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HDRR Rules, Code of Conduct, and Waivers

All riders must read and acknowledge the following 

HIGH DESERT ROUGHRIDERS LIABILITY WAIVER FORM

READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. YOUR SIGNATURE INDICATES YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ITS TERMS.BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE GIVING UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES IN CASE OF INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE FOR ANY REASON INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ACTIVE AND/OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE OF HIGH DESERT ROUGHRIDERS AND/ORITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, SPONSORS, OR VOLUNTEERS. SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITY, RELEASED PARTIES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILY OR HORSES INVOLVED IN THIS EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITY,

Release and Waiver of Liability/Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement

In consideration for allowing the UNDERSIGNED to handle and/or ride a horse and/or be in close proximity to a horse and on behalf of the UNDERSIGNED, THE RELEASED PARTIES require that THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY:

1. ACKNOWLEDGES that Arizona law requires the posting of signs for any equine activity that reinforces a facility's limited liability and that those signs shall read: Warning! Under Arizona Law, an equine activity sponsor or professional shall not be liable for any injury to, or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risk of equine activities. (ARS 12-553)

2. ACKNOWLEDGES that working with or riding a horse is a dangerous activity and involves risks that may cause serious injury and/or death because of the unpredictable nature and irrational behavior of any equine regardless of its training and past performances. Acknowledges the possibility of other animals & other animal related activities and the inherent danger thereof, and holds the released parties harmless therefrom.

3. ASSUMES the risk and danger of injury or death inherent in equine activities and hereby release, discharge and promise not to sue THE RELEASED PARTIES for any loss, liability damage, or cost what so ever arising from or related to any loss, damage or injury including death to my person or property.

4. RELEASES THE RELEASED PARTIES from any claim that such RELEASED PARTIES are or may be negligent in connection to THE UNDERSIGNED experience or ability, including, but not limited to training, riding, selecting a horse or its maintenance, care, or the fit and adjustment of any equipment including but not limited to saddles, bits, bridles, and ropes, instruction or training equipment.

5. INDEMNIFIES AND SAVES AND HOLDS HARMLESS THE RELEASED PARTIES from and against any liability, damage or cost they may incur arising out of or in any way connected with any event or use of a horse, and any equipment or gear provided therewith or any acts of omission of THE RELEASED PARTIES.

6. EXPRESSLY AGREES that the foregoing Release and Waiver of Liability/Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement is governed by the State of Arizona and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by Arizona law, and that in the event any portion of the agree- ment is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforcement of the balance of the agreement shall not be affected or impaired in any way and shall continue to full legal force and effect.

7.ACKNOWLEDGES that this document is a contract and AGREEMENT to pay all attorneys fees and costs incurred if a lawsuit is filed against anyone or any part of THE RELEASED PARTIES for any injury or damage in breach of contract.

8.UNDERSTANDS that by signing this document, it is a promise not to sue and a release and indemnity against all claims. 9. UNDERSTANDS that HIGH DESERT ROUGHRIDERS recommends that all persons shall wear a protective ASTM/SEI-approved helmet. Initials

10. GRANTS to High Desert Roughriders and its authorized representatives permission to record film or digital photography and/or video, pictures of my participation. I further agree that any or all of the material photographed or digitally produced may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures or printed materials used to promote High Desert Roughriders and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit, or any other compensation. Further, understand it is my responsibility to tell the photographer if decline. 

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HIGH DESERT ROUGHRIDERS RULES AND POLICIES

HDRR Shirts to be worn for the entire ride ~ Ride with Pride for our Veterans! 

NO drinking alcohol while riding on the Trail

NO Smoking while riding on the Trail (Except at designated Stops) - Granite Creek Trailhead (Lunch Stop) - Yavapai College (Staging Area 2) - Mile High Track Field (End of Ride)

NO Dogs or Pets Allowed. The risk is too high for dogs, horses and riders to be injured.

NO ponying horses. ONE HORSE/ONE RIDER. 

NO Littering on the Trail, INCLUDING Tribal Land.

WE ARE CURRENTLY THE ONLY RIDING GROUP ALLOWED ON THE RESERVATION.

