PREMIER EQUINE PRODUCTIONS
MASTER EQUINE ACTIVITY PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
A Division of Premier Events and Productions, LLC
Document Version: PEP-E-MASTER-1.0
Applicable Jurisdictions: North Carolina and South Carolina
Agreement Type: Assumption of Risk, Liability Release, Safety Acknowledgment, and Participant Responsibilities
1. Purpose, Scope, and Application
This Master Equine Activity Participant Agreement ("Agreement") applies to individuals participating in equine activities organized, sponsored, produced, or managed by Premier Events and Productions, LLC, operating through its Premier Equine Productions division ("PEQ").
Covered activities may include horse shows, competitions, clinics, demonstrations, educational presentations, exhibitions, performances, mounted activities, groundwork, carriage driving, animal handling, warm-up activities, loading, unloading, and other related activities.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Released Parties" means Premier Events and Productions, LLC and the additional entities or persons expressly identified in the applicable event-specific documentation, together with their respective authorized representatives, employees, agents, and volunteers, to the extent permitted by law.
This Agreement is intended for use at PEQ events conducted in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Its applicability depends on the nature of the activity, the individual's participation, legally valid acceptance, and governing law.
2. Statutory Equine Activity Liability Warnings
NORTH CAROLINA — N.C. Gen. Stat. § 99E-3
WARNING
Under North Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting exclusively from the inherent risks of equine activities. Chapter 99E of the North Carolina General Statutes.
SOUTH CAROLINA — S.C. Code Ann. § 47-9-730
WARNING
Under South Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of equine activity, pursuant to Article 7, Chapter 9 of Title 47, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976.
The applicable state's statutory protections, exclusions, exceptions, and warning requirements govern activities conducted within that state.
These notices do not expand statutory immunity beyond the protection provided by law.
3. Acknowledgment and Assumption of Inherent Risks
Participants acknowledge that equine activities involve significant risks that may result in bodily injury, illness, permanent disability, paralysis, property damage, or death.
Such risks include:
Kicking, biting, bucking, rearing, bolting, stumbling, and trampling.
Falls from horses, carts, carriages, trailers, platforms, and other equipment.
Unpredictable animal behavior.
Collisions with animals, people, vehicles, equipment, or structures.
Tack, harness, and equipment failure.
Uneven or slippery footing and changing ground conditions.
Sudden noises, movements, weather changes, and environmental disturbances.
Actions of other participants and animals.
Risks associated with mounting, dismounting, grooming, leading, tying, loading, and unloading.
Participants voluntarily acknowledge and assume the inherent risks of their activities to the extent permitted by applicable law.
4. Release of Liability and Legal Limitations
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a participant who validly executes this Agreement releases the Released Parties from claims arising from the inherent risks of covered equine activities.
This release is intended to operate only within the boundaries established by applicable law.
Nothing in this Agreement releases liability that cannot lawfully be waived, including applicable statutory exceptions, nonwaivable duties, or claims arising from conduct for which a release is legally unenforceable.
The Agreement does not automatically bind spectators, minors, guests, or third parties who have not validly accepted its terms.
5. Acts of God, Natural Disasters, and Environmental Hazards
Participants acknowledge that events may be affected by natural occurrences and conditions beyond the reasonable control of event organizers.
Such circumstances include:
Falling trees, branches, limbs, and natural debris.
Thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe winds.
Floods, flash flooding, standing water, and heavy rainfall.
Snow, ice, hail, and freezing conditions.
Extreme heat, humidity, and cold.
Wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
Sudden animal reactions caused by environmental disturbances.
Wildlife, insects, snakes, and other naturally occurring hazards.
Power outages or infrastructure interruptions caused by natural events.
Participants acknowledge that these hazards may cause serious injury, permanent disability, or death.
Premier Events and Productions, LLC may suspend, modify, relocate, postpone, or cancel activities when reasonably necessary to address dangerous conditions.
