Horse riding safety policy

Purpose

Saddle Up is committed to providing enjoyable and memorable horse riding experiences while maintaining the highest reasonably practicable standards of rider, staff and horse safety.

Horse riding is a physical recreational activity involving large, powerful and unpredictable animals. Even experienced riders may be exposed to risks including falls, kicks, bites, being thrown, sudden movements, collisions, equipment failure, terrain, weather and other unforeseen incidents.

Age requirements

The minimum age for a standard Saddle Up riding experience is 15 years old.

Riders between 10 and 14 may participate only where Saddle Up has determined that the rider has sufficient prior experience and is suitable for the particular horse and activity. Children under 10 may not participate.

Any rider under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must provide accurate information, disclose relevant conditions, acknowledge the risks, accept the terms, and ensure the minor follows all safety instructions.

Weight limit

For standard riding experiences the maximum rider weight used at booking is 100 kg, as set out in the Terms & Conditions. A lower limit may apply to a particular horse, activity or terrain.

Riders must provide accurate weight information. Saddle Up may refuse participation if a rider exceeds the applicable limit. No exception may be made by a rider, photographer, booking agent or other third party.

Rider experience and clothing

Riders must accurately disclose their riding experience. Saddle Up may assess ability and may assign a different horse, modify the route, require extra supervision, restrict activities, require a rider to dismount, or refuse participation where reasonably necessary for safety.

Riders must wear long trousers, closed-toe sturdy footwear suitable for riding, and any additional protective equipment required. Open-toe shoes, sandals, flip-flops, high heels, slippers and bare feet are prohibited. No refund is necessarily due where a rider cannot participate because they arrived unsuitably dressed, subject to the cancellation policy and applicable law.

Helmets, briefing and instructions

A properly fitted riding helmet is provided and is compulsory. A rider who refuses to wear a helmet will not be permitted to ride.

Every rider must attend the safety briefing and follow all reasonable staff instructions. Failure to do so may result in refusal or immediate termination of the experience.

Horse behaviour and prohibited conduct

Horses are living animals. They may startle, spook, buck, rear, kick, bite, bolt, stop suddenly or change direction. These risks are inherent and cannot be completely eliminated.

• No participation while under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, or impairing medication
• No aggressive, reckless or unauthorised riding
• No racing unless specifically authorised
• No leaving the designated route without permission
• No intentional provocation or mistreatment of a horse

Health, weather and emergencies

Riders must disclose any condition that could reasonably affect safe participation, including recent injury, mobility or balance issues, severe allergies, pregnancy or recent surgery. Saddle Up may require medical clearance or decline participation.

Saddle Up may postpone, modify or cancel a ride for lightning, storms, wind, heat, flooding, unsafe ground, poor visibility or other hazards.

In an emergency Saddle Up may stop the ride, provide first-response assistance within its capabilities, contact emergency services and the nominated emergency contact, and seek medical assistance where the rider cannot do so.

Acknowledgement

The applicable liability waiver and terms must be accepted before participation. Nothing in this policy excludes or limits any liability or consumer right that cannot lawfully be excluded under South African law.