READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING — REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAIL RIDE PARTICIPANTS
Under Missouri law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities. By signing this document, you acknowledge this statutory protection and voluntarily assume all inherent risks of equine activity participation.
1. PARTIES AND SCOPE
This Equine Activity Release and Waiver ("Agreement") is entered into between the undersigned participant(s) ("Participant") and Wagner, Coroama & Neubert LLC, doing business as Spring Lake Ranch, its owners, officers, employees, agents, guides, wranglers, volunteers, and assigns (collectively "Spring Lake Ranch"), located at 11820 Sayersbrook Rd, Potosi, Missouri 63664.
This Agreement applies specifically to all equine-related activities at Spring Lake Ranch, including but not limited to: trail rides, guided horseback rides, horse handling, mounting and dismounting, and any other interaction with or proximity to horses on the property. This Agreement supplements and does not replace the general Ranch Release Waiver, which must also be signed separately.
2. INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES
I understand and acknowledge that equine activities involve inherent risks that exist regardless of the care taken by the equine activity sponsor. These inherent risks include but are not limited to:
- The unpredictable behavior of horses, including spooking, shying, bucking, rearing, bolting, stumbling, and falling
- The propensity of horses to react unpredictably to sounds, sudden movements, unfamiliar objects, other animals, and changes in environment
- The negligence of other participants that may contribute to injury or death
- Hazardous terrain including uneven ground, steep grades, creek crossings, tree roots, rocks, and muddy or wet surfaces on the trail
- Equipment failure including saddle, girth, stirrup, bridle, and rein failure
- Falls from horseback, which may result in serious injury, paralysis, or death
- Being struck, bitten, kicked, or trampled by a horse
- Collision with stationary or moving objects, trees, fencing, and other horses
- Fatigue, physical exertion, and muscle strain associated with riding
- Allergic reactions to horses, hay, dust, or other equine-related materials
I acknowledge that these risks cannot be fully eliminated even with the highest quality instruction, equipment, and supervision, and that injury or death may result.
3. TRAIL RIDE SPECIFIC RISKS — SPRING LAKE RANCH
I specifically acknowledge the following risks associated with the Lake Loop Trail at Spring Lake Ranch:
- The trail traverses 2.1 miles around a 60-acre lake and includes terrain with variable footing, uneven surfaces, and proximity to water
- The trail passes through areas where livestock (cattle, goats) and livestock guardian dogs may be present
- The trail passes through wooded areas where native Missouri wildlife, including venomous snakes, may be present
- Trail conditions vary by weather — wet, muddy, or frozen conditions increase the risk of horse stumbling or falling
- The proximity of the trail to the lake creates additional risk in the event of a horse spook or rider fall
- Communication and emergency response may be delayed due to the remote nature of portions of the trail
4. WEIGHT LIMITATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT
For the safety and welfare of our horses, Spring Lake Ranch enforces a maximum rider weight of 250 pounds. I certify that my weight does not exceed this limit. I understand that misrepresenting my weight may result in injury to the horse and myself, and that Spring Lake Ranch reserves the right to remove any rider from participation who exceeds this limit.
5. RELEASE, WAIVER, AND INDEMNIFICATION
In consideration of being permitted to participate in equine activities at Spring Lake Ranch, I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, executors, personal representatives, and assigns, hereby:
- RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE Wagner, Coroama & Neubert LLC d/b/a Spring Lake Ranch, its owners, officers, employees, guides, wranglers, agents, and insurers from any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, or liability of any kind arising from equine activity participation, including those resulting from the negligence of Spring Lake Ranch or its agents;
- ASSUME ALL RISK of injury, illness, death, or property damage arising from equine activity participation, whether caused by the actions of horses, guides, other participants, terrain, weather, equipment, or any other cause;
- AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Spring Lake Ranch from any claims, attorney's fees, costs, or liabilities arising from my participation or the participation of any minor for whom I am responsible.
6. PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
I agree to comply with all of the following conditions at all times during equine activity participation:
- I will follow all instructions given by the trail guide without question or delay
- I will maintain at least one horse-length following distance from the horse in front of me at all times
- I will not attempt to canter, trot, or leave the trail without the guide's explicit instruction
- I will not use my phone, take photos, or engage in distracting behavior while mounted and moving
- I will not feed, pet, or interact with horses other than my assigned mount without guide approval
- I will not interact with or attempt to approach livestock, dogs, or wildlife encountered on the trail
- I will immediately signal the guide if I feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or out of control
- I will not dismount without the guide's instruction
- I will wear closed-toe shoes with a heel at all times while mounted
- I will not participate if I am under the influence of alcohol or any impairing substance
- I certify that I have disclosed any physical limitations, injuries, or medical conditions that could affect my safe participation
7. MINOR PARTICIPANTS
As the parent or legal guardian of any participant under 18 years of age:
- I consent to their full participation in equine activities at Spring Lake Ranch
- I execute this waiver and all releases on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assigns
- I accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and supervision
- I acknowledge that riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet at all times while mounted
- I authorize emergency medical treatment and accept all financial responsibility for any resulting costs
8. GOVERNING LAW AND SEVERABILITY
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, including the Missouri Equine Activity Liability Act (RSMo 537.325). Any dispute shall be brought exclusively in Washington County, Missouri. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full effect.
FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I HAVE READ THIS ENTIRE EQUINE ACTIVITY WAIVER. I UNDERSTAND THAT HORSEBACK RIDING IS A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AND THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY ASSUMING ALL RISKS. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT. I AM SIGNING FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF ITS TERMS.