Templates / Horse trekking & riding
Horse trekking & riding waiver template.
Free starting-point wording for New Zealand horse trekking & riding operators. Copy it, or have it live as a digital form in about a minute.
Use this as a digital form, free →Horse riding participant acknowledgement
Horses are large, strong animals with minds of their own. Even a quiet, well-trained horse can react without warning. We match riders and horses carefully, and we need you to be honest about your experience, weight and health so we can do that properly.
The risks
- Falling or being thrown from the horse, which can cause serious injury.
- Being kicked, bitten, stood on or crushed when near or handling a horse.
- A horse shying, bolting, bucking or stumbling because of noise, wildlife, weather, other horses or vehicles.
- Riding over uneven, steep, muddy or river terrain, and changes in weather while out on the trek.
- Tack slipping or failing despite being checked before the ride.
The rules
- An approved riding helmet must be worn and fastened whenever you are mounted. We can supply one.
- Closed-toe footwear with a small heel is required. No jandals or sandals.
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times and stay in the order they set.
- Tell us truthfully about your riding experience, weight, pregnancy, and any injury or medical condition.
- No alcohol or drugs before or during the ride.
Acknowledgement
- I have read and understood the risks and rules above, and I have had the chance to ask questions.
- I am taking part voluntarily and I will follow the instructions of staff at all times.
- The information I have given is true, and I have disclosed any medical condition or injury that could affect my safety or the safety of others.
- For each person under 18 listed below: I am their parent or legal guardian (or I am authorised by their parent or guardian to sign for them), and I consent to them taking part on the same terms.
I understand that Your Business takes reasonable care to run this activity safely, that it cannot remove every risk, and that I am responsible for my own behaviour and for following the rules. Nothing in this form limits any rights I have under New Zealand law that cannot be excluded, including ACC cover.
Why it's worded this way
You'll notice it doesn't say "I release the operator from all liability". In New Zealand, ACC covers personal injury and people generally can't sue for compensation for injuries ACC covers, and an operator can't sign away its health and safety duties. So a sweeping American-style release adds little here and can look like you're hiding something. What's useful is a clear record that the person was told the risks, agreed to the rules, and gave you the medical and emergency details you need. More in the plain-English guide.
Not legal advice. This is a starting point. Swap "Your Business" for your name, change anything that doesn't match how you operate, and have the final version checked by your lawyer or insurer.