Horseback Riding & Trail Rides

Horseback Riding & Trail Ride Waiver Template

Horses are unpredictable animals, and most states have a specific Equine Activity Liability Act that protects operators — but usually only if you post and include the required statutory warning. Your waiver should pair the equine warning with an assumption-of-risk and release section. Use the template below and confirm your state's exact equine-warning wording.

Not legal advice. These templates and summaries are general information for tour and rental operators, not legal advice, and do not create an attorney–client relationship. Waiver law varies by state and changes over time. Before you rely on any waiver, have it reviewed by a licensed attorney in the state where you operate.

Download the Horseback Riding & Trail Rides waiver template

Free and editable. Add your business name, your river or site, and your state's required wording — then have an attorney review it.

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What your Horseback Riding & Trail Rides waiver must cover

  • The inherent risks of equine activity — the animal's unpredictable behavior, falls, bites, kicks, and terrain hazards.
  • Your state's statutory equine-activity warning language, where one exists.
  • A rider-ability and weight declaration used to match horse and rider.
  • A helmet recommendation or requirement.
  • A release and assumption-of-risk section in plain language.
  • Parent or guardian signature for under-18s, where recognized.

The clauses that matter

Statutory equine warning

Most states require specific warning wording in contracts and on posted signs to gain Equine Act protection. Use your state's exact language — see the state pages.

Rider ability & weight

Record the rider's experience and weight so you can match the right horse and document your screening.

Inherent equine risk

Acknowledge that horses can spook, bolt, bite, or kick without warning regardless of training.

Helmet

Record that a helmet was offered or required, even if declined.

Get every horseback waiver signed before arrival

Upload your waiver to EquipDash once. It then goes out automatically with every booking — customers sign on their phone, the signed copy attaches to the booking, and Dash Agents chase anyone who hasn't signed before they arrive.

HORSEBACK WAIVER FAQ

Horseback Riding & Trail Rides waiver questions

General guidance for operators. Confirm the specifics for your state with a licensed attorney.

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Does the Equine Activity Liability Act replace my waiver?

No — they work together. The Act limits liability for inherent equine risks if you use the required warning; the waiver adds a contractual release where your state allows it. Neither covers gross negligence.

Where does the equine warning have to appear?

Can riders sign before arriving at the ranch?

Collect signed waivers automatically

Start your free 21-day trial and send your horseback waiver with every booking.

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