ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

This page provides important safety and legal information for guests and visitors to Quinta Carvalhas (AFV Retreats, Lda) and its representatives (“Quinta Carvalhas”, “we”, “us”, “our”). It describes risks that may exist on the property and in areas where horses and other animals are kept, and the terms on which entry and participation may occur.

By entering the Quinta Carvalhas property and/or participating in any activities (including, without limitation, viewing, approaching, touching, feeding, grooming, leading, or handling horses), you acknowledge that you have read and understood this information and that you accept the risks described below.

1. Scope of this notice

Quinta Carvalhas is a working farm. Parts of the premises may include (among other things) machinery, equipment, vehicles, horses, and other animals.

Certain areas may be restricted or require supervision. Please follow signage and all instructions from staff at all times.

2. Inherent risks of visiting a working farm

Entering a working farm environment involves inherent risks, including risks that may not be obvious or foreseeable. These risks can include, without limitation:

• Uneven or slippery ground, mud, wet surfaces, steps, doors, gates, fences
• Ropes, tack and farm equipment
• Vehicles and machinery that may be present or operating in designated areas
• Hay, dust, insects, allergens, and animal-related illnesses
• Natural features and outdoor environmental conditions

Even with reasonable safety measures, these risks cannot be fully eliminated.

3. Horse-related risks

Horses are large, strong animals and may behave unpredictably. Even when apparently calm or well trained, a horse may suddenly bite, kick, strike, rear, bolt, push, step on, crush, or knock a person down, which can cause serious injury or other harm.

Risks may also arise from being near, touching, feeding, grooming, leading, or handling horses, and from horses reacting to people, animals, noise, movement, weather, or unexpected events.

Important note on horse behaviour:
Our horses have been trained for on-ground, non-ridden interactions. While we do not expect unpredictable behaviour, horses are intelligent animals and may act independently.

4. Safety requirements for visitors

To support a safe environment for all guests, visitors must comply with the following requirements while on the premises and especially in and around stables, paddocks, and horse areas:

• Follow all instructions given by the stable owner, staff, or a designated horse handler.
• Wear closed-toed shoes in and around the stables, horse enclosures, and horses.
• Do not touch, feed, approach, enter a stable, paddock, or field, or handle a horse without permission and appropriate supervision.
• Remain in designated visitor areas and keep a safe distance from horses unless instructed otherwise.
• Do not run, shout, make sudden movements, or deliberately frighten any animal.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol before or during any interaction with horses.
• Wear appropriate clothing for outdoor farm conditions.
• Report any accident, injury, unsafe condition, or incident to staff immediately.

Following these rules reduces risk but cannot eliminate it.

5. Assumption of risk

By entering the premises and/or participating in any activity, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You understand and accept the inherent risks associated with visiting a working farm and being around horses and other animals.
• You voluntarily choose to enter the premises and (where applicable) participate in activities offered to you.
• You are responsible for acting safely and for complying with staff instructions and safety requirements.

6. Release of liability / waiver of claims

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that Quinta Carvalhas (AFV Retreats, Lda) and its representatives are not responsible for claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or related to your visit or participation, including where such outcomes result from the inherent risks described on this page.

Nothing on this page excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation is not permitted by law.

7. Questions and contact

If you have questions about this notice, the property, or whether an activity is suitable for you, please contact a staff member before entering restricted areas or participating in any horse-related activity.

8. Contact

In case of any questions or requests, please contact us at:
AFV Retreats Lda.
Rua José Ferreira Fazenda, 2000-466 Casével, Santarém, Portugal
+351 916 700 304
geral@quintacarvalhas.com