HORSE SPORTS Rules

Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd and the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society (“the Suppliers”) advise that participation in horse sports at an agricultural show or horse competition contains elements of risk, both obvious and inherent. Horse sports are dangerous recreational activities and horses can act in a sudden and  unpredictable way, especially when frightened or hurt.

1. By signing this waiver I acknowledged that:
   1.1 Participation in horse sports is a hazardous activity & may result in injury, loss, damage or death to me;
   1.2 Participation in horse sports requires certain skills. I declare that I have sufficient skills to be able to safely and properly participate in the events;
   1.3 Horses can act in a sudden and unpredictable way, especially if frightened or hurt, or if exposed to loud or unfamiliar noises;
   1.4 If held at an agricultural show, the horse sports will be held in close proximity to rides and large groups of people, and that there may be loud and unfamiliar noises which can frighten horses;
   1.5 As the event is held outdoors, there are risks to me & to my horse as a result of the weather conditions, including either extreme hot or cold weather, rain or wind;
   1.6 Insects or other animals may cause my horse or other horses to become frightened and act in an unpredictable way;
   1.7 There is inherent in horse riding events the risk of suffering injury including falling from my horse;
   1.8 I am responsible for ensuring that I have and will wear equipment suitable for safely and properly participating in the event; and
   1.9 I use the facilities of the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society entirely at my own risk, as I find them and with the prior acceptance of the risk of possible danger to me.
2. If I suffer harm while participating in a horse event, I will not hold the Suppliers, their employees or agents legally responsible for any injuries I suffer. I will not sue the Suppliers, their employees or agents for any claims, costs, damages or liability. I agree to release the Suppliers and their employees from legal  responsibility for the services I have been provided.
3. I acknowledge and agree that my participation in the horse sports and associated activities are a danger and may have inherent risks as a result of which personal injury (and sometimes death) may occur and I accept and assume all such risks of personal injury or death in anyway whatsoever arising from these activities and hereby waive my individual right to sue the Suppliers for all claims I or my representatives may have for such personal injury or death against the Suppliers in any way whatsoever arising from or in connection with these activities.
4. I will not consume any alcohol or illicit drugs while participating in the horse sports and agree that such use may result in me being excluded from an event with no entitlement to any refund of money paid for entry to the Suppliers.
5. I agree to be bound by the rules & guidelines of Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd as varied from time to time. Where the participant is over 18 years of age: I agree that I have read and understood this waiver prior to signing it and agree that this waiver will be binding on my heirs, next of kin, executors and  administrators. I agree that this waiver shall be governed in all respects by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Victoria