Health and Safety

Golden Hills Horse Treks – Waiver of Liability

• Horse riding is a physical activity and requires a minimum level of fitness.
• We have a weight limit of 100kg for the sake of our horses and the security of our customers. ​(Exceptions subject to individual assessment). We reserve the right to weigh any customer and withdraw any person that is above our weight limit from the activity with no refund offered.
• We have an age limit of 5 years to participate in our treks. Young children may need to be on a lead if deemed necessary by your guide. Children are to be supervised at all times and need to remain out of the yard- tie up areas unless accompanied by an adult. 
• We DO NOT allow babies or small children to ride on the same horse as an adult. This is a dangerous and preventable risk.
• All participants of this activity must wear closed shoes and a safety helmet. All premises are smoke free areas.
• Note that we ride at the speed of the slowest rider on the ride.

Understanding the Risks

• I accept that this activity inherently involves risks and potential hazards. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to falling off your horse, being trampled, kicked or bitten by a horse, colliding with any object, vehicle, horse or rider and equipment failure.
• I am aware that participating in the horseback adventures offered by Golden Hills Horse Treks can be hazardous if they are not conducted with care, control and responsibility. I acknowledge that these risks could result in my injury (physical or mental) or even death.

MEDICATION/HEALTH CONDITIONS

• I have informed the staff of Golden Hills Horse Treks (or will, prior to undertaking the activity) of any medical conditions, previous injuries and any medication I am currently taking which may affect my ability to undertake the activity.
• I confirm I am physically fit and able to participate in this activity and I have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person.
• I consent to receive any medical treatment that may be deemed necessary by Golden Hills Horse Treks in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking the activities.
• I understand it is my responsibility to disclose any conditions (health or otherwise) that may affect the safety and enjoyment of myself and those around me.

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITY

• I agree to ride with care, and obey the rules set out by Golden Hills Horse Treks and instructions given by the guide at all times
• I accept that if I do not adhere to the instructions and rules, or if I act dangerously, recklessly or in a way that might endanger myself or others, Golden Hills Horse Treks may remove me from the activity. If this occurs, I acknowledge I will not receive a refund.
• Adults accompanying any person under the age of 16 must ensure that the underage person follows your guide’s instructions at all times.
• I understand that Golden Hills Horse Treks or any of their staff will not be held responsible for any injury, damage or loss I or underaged person accompanying me cause to myself/my property, or another person/their property, resulting from my action (or lack of action).
• I accept that Golden Hills Horse Treks reserves the right to cancel this activity if it becomes concerned for my safety, or the safety of another person.
• I agree to wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment (as required by the guide) at all times when participating.
• I confirm I am not under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs (be they legal or illegal) which may in any way impair my ability to undertake the activity.
• I agree to immediately report to the instructor any injury to myself or the horse provided to me and to advise the guide of any loss or damage to any horse tack, equipment, saddle, bridle and/or any other equipment either owned by me or provided for my use

LIABILITY

• I agree that the owner(s) of the land on which the activity is conducted will not be held responsible for any death, injury, misadventure, damage to or loss of property caused in whole or part by these activities.
• I accept that Golden Hills Horse Treks reserve the right to withdraw any person who in our opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. If our guides judge that someone’s behavior may endanger themselves or others while on the trek, this person may be asked to dismount at any stage, with no refund offered. ​We also reserve the right to cancel the trek if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any other person.
• We strongly recommend that all visitors to New Zealand have full insurance covering any injury that they might suffer, including medical treatment cover, before undertaking this activity.

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR EQUIPMENT  

• In the event that I damage any of the clothing or equipment, or other property owned by Golden Hills Horse Treks or a landowner, I agree to pay to Golden Hills Horse Treks (or the landowner) all costs associated with repairing the damage.

MARKETING  

I give Golden Hills Horse Treks permission to send me emails and/or post relating to Golden Hills Horse Treks events and promotions, as well as the right to use all photos and videos of me taken during the activity for promotional and social media purposes (if you do not want to give consent to this, please let your tour guide know).