Disclaimer

Educational Purpose Only:

The information provided in this course is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not designed to account for the unique needs, fitness levels, or health conditions of individual horses or riders. This course does not replace professional veterinary, equine, or training advice. Participants are strongly advised to seek a qualified veterinarian or equine professional before engaging in any exercises to determine if the exercises are appropriate for their specific circumstances. The course is intended for general educational use and is not tailored to any individual horse or rider’s specific circumstances. The course provider cannot and does not guarantee the suitability or safety of any exercises for individual participants.

Assumption of Risk:

By participating in this course, you acknowledge that equestrian activities, including polework, inherently carry risks of injury to both horse and rider. These risks include, but are not limited to, physical strain on muscles and joints, potential injury from improper form or technique, and the possibility of accidents during training. You agree that you assume all risks associated with polework, whether or not such risks are known or foreseeable. Participants assume all known and unknown risks, including those not explicitly outlined in the course materials but inherent in equestrian activities. Examples of such risks include, but are not limited to, falls, improper equipment usage, muscle strains, or injury from incorrect pole setup. The course provider will not be liable for any injury, harm, or damage that arises from participation in this course, even if you follow the instructions provided.

Fitness and Suitability:

It is your sole responsibility to assess your horse’s and your own fitness and readiness for the exercises in this course. The exercises may not be suitable for horses or riders with pre-existing health conditions, injuries, or other limitations. Participants are encouraged to consult with a veterinarian, equine professional, or trainer before beginning any exercise, particularly if there is any doubt about the horse’s or rider’s physical condition. Participants are strongly advised to consult a qualified professional before attempting any advanced or physically demanding exercises. Participants are warned that certain exercises may exacerbate pre-existing conditions or injuries. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure their horse’s fitness before engaging in any activities. The course provider assumes no liability for injuries, accidents, or complications arising from a failure to assess fitness or suitability prior to engaging in the exercises.

Importance of Warm-Up and Cool-Down:

Participants must incorporate proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after each training session to reduce the risk of injury. These routines are critical to preparing the horse’s muscles and joints for physical activity and aiding in recovery. Failure to properly follow these warm-up and cool-down instructions will release the course provider from any and all liability for resulting injuries. Participants are encouraged to document their warm-up and cool-down routines to ensure they have followed proper procedures.

Risk Disclosure for Specific Exercises:

Some exercises in this course involve additional physical strain on muscles, joints, and ligaments. These include but are not limited to raised poles, serpentine patterns, and trot or canter work over poles. Participants should introduce exercises gradually and at an appropriate intensity, and should discontinue exercises if signs of discomfort, stress, or fatigue are observed. Participants are responsible for regularly monitoring their horse’s physical condition throughout the entire training process. Any signs of fatigue or discomfort should be addressed immediately, and the exercise discontinued. Failure to properly progress through the exercises or pushing a horse beyond its physical capabilities can result in injury. The course provider disclaims any responsibility for injuries resulting from failure to follow appropriate progression or ignoring signs of fatigue or discomfort. Participants should seek professional guidance before attempting advanced exercises such as raised poles or other complex maneuvers.

Safety Instructions and Training Environment:

Safety is paramount. Participants must ensure that the training environment is safe and appropriate for the exercises being performed. This includes ensuring that:

The ground is level and free of obstacles.

Poles and other equipment are in good condition and properly spaced for the horse’s stride.

All equipment and tack are in good working order and fit correctly.

The horse and rider are properly warmed up and wearing appropriate safety gear.

Failure to ensure that the training environment meets the necessary safety standards will void any claims against the course provider for injuries that occur as a result. Participants are advised to inspect all equipment and the training environment prior to each session to ensure optimal safety conditions. It is recommended that participants have a helper or professional on hand to assist with pole setup and monitoring, particularly for more advanced exercises. If at any point the horse or rider shows signs of discomfort, stress, or reluctance, the exercise should be immediately stopped. The course provider will not be liable for injuries resulting from unsafe environments, improper equipment, or failure to follow these safety precautions.

Medical and Professional Advice:

The course materials are not intended to diagnose, treat, or manage any health condition of either the horse or rider. The exercises are provided as general suggestions and may not be appropriate for all horses or riders. Participants are required to follow the advice of veterinarians, trainers, or medical professionals. If advised to discontinue exercises, participants must immediately cease participation to avoid injury. Failure to follow professional advice, including recommendations to discontinue exercises, will release the course provider from any liability. The course provider disclaims any liability for injuries, harm, or complications arising from failure to seek professional advice.

Limitation of Liability:

While the course provider strives to offer clear and helpful instruction, no guarantees are made regarding the outcome of the exercises or the results achieved. The course provider disclaims any liability for injuries, damages, or losses that occur as a result of following the exercises, including but not limited to injuries caused by improper execution of techniques, inadequate safety precautions, or lack of professional oversight. The course provider shall not be liable for injuries or damages arising from participants deviating from the course instructions or attempting exercises in unintended or unsafe environments. The course provider assumes no liability for injuries or damages arising from combining course exercises with other training methods or deviations from the described exercises. The course provider will not be responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation in the course, whether or not the participant has followed the instructions.

No Guarantees or Warranties:

This course does not provide guarantees of specific results, such as improvements in fitness, coordination, or performance. Results will vary depending on individual horses and riders, their fitness levels, and their commitment to the training regimen. Participants are advised to follow the exercises at their own pace and to adjust exercises as necessary to suit their unique circumstances. The course provider disclaims any warranties or guarantees regarding the efficacy of the exercises.

Progressing Step-by-Step:

Participants are responsible for progressing through the exercises at a gradual pace that reflects the horse’s fitness and readiness. Increasing intensity or complexity of exercises too quickly can result in injury. If at any time the participant is unsure whether an increase in intensity is appropriate, professional consultation is required before continuing the training regimen. Pushing the horse beyond its capabilities without professional oversight absolves the course provider from any liability for injuries that may occur. The course provider disclaims any liability for injuries caused by failing to properly pace or adjust the exercises to suit the horse’s condition.

Discontinuing Exercises if Discomfort Arises:

If at any point during the exercises the horse exhibits signs of discomfort, fatigue, or distress, the exercise should be immediately discontinued. Discomfort may include, but is not limited to, changes in gait, abnormal behavior, or signs of physical distress. Participants must discontinue exercises immediately upon noticing any of these signs. Continuing to push the horse through discomfort may lead to injury, and the course provider assumes no responsibility for injuries arising from participants failing to stop exercises when signs of discomfort are present. Participants are encouraged to keep records of any signs of discomfort and the actions taken in response. Failure to do so releases the course provider from any liability for resulting injuries.

Final Acknowledgment:

By participating in this course, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this disclaimer. You assume full responsibility for the risks associated with engaging in the exercises provided in this course. You agree to release the course provider from any and all liability for injuries, damages, or losses that occur as a result of participating in this course. Failure to read or understand this disclaimer does not exempt participants from its terms.