On-Farm Animal Encounter Waiver & Release of Liability

Holy Hooves Homestead provides opportunities for guests to participate in guided and supervised farm animal encounters for recreational and educational agritourism experiences. While we strive to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment, all farm visits involve inherent risks associated with animals, outdoor environments, and agricultural property.

By entering the property and participating in any activity, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms.

1. Animal Behavior

Guests may participate in guided and supervised animal encounters, which may include observing animals, brushing them, or offering approved treats when directed by staff.

All animals, even those that are friendly and well cared for, may behave unpredictably. Animals may nip, butt, jump, kick, scratch, or accidentally step on guests.

Guests agree that all interaction with animals occurs at their own risk.

Guests must follow all instructions provided by farm staff during animal encounters. Guests may not chase, grab, climb on, or otherwise disturb animals. Holy Hooves Homestead reserves the right to end any interaction if staff determines it is unsafe for guests or animals.

No outside food or treats may be given to animals unless explicitly approved by Holy Hooves Homestead staff.

2. Farm Property & Trip/Slip Hazards

Guests acknowledge that farms naturally contain uneven and unpredictable terrain and other typical agricultural conditions.

These hazards may include, but are not limited to:

• Uneven ground, rocks, roots, holes, mud, hay, and loose gravel

• Wet or slippery surfaces

• Farm fencing, gates, buckets, feed containers, tools, and equipment

• Low beams, barn edges, uneven steps, and natural pasture areas

• Animal droppings and natural farm debris

By entering the property, guests voluntarily assume all risks associated with slips, trips, falls, and other injuries that may occur in a farm environment.

3. Guest Conduct & Supervision

All animal encounters and farm activities are guided and supervised by farm staff.

Guests agree to follow all instructions provided by staff for their safety and the safety of the animals.

Failure to follow safety instructions may result in immediate removal from the property without refund.

Children must be supervised at all times by a parent or responsible adult.

4. Private Property Rules

Holy Hooves Homestead operates on private property that includes both a working farm and a private residence.

Guests must remain within designated visitor areas, including the barn and approved animal interaction areas.

Guests may not enter sheds, coops, pastures, fenced areas, or gated sections of the property unless directed by staff.

5. Equipment & Machinery

Guests may not touch, climb on, sit on, or operate any machinery, tractors, mowers, gates, tools, or equipment located on the property.

Any damage caused by misuse of farm equipment or property may result in financial responsibility for repair or replacement.

6. Biosecurity, Allergies & Hygiene

Farm environments naturally include dust, hay, insects, dander, germs, and animal odors.

Animals, even healthy ones, may carry bacteria or allergens.

Guests acknowledge these natural conditions and assume responsibility for any allergic reactions or illness related to exposure.

Guests are strongly encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands after interacting with animals with the hand-wash station on-site.

7. Weather & Outdoor Conditions

Farm experiences take place outdoors and are subject to natural weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, and mud.

Animal areas may contain natural farm conditions such as dirt, hay, and manure.

Guests are encouraged to wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear.

There are no cancellations, refunds, or rescheduling due to normal weather conditions, including light rain, mud, heat, or cold.

8. Payment & Reservation Policy

Payment confirms your reservation time and acknowledges that you agree to the terms of this waiver.

All visits are non-refundable once booked, except in the rare event that Holy Hooves Homestead must cancel due to safety concerns or animal welfare considerations.

9. Parent or Guardian Responsibility

A parent or legal guardian must accompany all minors at all times.

By entering the property, the parent or guardian assumes full responsibility for the supervision and safety of any minor children in their care and agrees to the terms of this waiver on their behalf.

10. Liability Release

By participating in activities at Holy Hooves Homestead, you voluntarily agree that:

Holy Hooves Homestead, its owners, representatives, volunteers, and affiliates shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, allergic reaction, accident, property damage, or loss that may occur during your visit.

You assume full responsibility for yourself, your children, your guests, and your personal belongings while on the property.

You release Holy Hooves Homestead from all claims or causes of action, including those arising from negligence, to the fullest extent permitted under Virginia law.

11. Safety Awareness

Guests agree to remain alert and cautious while on the property.

Please observe the following safety reminders:

• Watch your step and be mindful of muddy or uneven ground

• Be aware of cords, tools, or farm equipment that may be present

• Some fencing on the property may be electrified. Do not touch fences

• Use care when walking near animals, gates, and pens

• Move slowly and follow staff instructions at all times

By entering the property, you acknowledge these normal farm conditions and accept responsibility for your personal awareness and safety.

12. Virginia Agritourism Liability Notice

WARNING

Under Virginia law, there is no liability for an injury or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity.

Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, but are not limited to:

• Risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals

• The potential for participants to act in a negligent manner that contributes to injury

• Risks associated with natural outdoor agricultural environments

By participating in agritourism activities at Holy Hooves Homestead, you acknowledge and accept these inherent risks.

Barnyard Besties Hangout (1 Hour)

HOLY HOOVES HOMESTEAD

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