Eventing Venues Are Moving to Digital Waivers
At most schooling events, the alligators appear early in the day. Not real ones, of course—but if you ask the first few young horses approaching the water complex, they’re convinced something with snapping jaws is hiding just beneath the surface.
By the end of the day, though, the picture usually changes. Horses that hesitated earlier step quietly into the water, riders circle back for another try, and confidence begins to replace suspicion.
That progression is the quiet purpose of schooling days. This is where riders jump their first log on course, where young horses learn to trust the water, and where—somewhere across the field—you hear the proud relief of a rider saying, “Good boy!”
In short, this is where learning happens for both horse and rider.
Increasingly, venues are supporting that learning environment with a simple operational upgrade: digital waivers. While they may seem administrative, digital waivers help reinforce the safety awareness, preparation, and professionalism that underpin eventing education.
1. Waivers Reinforce Eventing’s Learning Culture
Eventing has always emphasized education and personal responsibility. As horses and riders progress through the levels, understanding safety expectations is part of the sport.
Digital waivers help reinforce that mindset before riders even arrive. Participants review safety language and acknowledge venue policies ahead of time, making preparation part of the riding experience rather than an afterthought.
Most systems also collect emergency contact information automatically, ensuring organizers have key details available if they are ever needed.
Pro Tip: Most states require state specific equine activity liability language in waivers. It’s worth confirming that yours includes it. Learn More here and here.
2. Digital Systems Reflect a Modern Sport
For years, riders have been handed wrinkled paper releases before a lesson or clinic—often pulled from a stack that has clearly survived a few tack-room cleanouts.
Those forms may still technically work, but many venues are replacing them with systems that match how riders operate today: quickly and digitally from their phones.
From clinics to recognized competitions, links to digital waivers are becoming the norm. If you’ve schooled XC at Morven Park International Equestrian Center, attended a horse trials at Bucks County Horse Park, or participated in an event at Hitching Post Farm, you probably signed a digital waiver.
The shift quietly reinforces an important public message beyond the barn: eventing is a professional, modern sport that continues to evolve.
Pro Tip: Platforms from USEA Educational Partners, such as STRIDER, allow organizers to convert traditional paper waivers into simple digital forms that riders can sign before arriving. Learn More
3. Use QR Codes To Solve Everyday Problems
Digital waivers also simplify everyday situations around busy eventing training facilities.
An extra rider + horse may trailer into school cross-country or bring an unexpected friend to try a sale horse. Traditionally, that arrival means someone teaching in the ring has to stop what they’re doing to track down paperwork and collect a signature—interrupting the very learning the facility is there to support.
At Windchase Eventing, owner Phyllis Dawson- a ECP V Instriutor and USEF Team Selector has seen how digital waivers remove that educational disruption.
“We encourage riders from the community to come XC school at Windchase. If I’m teaching and notice more riders tacking up than expected, it’s no longer a problem. I can simply glance at my phone and confirm everyone has signed the waiver online. There’s no need to stop the lesson.”
To make the process even easier, many venues now post a QR code near the mounting block that links directly to their waiver. Riders simply scan and sign on their phone before they mount.. Learn More
A Small Change with a Big Public Relations Message
Digital waivers may be a small change, but they help reinforce to the wider public a larger positive message about eventing: a culture built on preparation, horsemanship, and the continued learning of both horse and rider.
And while the occasional imaginary alligator may still lurk in the water complex, it’s only good news that the systems behind the sport are becoming increasingly streamlined, professional, and ready to support the next generation of eventers.
STRIDER is the leading entry platform across disciplines for the equestrian industry.
From enabling riders to discover their stride to helping equestrians across the industry grow and run their businesses, STRIDER fosters connections to top-tier experiences. Please visit www.striderpro.com to learn more about the suite of software products and services available.
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