5:15-2. Definitions relative to equine animal activities

2. As used in this act:

"Equestrian area" means all of the real and personal property under the control of the operator or on the premises of the operator which are being occupied, by license, lease, fee simple or otherwise, including but not limited to designated trail areas, designated easements or rights-of-way for access to trails, and other areas utilized for equine animal activities.

"Equine animal" means a horse, pony, mule or donkey.

"Equine animal activity" means any activity that involves the use of an equine animal and shall include selling equipment and tack; transportation, including the loading and off-loading for travel to or from a horse show or trail system; inspecting, or evaluating an equine animal belonging to another person whether or not the person has received compensation; placing or replacing shoes on an equine animal; and veterinary treatment on an equine animal.

"Inherent risk or risks of an equine animal activity" means those dangers which are an integral part of equine animal activity, which shall include but need not be limited to:

a. The propensity of an equine animal to behave in ways that result in injury, harm, or death to nearby persons;

b. The unpredictability of an equine animal's reaction to such phenomena as sounds, sudden movement and unfamiliar objects, persons or other animals;

c. Certain natural hazards, such as surface or subsurface ground conditions;

d. Collisions with other equine animals or with objects; and

e. The potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to the participant or others, including but not limited to failing to maintain control over the equine animal or not acting within the participant's ability.

"Operator" means a person or entity who owns, manages, controls or directs the operation of an area where individuals engage in equine animal activities whether or not compensation is paid. "Operator" shall also include an agency of this State, political subdivisions thereof or instrumentality of said entities, or any individual or entity acting on behalf of an operator for all or part of such activities.

"Participant" means any person, whether an amateur or professional, engaging in an equine animal activity, whether or not a fee is paid to engage in the equine animal activity or, if a minor, the natural guardian, or trainer of that person standing in loco parentis, and shall include anyone accompanying the participant, or any person coming onto the property of the provider of equine animal activities or equestrian area whether or not an invitee or person pays consideration.

"Spectator" means a person who is present in an equestrian area for the purpose of observing equine animal activities whether or not an invitee.

L.1997,c.287,s.2.