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Midlands Riding Club
Safety Code & Terms & Conditions

1. DEFINITIONS

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For the purposes of these Terms:

  • “Event” means any ride, meet, training session, clinic, social ride, charity ride or other activity organised by or affiliated with MRC.

  • “Participant” or “Rider” means any person attending, riding or otherwise taking part in an Event.

  • “Field Master” means the designated individual appointed by MRC to lead and manage the field during an Event.

  • “Member” means any individual who has registered with and been accepted as a member of MRC.

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2. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

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2.1 Riding is a high-risk sport, and by participating in MRC activities you acknowledge that accidents, injuries and loss may occur.

2.2 You accept full responsibility for your own safety, your horse’s welfare, and your actions while participating in MRC activities.

2.3 All participation is strictly subject to compliance with:
(a) these Terms;
(b) the MRC Safety Code;
(c) instructions of the Field Master or designated officials;
(d) any additional rules issued for specific Events.

2.4 MRC reserves the right to refuse entry, remove a rider from an Event, or terminate membership where behaviour or conduct presents a risk, breaches these Terms, or undermines the safety or welfare of others.

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3. MEMBERSHIP

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3.1 Membership is non-transferable and applies on an individual basis.

3.2 MRC may refuse, suspend or terminate membership where a rider:
(a) breaches these Terms;
(b) engages in unsafe or inappropriate conduct;
(c) provides false information;
(d) behaves in a manner likely to bring MRC into disrepute.

3.3 Membership fees are non-refundable except where required by law.

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4. SAFETY AND CONDUCT OBLIGATIONS

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The following Safety Code forms an integral part of these Terms and is contractually binding on all participants.

4.1 General

  • Riding is high-risk and accidents may occur.

  • By joining an Event you accept the MRC Safety Code in full and assume responsibility for your own safety.

  • All rides take place with the express permission of landowners; participation does not grant any right of access or right of way.

4.2 Insurance Requirements

It is mandatory that all riders hold insurance covering:

  1. Public Liability Insurance for any damage or injury you may cause; and

  2. Personal accident or injury insurance for harm sustained during MRC activities.

MRC accepts no responsibility for uninsured participants.

4.3 Safety Rules

​The following rules apply to all Events:

4.3.1 Field Master

  • You must remain behind the Field Master, obey instructions and ride responsibly.

4.3.2 Headgear

  • PAS/ASTM/BHS-approved headgear must be worn. Non-compliant headgear is entirely at your own risk.

4.3.3 Loose Horses

  • If a horse gets loose, follow Field Master instructions. Do not chase.

4.3.4 Gates

  • Any gates opened must be closed unless directed otherwise.

4.3.5 Damage

  • Damage to fences, rails or property must be reported immediately.

4.3.6.Non-Jumping Route

  • MRC rides include optional jumping. Riders not wishing to jump must follow the designated non-jumping lead.

4.3.7 Separation

  • If separated from the field, proceed to the nearest road. Do not cross-country in search of the group.

4.3.8 Parking

  • Park considerately and do not obstruct vehicles or gateways.

4.3.9Minors

  • Minors must wear PAS/ASTM-approved gear and body protectors. A guardian must sign the Safety Code on their behalf.

4.3.10 What3Words

  • Riders are encouraged to use the W3W app for location purposes.

Failure to comply with the Safety Code may result in removal from the Event without refund.

 

5. HEALTH, FITNESS & SUITABILITY TO RIDE

5.1 Riders must be suitably experienced, physically capable, and mounted on a horse fit for the demands of the Event.

5.2 If a rider is deemed unsafe, mounted on an unsuitable horse, or presents a risk, MRC may remove them from the Event without refund.

5.3 Riders must disclose any medical conditions that may affect participation. This information will be treated confidentially.

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6. HORSE WELFARE

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6.1 Horses must be fit, sound, and suitably prepared for the Event.

6.2 Horses showing signs of illness, lameness or distress may be refused entry or withdrawn at MRC’s discretion.

6.3 Abuse, cruelty or negligent handling will result in immediate termination of participation and may lead to permanent exclusion.

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7. BOOKING TERMS, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

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7.1 Booking

  • Events must be booked in advance via the official MRC booking system.

  • Bookings are confirmed only once payment is received in full.

  • Late entries may be refused.

7.2 Rider Cancellations

Transfers to another rider may be permitted with prior approval.

7.3 Event Cancellations (MRC decision)

If MRC cancels an Event due to weather, safety, landowner instruction or unforeseen circumstances:

  • A transfer to another ride will be offered.

  • MRC is not liable for travel costs, accommodation or ancillary expenses.

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8. LIABILITY & INDEMNITY

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8.1 MRC, its officers, volunteers and landowners exclude all liability to the maximum extent permitted by UK law.

8.2 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

8.3 You agree to indemnify MRC against all claims, costs, damages or losses arising from:
(a) your actions;
(b) your horse’s behaviour;
(c) breach of these Terms;
(d) damage you cause to property, land or livestock.

8.4 Participation is entirely at your own risk.

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9. LAND ACCESS & COUNTRYSIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

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9.1 All Events are held with permission of landowners.

9.2 Riders must:

  • Respect gates, fences, crops and livestock.

  • Follow designated routes.

  • Avoid causing damage or disturbance.

9.3 MRC reserves the right to ban riders who breach landowner instructions.

9.4 Please note that all MRC rides are by permission of landowners, no ride is available for individuals or groups and does not in any way constitute a right of way for horses, people or vehicle.

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10. CHILDREN & VULNERABLE PERSONS

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10.1 Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless expressly agreed otherwise.

10.2 Parents/guardians are responsible for the behaviour, safety and insurance compliance of minors.

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11. PHOTOGRAPHY, MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

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11.1 MRC may take photographs or videos at Events for promotional purposes.

11.2 If you do not wish to be photographed, you must inform MRC before the Event.

11.3 MRC-owned media may not be copied or redistributed without permission.

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12. DATA PROTECTION

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A summary only; full policy available on the MRC website.

12.1 MRC processes personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy.
12.2 Data is used for membership, event administration, safety and compliance.
12.3 Data may be shared with insurers, officials or emergency services where required.

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13. BREACHES OF TERMS

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MRC may take any of the following actions for breach of these Terms:

  • Verbal or written warning

  • Removal from an Event (no refund)

  • Suspension from future Events

  • Termination of membership

  • Reporting to relevant authorities (if required)

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14. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

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MRC may update these Terms from time to time.
The latest version will always be available on the MRC website.

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15. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England & Wales.
The courts of England & Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

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