Natural events do not automatically eliminate responsibility for legally actionable negligence, known hazards, failure to perform required inspections, or other nonwaivable duties.
6. Premises, Grounds, and Facility Hazards
Event premises may contain:
Uneven terrain, potholes, ruts, rocks, and exposed roots.
Mud, slippery surfaces, gravel, and loose footing.
Ponds, lakes, streams, ditches, and drainage areas.
Fences, gates, barriers, posts, and animal enclosures.
Stairs, ramps, bleachers, elevated platforms, and walkways.
Temporary structures, stages, tents, and canopies.
Construction, maintenance, and restricted operational areas.
Electrical cords, hoses, cables, and equipment.
Participants must follow posted warnings, restricted-area designations, and reasonable safety instructions.
This section does not eliminate any applicable duty to inspect, maintain, warn of, or address dangerous conditions.
7. Children, Infants, and Minor Participants
Children and infants may be present at event premises and may face heightened risks due to their age, size, judgment, mobility, or familiarity with animals and equipment.
Risks include:
Falls, trips, collisions, and trampling.
Kicks, bites, scratches, and other animal contact.
Entry into restricted areas or animal enclosures.
Injury from vehicles, trailers, machinery, or equipment.
Choking hazards, small objects, balloons, decorations, or food.
Burns, hot surfaces, and electrical hazards.
Drowning or injury near water.
Separation from parents or guardians.
Injuries associated with pony rides, carriage rides, demonstrations, or interactive activities.
Parents and legal guardians are responsible for providing appropriate supervision of children in their care.
Minor participants must have legally sufficient authorization for their activities.
Age restrictions, protective equipment requirements, and activity-specific safety rules may apply.
No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted as waiving a minor's legal rights where such a waiver is prohibited or unenforceable.
8. Disability, Accessibility, and Individual Safety Needs
Premier Events and Productions, LLC recognizes that individuals with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory disabilities, medical conditions, and other access needs may attend or participate in events.
PEQ will comply with applicable disability access and nondiscrimination laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act where applicable.
Reasonable modifications and accommodations will be considered when required by law.
Participants may encounter activity-specific hazards involving animals, uneven terrain, sudden noises, crowds, lighting, equipment, and changing environmental conditions.
Safety decisions must be based on actual activity requirements and individualized risks rather than assumptions about disability.
Where permitted by law, event management may establish legitimate safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of an activity.
Participants may request reasonable accommodations without being required to disclose unrelated private medical information.
No participant shall be required to waive statutory disability rights or agree to discriminatory conditions as a prerequisite for lawful access.
9. Service Animals, Dogs, and Other Domestic Animals
Events may involve dogs, service animals, livestock, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, and other domestic animals.
Risks include bites, scratches, kicks, collisions, escape, uncontrolled movement, allergic reactions, and interactions between different species.
Animal owners and handlers are responsible for appropriate supervision and control.
Pets may be restricted to designated areas or prohibited when consistent with venue policies and applicable law.
Legitimate service animals will be accommodated as required by applicable disability laws. Restrictions concerning service animals must comply with those laws and cannot be based merely on generalized concerns about animals.
Event management may respond to an animal presenting an actual safety threat or being out of control in accordance with applicable law.
10. Horse Health, Disease Prevention, and Biosecurity
Participants must comply with applicable animal health requirements, including negative Coggins documentation where required.
Animals known to be contagious, medically unfit, or subject to movement restrictions may not participate contrary to applicable law or event rules.
Event management may require veterinary documentation, isolation, removal, or other appropriate biosecurity measures.
Participants acknowledge the risks of zoonotic diseases, insects, parasites, animal waste, and environmental contamination.
11. Animal Welfare and Humane Treatment
Animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, soring, excessive punishment, and prohibited performance-altering practices are forbidden.
Animals must be treated humanely and provided appropriate care, supervision, water, and necessary rest.
Event management may remove animals or discontinue activities when reasonably necessary to protect animal welfare or human safety.
12. Riding Equipment, Protective Gear, and Personal Safety
Participants must use appropriate, properly maintained equipment and footwear.
ASTM/SEI-certified helmets are strongly recommended for mounted participants and are mandatory where required by applicable law or event rules.
Participants acknowledge the risks associated with riding without protective headgear where such riding is permitted.
Tack, harnesses, saddles, bridles, stirrups, carriages, and other equipment must be suitable for their intended use.
13. Carriage Rides, Pony Rides, and Interactive Animal Activities
Additional hazards may arise during carriage driving, pony rides, animal encounters, demonstrations, and other interactive activities.
These include:
Vehicle or carriage overturning.
Harness, wheel, hitch, or equipment failure.
Animals spooking or bolting.
Falls while entering or exiting equipment.
Crushing, pinning, or trampling injuries.
Collision with people, trees, barriers, or structures.
Operators may be required to provide appropriate licensing, insurance, inspections, staff training, and additional participant documentation.
No provision of this Agreement eliminates independent safety obligations applicable to operators or event management.
14. Vehicles, Trailers, and Motorized Equipment
Event premises may include passenger vehicles, trucks, horse trailers, campers, RVs, tractors, golf carts, ATVs, UTVs, forklifts, and emergency vehicles.
Participants must comply with designated traffic patterns, parking rules, loading procedures, and authorized operating areas.
Vehicle-related risks include collisions, pedestrian strikes, reversing accidents, equipment failure, trailer detachment, fire, and exhaust exposure.
Motor vehicle liability is governed by applicable law and is not automatically protected by equine activity statutes.
15. Food, Beverages, and Allergens
Food and beverage consumption may involve risks of choking, allergic reactions, foodborne illness, burns, and adverse reactions to ingredients.
Food vendors remain responsible for compliance with applicable sanitation, licensing, and food safety laws.
Participants with known allergies or dietary restrictions are encouraged to request appropriate ingredient information.
No provision excuses violations of applicable food safety requirements or otherwise nonwaivable duties.
16. Fire, Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural Hazards
Events may involve generators, electrical equipment, extension cords, lighting, heaters, cooking equipment, propane, temporary structures, stages, bleachers, and mechanical equipment.
Participants must comply with fire safety rules and restrictions on unauthorized equipment.
Emergency exits, fire lanes, extinguishers, and access routes must remain unobstructed.
Equipment operators and responsible parties must comply with applicable safety codes, permitting requirements, and venue rules.
17. Entertainment, Performances, and Special Effects
Event activities may include live music, amplified sound, trick riding, obstacle challenges, rodeo demonstrations, shooting demonstrations, theatrical effects, and other performances.
Participants acknowledge the potential for loud noises, unexpected animal reactions, falls, projectiles, equipment movement, and collisions.
Activities involving firearms, blanks, pyrotechnics, or other hazardous effects require advance authorization and compliance with applicable laws, safety requirements, and insurance conditions.
18. Communicable Disease and Public Health
Events involving crowds, shared equipment, food service, animals, and enclosed facilities may create exposure to communicable illness or biological hazards.
Participants agree to comply with lawful health restrictions and reasonable event-specific safety measures.
Event management may modify activities when necessary to address legally recognized public health or biosecurity concerns.
19. Medical and Veterinary Emergencies
Participants authorize event personnel to contact emergency medical or veterinary services when reasonably necessary.
Emergency medical assistance and veterinary treatment may not be immediately available.
Event organizers do not guarantee specific emergency response times or treatment outcomes.
Participants remain responsible for their own medical and animal-related expenses except where otherwise required by law.
20. Evacuation, Security, and Unexpected Emergencies
Events may be affected by fire, severe weather, animal escape, structural damage, utility interruption, criminal conduct, security threats, missing persons, or other emergencies.
Participants agree to follow reasonable emergency instructions and evacuate restricted or dangerous areas when directed.
Event management may suspend activities or restrict access when safety conditions warrant.
21. Conduct, Supervision, and Restricted Areas
Harassment, threats, violence, illegal drug use, unsafe behavior, and participation while impaired are prohibited.
Participants may not enter restricted areas without authorization.
Children, animals, and equipment under a participant's responsibility must be appropriately supervised and controlled.
Event management may remove individuals for serious rule violations or unreasonable safety risks, subject to applicable law.
22. Vendors, Clinicians, Volunteers, and Independent Operators
Vendors, clinicians, performers, instructors, contractors, and volunteers may be subject to additional agreements and participation requirements.
Individuals and businesses remain responsible for their legally assigned duties, equipment, personnel, permits, and insurance obligations.
Participation does not automatically establish an employment relationship, partnership, or joint venture.
Actual legal responsibility shall be determined by applicable law and the parties' conduct and contractual relationships.
23. Personal Property, Theft, and Damage
Participants are responsible for reasonably securing personal belongings, tack, trailers, vehicles, merchandise, and equipment.
Event management does not guarantee protection against theft, loss, vandalism, or damage.
Responsibility for specific losses shall be determined under applicable law and any enforceable contractual terms.
24. Third-Party Claims and Indemnification
To the extent permitted by law, participants agree to accept responsibility for injuries or property damage resulting from their negligent, reckless, intentional, or otherwise wrongful conduct.
Any indemnification obligation applies only to legally enforceable claims arising from such conduct and does not require indemnification for liability that cannot lawfully be transferred.
25. Photography, Video, and Media
Photography, videography, livestreaming, and other recordings may occur during events.
Participants may grant permission for event-related documentation and promotional use of their images through an applicable consent process.
Media permissions involving minors must comply with applicable law and any required parental or guardian consent.
Any commercial use outside the agreed scope may require separate permission.
26. Event Modification, Cancellation, and Force Majeure
Premier Events and Productions, LLC may postpone, relocate, modify, suspend, or cancel an event when reasonably necessary due to:
Severe weather or natural disasters.
Government restrictions or emergencies.
Facility damage or unavailability.
Public health or animal disease concerns.
Utility failure or essential service interruption.
Serious security threats.
Other extraordinary circumstances beyond reasonable control.
Refunds, credits, transfers, and other financial obligations shall be governed by applicable registration terms, contracts, and law.
27. Applicable Law and Severability
For events conducted in North Carolina, applicable North Carolina law governs relevant activities and claims, subject to mandatory legal requirements and applicable conflict-of-laws principles.
For events conducted in South Carolina, applicable South Carolina law governs relevant activities and claims, subject to mandatory legal requirements and applicable conflict-of-laws principles.
If any provision is determined unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue only to the extent permitted by applicable law.
No provision shall be interpreted to eliminate nonwaivable statutory protections or legal duties.
28. Electronic Signature and Participant Acknowledgment
By completing an affirmative acknowledgment and providing a valid electronic signature through an approved registration or signing process, the participant confirms that:
The participant has had an opportunity to read this Agreement.
The participant understands the inherent risks associated with covered activities.
The participant understands that serious injury, permanent disability, or death may occur.
The participant understands the liability provisions and their legal limitations.
The participant voluntarily agrees to the enforceable terms of this Agreement.
The participant agrees to follow applicable event rules and reasonable safety instructions.
The participant understands that additional event-specific documentation may be required.
A person signing on behalf of a minor represents that they are legally authorized to provide the applicable permissions and acknowledgments.
An electronic signature shall have only the legal effect permitted by governing law.
PREMIER EQUINE PRODUCTIONS
A Division of Premier Events and Productions, LLC
Website: www.premiereventspro.com
Email: info@premierequineproductions.com
Document Identifier: PEP-E-MASTER-1.0
Applicable Jurisdictions: North Carolina and South Carolina
Master Equine Activity Participant Agreement — Draft for Legal Review
Event-specific information may identify additional released parties, facilities, operational requirements, and registration conditions without changing this document's master version designation.