We do not want to lose the ability to pass thru Tribal Land because we have violated their rules. If they deny us access in the future we will not be able to continue this annual Event.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A GROUND CREW.

If you have an emergency your ground crew will needed to be able to pick you and your horse up at anytime and any place on the trail. *We reserve the right to refuse entry to this event*

This is a walking trail ride. 

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HIGH DESERT ROUGHRIDERS CODE OF CONDUCT

I understand that riding at any event has inherent risk and that all horses may react unpredictably on occasions.

I may fall off and could be injured. I accept the risk.

I understand that instructions are given for my safety and agree to follow instructions given to me by the High Desert Roughriders.

I understand that wearing an appropriate riding hat and body protection may reduce the severity of an injury should an accident happen.

I understand that the High Desert Roughriders will make decisions based on information I give them and I agree to always be honest and volunteer information about: my abilities and riding experience any previous riding accidents any medical condition(s) which may affect my ability to ride

I understand that children are at particular risk around horses and agree that I will keep any children that I am responsible for, under close supervision.

I understand that the High Desert Roughriders may refuse my request to ride for safety or operational reasons.

I understand that such a Trail Riding Event carries enhanced risk over and above general riding and agree that if I chose to participate in this event, it is up to me to ensure that I have the experience and ability to ride in this event. If I am in any doubt, I will use my judgment and experience and not enter.

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Arizona Equine Activity Statutes § 12 553. Limited liability of equine owners and owners of equine facilities; exception; definitions

A. An equine owner or an agent of an equine owner who regardless of consideration allows another person to take control of an equine is not liable for an injury to or the death of the person if:

1. The person has taken control of the equine from the owner or agent when the injury or death occurs.

2. The person or the parent or legal guardian of the person if the person is under eighteen years of age has signed a release before taking control of the equine.

3.The owner or agent has properly installed suitable tack or equipment or the person has personally tacked the equine with tack the person owned, leased or borrowed. If the person has personally tacked the equine, the person assumes full responsibility for the suitability, installation and condition of the tack.

4.The owner or agent assigns the person to a suitable equine based on a reasonable interpretation of the person's representation of his skills, health and experience with and knowledge of equines.

B. Subsection A does not apply to an equine owner or agent of the equine owner who is grossly negligent or commits willful, wanton or intentional acts or omissions.

C. An owner, lessor or agent of any riding stable, rodeo ground, training or boarding stable or other private property that is used by a rider or handler of an equine with or without the owner's permission is not liable for injury to or death of the equine or the rider or handler.

D.Subsection C does not apply to an owner, lessor or agent of any riding stable, rodeo ground, training or boarding stable or other private property that is used by a rider or handler of an equine if either of the following applies:

1.The owner, lessor or agent knows or should know that a hazardous condition exists and the owner, lessor or agent fails to disclose the hazardous condition to a rider or handler of an equine.

2.The owner, lessor or agent is grossly negligent or commits willful, wanton or intentional acts or omissions. E. As used in this section:

1. "Equine" means a horse, pony, mule, donkey or ass.

2. "Release" means a document that a person signs before taking control of an equine from the owner or owner's agent and that acknowledges that the person is aware of the inherent risks associated with equine activities,is willing and able to accept full responsibility for his own safety and welfare and releases the equine owner or agent from liability unless the equine owner or agent is grossly negligent or commits willful, wanton or intentional acts or omissions.

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PERMISSION, LIABILITY WAIVER, AND RELEASE

"THE ROUGHRIDERS HORSE RIDE THROUGH PARTS OF THE YAVAPAI-PRESCOTT INDIAN RESERVATION"

 

In consideration the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe allowing me to enter parts of the Yavapai- Prescott Indian Reservation and ride on horseback through parts of the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Reservation for a short-term period on October 4, 2025, coinciding with the High Desert Roughriders Horse Ride to Prescott, Arizona.

1. Acknowledge and fully understand that such equestrian activity may be physically demand- ing and that I may be engaging in potentially hazardous activities that involve risk of accident, injury, illness or death that might result from my own actions, inactions or negligence or from the actions, inactions or negligence of some other person.

