CT2V Bylaws

1) Important Notice

Country Tough Trail Versatility (“CT2V,” “we,” “us”) supports and conducts equine and trail versatility activities (“Activities”) that may occur on private and public lands across the United States.

Equine activities are inherently risky and can result in serious injury, death, dismemberment, property damage, and economic loss.

This page is a public posting of key safety rules and legal terms. Additional written forms are required for members, participants, minors, volunteers, judges, clinicians, and hosts.

2) Definitions

“Activity / Activities”: any CT2V-sponsored, sanctioned, organized, hosted, promoted, or supported competition, clinic, schooling, course use, trail ride, meeting, work day, or related gathering.
“Participant”: anyone who rides, handles, trains, assists, competes, works, volunteers, or otherwise engages in the Activity area (including show management and assisting a participant).
“Spectator/Attendee”: anyone attending who is not a Participant.
“Released Parties”: CT2V; all hosts/landowners/facilities/property managers; judges; clinicians; volunteers; officials; staff; sponsors; course designers/builders; and each of their officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, representatives, and volunteers.

3) Assumption of Risk (Applies to Everyone)

By attending or participating in any CT2V Activity, you understand and acknowledge that risks include, without limitation:

unpredictable equine behavior (bucking, bolting, biting, kicking, spooking);
collisions with equines, people, vehicles, obstacles, or terrain;
changing footing/terrain (holes, ruts, rocks, mud, uneven ground);
weather and outdoor hazards;
equipment or tack failure;
acts or omissions of others (participants, spectators, volunteers, vendors).

You are solely responsible for your own safety decisions, your physical condition, your equipment choices, and the supervision and safety of minors in your care.

4) Required Written Forms (No Form = No Participation / No Restricted Access)

CT2V requires additional written forms approved by CT2V, including:

Member Agreement (memberships/dues and legal terms);
Participant Release/Waiver/Assumption of Risk/Indemnity (all riders/handlers/participants);
Parent/Guardian Release + Minor Assent (all minors);
Volunteer Release (volunteers/officials);
Host Site Agreement (hosts/landowners/facilities);
Independent Contractor / Service Agreement (paid judges/paid clinicians, as applicable);
Spectator Terms (as practicable via signage/check-in).

CT2V may deny entry to restricted areas and deny participation to anyone who has not completed required documentation.

5) Release of Liability (Public Notice)

To the fullest extent permitted by law, all Participants and Attendees understand that CT2V and the Released Parties are not responsible for injuries, death, dismemberment, lost wages, medical bills, veterinary bills, property damage, or other losses arising out of or related to Activities, including those caused by the inherent risks of equine activities.

Note: This website posting does not replace signed releases. Signed releases are required for participation.

6) Member Covenant Not to Sue (Membership Condition)

As a condition of CT2V membership, Members agree (to the fullest extent permitted by law) that they will not sue or assert claims against any Released Party for injuries, death, dismemberment, lost wages, medical/veterinary expenses, or property damage arising from or related to CT2V Activities, except where such waiver is prohibited by law.

7) Member Indemnification (Membership Condition)

As a condition of CT2V membership, Members agree (to the fullest extent permitted by law) to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, penalties, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:

the Member’s participation or presence at an Activity;
the Member’s equine (including behavior, injury, or damage caused);
the Member’s guests, invitees, and minors under the Member’s supervision;
claims brought by or on behalf of the Member or the Member’s family/representatives.

8) Minors (Special Rules)

Minors may compete and participate only if:

a parent/legal guardian completes required releases, and
the minor completes any required assent (if used by CT2V).

Parents/guardians are responsible for the minor’s conduct and safety and for ensuring minors stay out of restricted areas unless authorized.

9) Spectators (Free Admission) — Conditions of Entry and Restricted Areas

Spectators are welcome. For everyone’s safety:

Restricted areas include (but are not limited to): arenas, warm-up areas, obstacle/course lanes, in-gate/out-gate zones, behind judge stands, trailer lanes, and any area marked “Authorized Personnel Only.”
Spectators must remain in designated spectator areas and follow posted signs and staff instructions.
Anyone entering restricted areas without authorization may be removed immediately.

10) CC&Rs / Event Rules (Required at All CT2V Activities)

CT2V’s Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (“CC&Rs”) apply to all Activities:

Safety & Conduct

No reckless riding/handling; no harassment or threats; follow all official instructions.
No participation under the influence of alcohol or impairing drugs.
CT2V may excuse any rider/equine deemed unsafe.

Equipment & Protective Gear
4. Participants are responsible for safe tack and equipment.
5. CT2V may require helmets for minors and may recommend helmets for all riders.

Equine Welfare
6. Humane handling is required. Abusive conduct is prohibited.
7. CT2V may refuse entry for illness, lameness, or contagious conditions.

Property & Damage
8. Respect host property and public lands; stay in designated areas; no littering.
9. Members/Participants are financially responsible for damage caused by themselves, their equines, or their guests/minors.

Incident Reporting
10. Injuries, loose equines, bites/kicks, property damage, and emergencies must be reported immediately to the Event Manager. CT2V may require a written incident report within 24 hours.

CT2V may update rules at any time for safety and operational reasons.

11) Dispute Resolution (Arbitration + Missouri Venue for Court Issues)

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

A. Mandatory Arbitration
Except for actions seeking temporary injunctive relief (example: enforcing membership discipline; stopping unauthorized use of CT2V name/marks; compelling arbitration), any dispute arising out of or relating to CT2V membership, governance, Activities, or these terms shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by [AAA or JAMS] with the arbitration seated in [County], Missouri.

B. Court Venue for Limited Court Matters
Any permitted court action (including motions to compel arbitration, confirm/vacate an award, or injunctive relief) must be filed exclusively in state courts located in [County], Missouri (or federal court if jurisdiction exists).

C. Individual Basis
Disputes must be brought on an individual basis only (no class/collective proceedings) to the fullest extent permitted by law.

12) Missouri Activities — Statutory Warning Notice (Required Posting)

For Activities held in Missouri, CT2V and/or Hosts will post and maintain the required warning signs and include the required warning notice in applicable written contracts. The warning notice used is:

WARNING
Under Missouri law, an equine activity sponsor, an equine professional, a livestock activity sponsor, a livestock owner, a livestock facility, a livestock auction market, or any employee thereof is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine or livestock activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine or livestock activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

13) Severability

If any portion of these terms is found unenforceable, the remainder will remain in effect, and the unenforceable portion will be modified to the minimum extent needed to be enforceable.

14) Contact

Questions about membership, forms, or event rules: [email protected] | 660-668-0880