PROTECTIVE EQUESTRIAN HEADGEAR

We recommend all riders wear a properly fitted and secured ASTM/SEI (Equestrian standard) certified helmet while participating in horse riding activities in order to protect against and reduce the severity of potential head trauma that could result in serious injury, including death, as the result of a fall, collision, kick from a horse, or other occurrence associated with horse activities.

However, it is only legally required that children under 12 wear a helmet. Anyone over 12 can choose not to, against the advice of Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo, and sign our PROTECTIVE EQUESTRIAN HEADGEAR REFUSAL AGREEMENT ADDENDUM.

PROTECTIVE EQUESTRIAN HEADGEAR REFUSAL AGREEMENT ADDENDUM

I have been fully warned and advised by Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo (hereinafter collectively referred to as “WWYR") that we should wear a properly fitted and secured ASTM/SEI (Equestrian standard) certified helmet while participating in horse riding activities in order to protect against and reduce the severity of potential head trauma that could result in serious injury, including death, as the result of a fall, collision, kick from a horse, or other occurrence associated with horse activities. Against the advice of WWYR, the guide/instructor, common sense, and WWYR’s insurance company, I am refusing to wear a helmet and assuming all risk of injury. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless WWYR from any and all claims that are brought by, or on behalf of myself as the result of head trauma resulting from participation in any horse activities.

I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT, RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

In consideration of the services of Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo, their agents, owners, officers, volunteers, employees, and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf (hereinafter collectively referred to as "WWYR"), I hereby agree to release, indemnify, and discharge WWYR, on behalf of myself, my spouse, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate as follows:

1. I acknowledge that my participation in wagon rides, horseback riding lessons, and guided trail ride activities entails known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity.

The risks include, among other things: exposure to and travel in rugged terrain, exposure to potentially dangerous wild animals, insect bites, and hazardous plant life; transmissible pathogen or disease; exposure to temperature and weather extremes; losing control of you horse and falling; my own physical condition, and the physical exertion associated with this activity. A horse, regardless of its training and usual past behavior, may act unpredictably at times based upon instinct or fright which may cause you to be thrown from your horse or injured by the horse. Horses may do such things as bite, kick, buck, lie down, or stumble. Saddles may slip and other tack or saddle problems may develop as a result of normal use and wear. Your horse may collide with obstacles or encounter variations in terrain such as creeks, water, bridges, traveled roads, wild animals, birds, stump, forest growth, debris, rocks and cliffs and other obstacles whether obvious or not and whether man made or natural. Riding a horse requires the participant to balance on the saddle. Accidents or illness can occur in remote places without medical facilities and emergency treatment or other services rendered.

Furthermore, WWYR personnel have difficult jobs to perform. They seek safety, but they are not infallible. They might be unaware of a participant's fitness or abilities. They might misjudge the weather or other environmental conditions. They may give incomplete warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might malfunction.

2. I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks.
3. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless WWYR from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of WWYR's equipment or facilities, including any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of WWYR.
4. Should WWYR or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.
5. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I am willing to assume the risk of any medical or physical condition I may have.
6. In the event that I file a lawsuit against WWYR, I agree to do so solely in the state of Montana, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rules of that state. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining document shall remain in full force and effect.

By signing this document, you may be waiving your legal right to a jury trial to hold the provider legally responsible for any injuries or damages resulting from risks inherent in the sport or recreational opportunity or for any injuries or damages you may suffer due to the provider's ordinary negligence that are the result of the provider's failure to exercise reasonable care. I also agree that this document is valid for subsequent visits and participation at WWYR. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.

PARENT'S OR GUARDIAN'S ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION

(Must be completed for participants under the age of 18)

In consideration of the following minor(s):

being permitted by WWYR to participate in its activities and to use its equipment and facilities, I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless WWYR from any and all claims which are brought by, or on behalf of minor(s), and which are in any way connected with such use or participation by minor(s).

PROTECTIVE EQUESTRIAN HEADGEAR REFUSAL AGREEMENT ADDENDUM

I, on behalf of my child or legal ward, have been fully warned and advised by Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo (hereinafter collectively referred to as “WWYR") that we should wear a properly fitted and secured ASTM/SEI (Equestrian standard) certified helmet while participating in horse riding activities in order to protect against and reduce the severity of potential head trauma that could result in serious injury, including death, as the result of a fall, collision, kick from a horse, or other occurrence associated with horse activities. Against the advice of WWYR, the guide/instructor, common sense, and WWYR’s insurance company, I (and any Minor for whom I am signing) am refusing to wear a helmet and assuming all risk of injury. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless WWYR from any and all claims that are brought by, or on behalf of myself, and any listed Minor, as the result of head trauma resulting from participation in any horse activities.

I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.