Rules, Policy, Warnings Horse House and CCTX Animal Adventure
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT
In consideration of being permitted to participate in any farm, ranch, or equine activity conducted by or on the property of Horse House and CCTX Animal Adventure, I acknowledge and agree that:
- Assumption of Risk: I fully understand and accept that horse and farm animal activities carry inherent risks including, but not limited to, the behavior of animals (kicking, biting, bucking, etc.), unpredictable terrain, weather conditions, and the actions of other participants. I voluntarily assume all such risks.
- Waiver and Release: I release and hold harmless Horse House and CCTX Animal Adventure, its owners, agents, employees, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action for personal injury, death, or property damage arising from my participation in farm animal activities, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by Texas law.
- Medical and Property Responsibility: I understand that I am responsible for all medical expenses incurred as a result of injuries sustained during participation, and I agree that Horse House and CCTX Animal Adventure are not responsible for loss or damage to my property.
- Indemnification: I agree to indemnify and defend Horse House and CCTX Animal Adventure against any claims or lawsuits brought as a result of my actions or participation, including those brought by third parties.
- Minor Participants: If I am signing on behalf of a minor, I agree to all of the above terms on their behalf and confirm I have legal authority to do so.
Texas Equine Activity Liability Act (TEALA)
Texas Equine Activity Liability Act (TEALA) provides significant liability protections for horse owners, event organizers, and riding instructors through Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 87.001-87.0052. This section of Texas law states that all persons involved in farm animal activities or livestock shows are not liable for property damage or personal injury resulting from the dangers or conditions inherent to these activities.
Warnings for Horse Back Riding
Common Riding Risks; Falling from a horse is a primary cause of serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Despite helmet use, severe injuries can occur, especially if the horse loses footing on wet or uneven terrain. thesilverlining.com
Horse Behavior: Horses can be unpredictable and may react suddenly to stimuli such as loud noises, sudden movements, or other animals. Such reactions can lead to riders being off balance and falling off the horse, horse bucking, and/or bolting running off.
Environmental Hazards: Natural elements like uneven trails, low-hanging branches, or unexpected wildlife encounters can pose risks. For instance, insects, such as mosquito, no nats, flies, bees or wasps can be disturbed by horses, leading to stings and potential reaction to the horse.
🧰 Safety Measures for Riders and Horses
Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head injuries. Helmets are required for riders under 18 years old and optional for riders over 18 years old. We recommend HELMETS FOR ALL RIDERS. Additionally, consider wearing a body protector to safeguard against falls. Long pans and closed toed shoes are required for all riders, no large heeled shoes are allowed.
Be Prepared: Be prepared for the time you are scheduled to be at the barn. Bring a refillable water container, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, layers if you get cold or hot, snacks, medications whatever you and your guest may need for the times of your services.
Rider Fitness: Horse riding does require the rider to be physically able to mount, and dismount form the ground. Riders need to be able to sit up in the saddle without holding the saddle horn. Riders need good balance and posture. Rider's weight CAN NOT exceed 20% of the horse's weight, to include tack. Riders should not ride horses if they have a pre-existing medical condition that could worsen with injury. Riders need to have the stamina to ride the entirety of their booked services to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Weather: Weather conditions need to be free of lighting and thunder, high winds, and extreme heat and cold.
🐎Trail Etiquette
Stay on Designated Trails: Veering off marked paths can lead to environmental degradation and increase the risk of accidents due to unknown terrain.
Respect Others: Communicate with other riders. staff, to ensure safety at all times. Slow down when approaching others and announce your presence. Do not ride horse while on substances and or medication that can affect your behavior, mobility, mental integrity or your senses in any way.
Booking and Reservations:
Services are payable at the time of booking and are not refundable. Any service or item that is being booked within the next two weeks from the date of service is due in full at the time of booking.
24-+hr Cancellation requirement.
- Lessons due in full at the time of booking
- Horsemanship x Trail Ride Combo due in full at the time of booking
- Horsemanship x Hobby Farm Combo due in full at the time of booking
Services that require Deposit at the time of booking, deposit and registration fees are not refundable.
14 Day Cancellation requirement. If you have not cancelled your booked service with the required notice no reschedules, or barn credits will be offered. In extreme cases contact january@corpuschristihorse.com on a case by case situation.
- Horse and Stock Trailers $250 due at the time of booking for reservation hold, balance due in two weeks before the date of service.
- Horse and Livestock or any Hauling 25% at the time of booking balance due in two weeks before the date of service
- Private Parties and Events; 25% at the time of booking balance due in two weeks before the date of service
- Photography Shoots, TV or Film: 25% at the time of booking balance due in two weeks before the date of service
- Mobile Services: 25% at the time of booking balance due in two weeks before the date of service
- Camps and Clinics: 25% and/or $50-$100 (barns choice) at the time of booking balance due in two weeks before the date of service.
