First-Time Lesson Evaluation & Limited Liability Policy

Whistlejacket Farm welcomes every rider into a professional, safe, and disciplined learning environment. Participation in any Whistlejacket Academy program requires completion of a First-Time Lesson Evaluation and agreement to the terms outlined below.

Purpose of the First-Time Lesson Evaluation

Before joining the Academy, all new riders must complete a First-Time Lesson Evaluation to ensure proper placement and safety.

The evaluation includes:

• A guided tour of Whistlejacket Farm
• Orientation to barn rules and safety procedures
• Assessment of rider ability, experience, and comfort level
• Instruction in basic grooming and leading
• A supervised 30-minute private ride
• Development of an individualized lesson plan

The evaluation also helps determine whether Whistlejacket Farm is the right fit for each family and rider.

Required Attire and Equipment

All riders must wear:

• Long pants or leggings
• Boots with a heel
• A riding helmet

Riders arriving without proper attire may not mount a horse and will be charged for the session.

Texas Equine Liability Warning (Required by Law)

WARNING

Under Texas Law (Chapter 87, Civil Practice and Remedies Code), an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.

This warning is posted on site and applies to all riders, parents, and visitors.

Inherent Risks of Equine Activities

Riding and handling horses involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Horses kicking, biting, bucking, rearing, or spooking
• Sudden movements or environmental triggers that startle horses
• Falls from mounting or riding
• Equipment failure or tack malfunction
• Injury from terrain, footing, or weather conditions

Horses are large, powerful, and unpredictable prey animals with strong fight-or-flight instincts. Every Whistlejacket Academy program integrates safety instruction to reduce these risks, but they cannot be eliminated entirely.

Rider Conduct and Expectations

Whistlejacket Academy is a discipline-based program that fosters respect, growth, and responsibility.

All riders are expected to:

• Follow all instructor and staff directions immediately
• Treat every horse with care and kindness
• Display respect toward instructors, assistants, and fellow riders
• Arrive on time and be prepared for lessons
• Maintain a positive and cooperative attitude

Zero-Tolerance Policy

• Riders who argue with, show attitude toward, or disrespect instructors or assistants will be dismissed from lessons immediately.
• Riders who mistreat or intentionally frighten a horse will be permanently removed from the program.
• Dismissals under this policy are final, and lesson or membership fees will not be refunded.

Riders attend Whistlejacket Academy to learn, grow, and improve. Cooperation and humility are essential parts of horsemanship and personal development.

Parental Requirements for Minors

• A parent or legal guardian must remain on site during the rider’s first lesson evaluation
• Parents may observe quietly from designated areas
• Whistlejacket Farm is not responsible for any minor outside of their scheduled one-hour lesson time block
• Parents must supervise non-riding siblings at all times

Failure to follow supervision requirements may result in dismissal from the program.

Medical Disclosure and Questionnaire

While Whistlejacket Farm does not require medical disclosures, riders are encouraged to share information that could affect safety or emergency response, such as allergies, asthma, seizure disorders, or physical limitations.

All new riders must complete the Rider Information & Safety Questionnaire attached to this policy prior to the first evaluation.

This questionnaire must be fully completed before scheduling the trial ride.

Whistlejacket Farm reserves the right to decline or postpone the evaluation if the form is incomplete or missing signatures.

Photo and Video Consent

By signing this policy, participants and/or their guardians grant permission for Whistlejacket Farm and Whistlejacket Academy to photograph or video the rider during lessons, events, or activities.

Images may be used for promotional, educational, or social media purposes.

Families who wish to opt out must notify Whistlejacket Farm in writing before the first lesson. Otherwise, consent is considered granted and ongoing.

Supervision and Facility Rules

• Riders may not handle or tack horses without instructor approval
• Riders may not enter arenas, stalls, or pastures without instructor approval
• Riding is allowed only under supervision of a certified instructor or assistant
• The barn, arena, and tack areas are off-limits outside of scheduled lesson times for non-members
• Whistlejacket Farm is not liable for unsupervised riders or visitors

Limited Liability Release

By participating in any activity at Whistlejacket Farm, the rider (and parent/guardian, if applicable) releases and holds harmless Whistlejacket Farm, Whistlejacket Academy, instructors, employees, agents, and volunteers from all claims, liabilities, injuries, or damages arising from or connected with participation in equine activities or presence on the premises. This includes all lessons, evaluations, horse handling, events, camps, and shows.

This release does not apply to acts of gross negligence or willful misconduct, as defined by Texas law.

Instructor and Facility Rights

• Modify or reschedule lessons when necessary for horse welfare or staff availability
• Reassign horses based on rider suitability, health, or safety
• Remove any rider whose behavior is unsafe or inconsistent with Academy standards
• Deny or turn away potential clients if the staff determines the individual or family is not a suitable fit for the program

Decisions are final and made to protect the welfare of the horses, staff, and current riders.

Acknowledgment

By signing below and submitting the accompanying questionnaire, the rider and/or parent or guardian acknowledges:

• They have read, understood, and agree to the policies stated above
• They accept the inherent risks of equine activities under Texas law
• They consent to photo and video use unless they have opted out in writing
• They agree that failure to comply with behavioral expectations or safety rules may result in termination without refund