Equine Law Blog

Courts in most states have shown a willingness to enforce liability waivers/releases – as long as the court was convinced that the documents were properly worded and signed. In the 47 states with Equine Activity Liability Acts (all states except for California, Maryland, and New York), can a pre-incident waiver/release, signed by the claimant, waive a claim based on the statute?

Over the years, courts in several states have explored this question. Most courts have answered “YES.”

Last year, a new law took effect in Montana that allows waivers/releases to be enforceable, except against claims of gross negligence or against defective equipment claims. The new law, Montana Code Anno. § 27-1-753, states: