision

I understand that the Center may provide equestrian instruction, horse handling assistance, equipment, and supervision during its programs and activities.

I acknowledge that instruction and supervision cannot eliminate all inherent risks associated with equestrian activities.

I agree that the participant will comply with all reasonable safety instructions, posted rules, and directions provided by the Center's authorized personnel.

I understand that the Center may restrict, suspend, or discontinue participation when necessary to address safety concerns.

6. Indemnification and Hold Harmless

To the extent permitted by Illinois law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties against third-party claims, losses, or damages directly resulting from my own negligent or wrongful conduct or material breach of this agreement.

This obligation shall not apply to claims arising from the Released Parties' own unlawful conduct or liabilities that cannot legally be transferred.

Nothing in this provision shall be interpreted as requiring a parent or legal guardian to indemnify the Center for the minor's independent legal claims unless such an obligation is specifically permitted and enforceable under applicable Illinois law.

7. Illinois Equine Activity Liability Act and Governing Law

I acknowledge that equestrian activities conducted by Chicago Children Equestrian Center are subject to applicable Illinois law, including the Illinois Equine Activity Liability Act, 745 ILCS 47.

This Act recognizes the inherent risks associated with equestrian activities and establishes certain responsibilities and limitations of liability for participants, equine activity sponsors, and equine professionals.

Statutory Warning

WARNING

Under the Equine Activity Liability Act, each participant who engages in an equine activity expressly assumes the risks of engaging in and legal responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to person or property resulting from the risk of equine activities.

I understand that the Act contains exceptions under which an equine activity sponsor or professional may remain legally responsible.

This agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

8. Legal Proceedings and Severability

I understand that this agreement is intended to establish the respective rights and responsibilities of the parties concerning participation in equestrian activities.

If any provision of this agreement is determined to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that determination shall not automatically invalidate the remaining provisions, which shall continue in effect to the extent permitted by law.

Nothing in this agreement shall be interpreted as limiting or eliminating legal rights that cannot lawfully be waived.

9. Medical Conditions and Participant Safety

I understand that certain medical conditions, physical limitations, allergies, or other health-related circumstances may affect a participant's safety during equestrian activities.

I agree to provide relevant information concerning the participant's health, safety needs, or necessary accommodations through the Center's designated confidential procedures.

I understand that the Center may use such information to evaluate appropriate safety measures and reasonable accommodations, consistent with applicable law.

I agree to notify the Center of relevant changes in the participant's health or safety needs before participation.

Disclosure of a medical condition or disability shall not automatically disqualify an individual from participating.

10. Mandatory Protective Helmet Requirement

I acknowledge that horseback riding and related activities involve the risk of head injury, including serious or fatal injury.

Chicago Children Equestrian Center requires all mounted participants to wear a properly fitted, securely fastened equestrian safety helmet meeting the Center's established safety standards.

I understand that protective helmets are designed to reduce certain risks of head injury but cannot eliminate the possibility of injury.

I agree that the participant will comply with all helmet and protective equipment requirements established by the Center.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension or termination of participation.

11. Parent or Legal Guardian Authorization

If the participant is under eighteen (18) years of age, this agreement must be completed and signed by the participant's parent or legal guardian.

By signing, I affirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor participant identified in this agreement and have the legal authority to authorize participation.

I acknowledge that I have carefully read this agreement, understand the risks associated with equestrian activities, and voluntarily authorize the minor's participation subject to the terms stated herein and applicable Illinois law.

I understand that a release assuming responsibility for inherent equine activity risks may remain effective under Illinois law until expressly revoked by the participant or, in the case of a minor, the parent or guardian.

Final Acknowledgment and Consent

By signing below, I acknowledge that:

I have read and understand this entire Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement.

I understand that equestrian activities involve inherent risks of serious injury, disability, or death.

I voluntarily authorize the minor participant identified in this agreement to participate in the Center's equestrian activities.

I understand and agree to comply with the Center's applicable safety rules and mandatory protective helmet requirements.

I understand that this agreement does not waive legal rights that cannot lawfully be waived.

I am signing voluntarily and understand that this agreement may have legal consequences.

Electronic Signature

I consent to the use of an electronic signature to execute this agreement. I understand and intend that my electronic signature shall serve as my signature on this agreement to the extent recognized under applicable law.