Free Vermont Equine Liability Waiver Template
From EquiWorld — free equine legal templates (https://equiworld.app/templates)
Last updated: 2026-07-01

NOT LEGAL ADVICE: Review this template with a licensed attorney in your state before use.

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EQUINE ACTIVITY LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER

Stable / Sponsor: [BARN OR STABLE NAME] ("the Stable")
Address: [BARN ADDRESS]
Participant: [PARTICIPANT FULL NAME]
Participant date of birth: [DOB]
Parent/Guardian (if participant is a minor): [PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME]

1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INHERENT RISK. I understand that equine activities are inherently dangerous. Risks include, without limitation: the propensity of an equine to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death to persons on or around it; the unpredictability of an equine's reaction to sounds, sudden movement, unfamiliar objects, persons, or other animals; hazards such as surface and subsurface conditions; collisions with other equines or objects; and the potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner, fail to maintain control of the equine, or fail to act within the participant's ability.

2. VOLUNTARY ASSUMPTION OF RISK. I voluntarily choose to participate in equine activities at the Stable, including riding, handling, grooming, lessons, boarding-related activity, and being present on the premises, and I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by the law of Vermont.

3. RELEASE AND WAIVER. In consideration of being permitted to participate, I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin, hereby release, waive, and discharge the Stable, its owners, officers, employees, instructors, trainers, volunteers, agents, and landowners (the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, or death that may be sustained by me or my property while participating in equine activities or while on the premises, to the fullest extent permitted by law. This release does not extend to acts of gross negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct, where prohibited by law.

4. INDEMNIFICATION. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any loss, liability, damage, or cost (including reasonable attorney fees) they may incur arising from my participation in equine activities, except to the extent caused by the Released Parties' gross negligence or willful misconduct.

5. MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION. I authorize the Stable to secure emergency medical treatment for me (or my minor child) if I cannot be reached, and I accept financial responsibility for such treatment.
Emergency contact: [NAME / PHONE]
Known allergies or medical conditions: [LIST OR "NONE"]

6. HELMET NOTICE. I understand that protective headgear meeting ASTM/SEI standards is strongly recommended (and may be required by the Stable or by law for minors), and that choosing not to wear a helmet increases the risk of serious injury or death.
Helmet policy acknowledgment (initial): ______

7. PHOTO/MEDIA RELEASE (OPTIONAL). I grant / do not grant (circle one) the Stable permission to use photographs or video of me (or my minor child) taken during ordinary activities for the Stable's promotional purposes, without compensation.

STATE LAW NOTICE — VERMONT

WARNING: Under Vermont law, a person is not liable for damages for injury to or death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to 12 V.S.A. § 1039.

This release is intended to supplement, not replace, the protections of the Vermont Equine Activity Liability Act (12 V.S.A. § 1039).

8. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this agreement is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

9. GOVERNING LAW. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Vermont, and any dispute shall be resolved in the courts of [COUNTY], Vermont.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT. I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS AND UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING MY RIGHT TO SUE. I SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY.

Participant signature: ______________________  Date: __________
Printed name: ______________________
Parent/Guardian signature (if participant is under 18): ______________________  Date: __________
Printed name: ______________________