Barn rules and Liability waivers

[Devin]

Those of you that board at a lesson barn, or volunteer in a therapy program, or run such, can you please give me a list of Barn rules and a sampe of your liability release? Thank you.

[appytrails]

Close all gates. Don't feed the horses in stalls anything without permission. Clean up after your horse when you use the arena. Clean/Sweep the alleyways when you're done riding. Clean up after yourself and your horses. Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet. Don't use anyone else's tack without permission. No smoking. Dogs permitted if well mannered and have shots. Horses must be wormed on regular basis and have vaccinations.

There are a couple of other minor rules for my barn but I can't remember them right now.

I did not sign the liability release that our barn owner gave me because it released them for ANYTHING that had to do with their negligence. I had an attorney look at it before I told her I wouldn't sign it and he said not to sign it. I wouldn't and don't expect them to be responsible if my horse just gets hurt because it will and has happened. They are horses after all. However, if one of my horses gets hurt because the fences were bad or because of something they did or failed to do, I believe they should be responsible for any vet bills, etc.

I'm in Iowa and Iowa has a very good domestic animal law which states: domesticated animal professional, sponsor, or exhibitor is not liable for the damages, injury, or death suffered by a participant or spectator resulting from the inherent risks of a domesticated animal activity.

Of course it also indicates that the statute doesn't apply if alcohol or drugs are in use, if someone knowingly using faulty equipment or injury/damage that occurs in a place where you wouldn't expect a domesticated animal activity to occur.

The statute itself limits any liability against a barn owner in case of injury to a person and/or animal. Iowa law does require the statute to be posted in a open and obvious place. I would check and see what your state's law says about domesticated animals.

[Devin]

Thank you Specifically on Liability I am looking for a personal liability release, that if a student gets hurt our ministry/business/manager is not reposnsible. The horses belong to me, and I do not board other's horses.

I work in a childrens home for abused and neglected or needy children who live on campus. We want to start teaching them basic horse care and basic riding skills.

[ghostrider]

You should look up the law on the posted sign. In most states the liability sign or lack of it must be posted X distance from all gates etc... Also our leasee who ran the corrals had insurance in case of accidents.
I don't know about horses but I did find out in WY that having a parent sign a waiver of injury means squat where trampolines are concerned.

[horsespoiler]

I found a standard release form for Oregon online and downloaded it to use when our great-niece was riding here. Can't be too careful even with family! Each state has their own liability rules but you should be able to google your state and equine laws. Our neighbor runs a therapy program at their property and let me see his release form.