2. Fully understand that all risks connected with any activities conducted under this document shall be borne by me. Furthermore, I shall hold the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe harmless from any claims, damages or injury caused to me or my horses, or any horse I ride, from any activity conducted under this agreement and I shall indemnify and defend the Tribe for any such claims, damages or injury occurring to any person, thing or animal, whatsoever, connect- ed with any of my activities conducted under this document.

3. Assume all the foregoing risks and accept personal responsibility for any damages that may occur as a result of such risks.

4. Understand during the time that the horses are located on the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Reservation, the Tribe shall not be liable whatsoever for any sickness, disease, stray, escape, theft, injury or death which may be suffered by the horses.

5. Understand the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe makes no warranties, express or implied, as to any matters whatsoever, including, but not limited to, the condition of the areas accessed and traversed or their suitability or safety for any purposes.

6. Agree by executing this document the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, and its employees, agents, representatives, are exempt from and shall be held harmless from any and all liability for any damage or injury to any person or property caused by or resulting from any condition on the property accessed and traversed under this document or from any other cause or happening whatsoever.

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Youth/Minor Liability Waiver Form

VOLUNTARILY ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RISKS OF LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL

Youth/Underage Waiver of Liability & Hold Harmless In consideration for participating in any activities, riding or otherwise with the High Desert Roughriders.

1. I hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS The High Desert Roughriders, its Owners, Officers or Volunteers, The city of Prescott, Arizona, the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe (Hereinafter referred to as "RELEASEES") from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, third party claims, and causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me, or to any property belonging to me, whether caused by the negligence of the RELEASER or RELEASEES, or otherwise, while participating in activities sponsored by The High Desert Roughriders.

2. I am fully AWARE OF THE RISKS AND HAZARDS connected with the activity of horseback riding, horse care and stable usage, the risk of which include but are not limited to, injuries, death or property damage from: mounting, riding, dismounting, grooming, feeding, use of horse barn, paddock, trails or horse ring, in any capacity; falling off a horse whether horse is bucking, rearing, spooked, moving or stopping suddenly; or my failure to understand any equine professional's directions relating to my riding or otherwise use and control, or lack thereof, of my horse or the horse that I have been assigned to, or interaction with other horses.  INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, that may be sustained by me or any loss or damage to property owned by me as a result of being engaged in such an activity, whether caused by the negligence of the releases, myself or otherwise.

3. I understand the risks of riding without a helmet and, despite the suggestion that I wear one, I agree to hold all parties but myself harmless for my decision if I choose to not wear one.

4. By entering an event or activity of The High Desert Roughriders, I consent to being photographed and waive all rights to photographs taken by The High Desert Roughriders Staff, professional photographer, or personal photos by other riders.

INSIGNING THIS RELEASE,

1 ACKNOWLEDGE AND REPRESENT that I have read the foregoing Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement, understand it and sign it voluntarily as my own free act and deed. No oral representations, statement or inducements, apart from the foregoing written agreement have been made;

1 am at lease eighteen years of age (If minor, parent or person representing as lawful Guardian must sign), and I am fully competent.

I hereby further agree that this Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona.

 

MEDICAL RELEASE AND AUTHORIZATION 

As Parent and/or Guardian of the named rider, I hereby authorize the diagnosis and treatment by a qualified and licensed medical professional, of the minor child, in the event of a medical emergency, which in the opinion of the attending medical professional, requires immediate attention to prevent further endangerment of the minor’s life, physical disfigurement, physical impairment, or other undue pain, suffering or discomfort, if delayed.

Permission is hereby granted to the attending physician to proceed with any medical or minor surgical treatment, x-ray examination and immunizations for the named athlete. In the event of an emergency arising out of serious illness, the need for major surgery, or significant accidental injury, I understand that every attempt will be made by the attending physician to contact me in the most expeditious way possible. This authorization is granted only after a reasonable effort has been made to reach me.

Permission is also granted to the High Desert Roughriders . and its affiliates including Directors, Volunteers, and Rider Participants to provide the needed emergency treatment prior to the child’s admission to the medical facility.

Release authorized on the dates and/or events this year.

This release is authorized and executed of my own free will, with the sole purpose of authorizing medical treatment under emergency circumstances, for the protection of life and limb of the named minor child, in my absence.

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