Lessons Policy
Our instructors are paid based on booked private and group lessons and series. If you do not show up to your lesson, your instructor will be paid for their time. Our commitment is to be here on the time and day that you scheduled for your lessons. We would like you to make that same commitment. We understand that things come up, and we will always do our best to be accommodating. However, most of our instructors work additional jobs, have families and kids, they are students, and just like most of you they are counting on these paychecks for their livelihood and their families, so please be respectful.
A 24-hour cancellation notice is required for all scheduled lesson appointments. If you do not give a 24-hour notice of cancellation, you will not receive a credit for your missed lesson, nor will you receive a make-up lesson opportunity.
Private Lessons-with a 24 hour notice we will offer you a make-up opportunity within the seven days of your canceled lesson based on availability on the barn and your personal schedule.
Group lessons- Policy
If you are in a group lesson and you need to cancel a lesson, there are three options.
A.) The first option is you take a credit for that class, and you were given that credit to be applied to your next month's series. That credit CANNOT be used for any other services, CANNOT be transferred to another rider, and CANNOT be added to the end of your monthly series. if you do not renew your series for the upcoming month, that credit is then lost.
B.) If you want to do a make-up lesson and you are in a group you will have to do a private lesson which is an additional $15 and is scheduled with your instructor based on the availability. They have over the next seven days to get that lesson booked. The $15 will be due at the time that you book that make up private lesson.
C.) Join another less of the same peer group and level if there is an opening and is approved by your instructor and the instructor teaching that group.
Barn cancellation or Reschedule.
Lessons: Private and Group lesson you will be notified by the Barn directly and your instructor all make up lessons, whenever possible, will be done within the next seven days of the canceled lesson. Group lessons have to have all riders attend. The instructor will do their best to make sure that it is the most convenient time for everyone. However, if we cannot accommodate everyone, we will accommodate the majority. We will not do private lessons as a substitute for the group. If you cannot make the rescheduled group lesson then please see above on options A., B., C.
Weather:
ALL SERVICES:
In the event of extreme weather, and you are physically unable to make it to the barn, let us know, and we will do our best to work with that information.
Extreme weather is a category of weather events that are significantly different from the average or expected weather patterns for a location, and which often pose a risk to safety and health.
- Heatwaves – Prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures. Over 103+
- Cold snaps abnormally low temperatures. Under 45
- Tornadoes / Hurricanes / Typhoons / Cyclones / Intense tropical storms
- Flooding
- Ice / Snowstorms
- Hailstorms
However, if the barn is open and does not have inclement weather and you do not come for your scheduled service and no alternative arrangements have been made with the staff and approved by January Goette the barn owner, that is a “no show” and no credit will be given, no re-schedule will be granted.
Lessons: We as a barn do unmounted curriculum, which is part of our horsemanship program in order to pass your levels so even if it is raining, strong wind, intense heat, or severe cold, please come to the barn so that we can do our unmounted get points so that you can level up in your level. Missing an unmounted curriculum can hold you back from reaching your next horsemanship level.
Lesson Payments for Progressive Re-occurring Series Lessons:
All series, Lessons group and private are due on the first of every month. Most of your invoices will be sent out on the 28th and are due on the first.
Lessons Progressive Re-occurring Series Lessons Cancelation:
If you would like to cancel your series, we do require a seven day notice that you be given on your second to last lesson or seven days before the next month. Group lessons have limited space. Please let us know ahead of time if your intention is not to renew so that we can get another rider that may be on the waiting list in that group.
🚫 Right to Refuse Service Policy
At Horse House and CCTX Animal Adventure, the safety and well-being of our guests, staff, and animals is our top priority. We reserve the right to refuse service or participation to any individual at our discretion, including but not limited to the following situations:
- Disrespectful or Abusive Behavior
We will not tolerate rude, aggressive, or threatening behavior toward staff, other guests, or animals.
- Violation of Safety Rules
Anyone who fails or refuses to follow posted rules or the instructions of our staff may be asked to leave immediately, with no refund.
- Health Concerns
Individuals who appear to be sick, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise unfit to participate in farm or equine activities may be denied service to protect the health and safety of others.
- Inappropriate Attire or Equipment
Proper footwear and clothing are required. We reserve the right to deny participation if attire or gear is unsafe or unsuitable.
- Disruptive Conduct
Any behavior that endangers the safety of others, interferes with operations, or causes unnecessary stress to animals will not be tolerated.
⚠️ No Refunds for Ejection or Denied Participation
Anyone asked to leave or denied service for the above reasons will not be entitled to a refund, barn credits, or any other form of compensation.
