Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability
Solid Ground Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy Center
630 Griffith Lane, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97603
Important Notice – Please Read Carefully
This is a legal document that affects your rights. By signing, you are waiving your right to sue for injuries.
1. Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks
I understand and acknowledge that horseback riding, handling horses, and interacting with farm animals are inherently dangerous activities involving significant risks of serious injury or death that cannot be eliminated regardless of care, caution, or instruction provided.
I specifically acknowledge the following risks:
Animal-Related Risks:
- Horses and farm animals are unpredictable and may react suddenly to sounds, movements, objects, or other animals
- Risk of being stepped on, bitten, kicked, dragged, run into, head-butted, jumped on, or struck by animals
- Risk of falling from or being thrown by a horse
- Risk of collision with other animals, participants, or objects
Environmental Risks:
- Weather conditions (lightning, thunder, winds, rain, snow, sleet, hail, extreme temperatures)
- Natural events (earthquakes, floods, fires)
- Terrain conditions (mud, ice, uneven ground, dust, allergens)
- Wildlife, insects, and free-roaming animals
Equipment and Facility Risks:
- Equipment or tack may fail, break, or malfunction
- Facility conditions (fences, gates, barns, arenas, trails) may present hazards
- Vehicles, machinery, and equipment on property
2. Voluntary Assumption of Risk
I freely and voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in Solid Ground EAATC programs, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen. I understand my risk increases if I fail to follow instructions and safety guidelines.
I agree to:
- Follow all instructions from Solid Ground EAATC staff, volunteers, and instructors
- Comply with all program rules, safety guidelines, and facility policies
- Immediately report unsafe conditions, injuries, or concerns to staff
- Disclose any physical, mental, or medical conditions affecting my safe participation
- Wear appropriate clothing and required safety equipment as directed
3. Confidentiality and Privacy in Group Settings
3.1 Privacy Limitations in Shared Spaces
I understand that Solid Ground EAATC provides services in group settings where I (or my minor child) may see, hear, or become aware of information about other participants, including protected health information under HIPAA.
I acknowledge that:
- Solid Ground EAATC takes reasonable precautions to protect privacy but cannot guarantee complete confidentiality in group settings
- I may be exposed to information about other participants' health conditions, treatment goals, behaviors, or personal circumstances
- Other participants may similarly observe or hear information about me (or my minor child)
- I voluntarily consent to participate with full understanding of these privacy limitations
3.2 My Confidentiality Obligations
I agree to:
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding any information I learn about other participants
- Not photograph, record, or capture images/information about other participants without written permission
- Not share or discuss information about other participants on social media or with third parties
- Respect the privacy and dignity of all participants, staff, volunteers, and families
- Immediately report privacy or confidentiality concerns to staff
I understand that violation of these confidentiality obligations may result in immediate termination of participation.
4. Release and Waiver of Liability
In consideration for being permitted to participate in Solid Ground EAATC activities, I, for myself and on behalf of my minor child (if applicable), my spouse, heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin, hereby:
FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Solid Ground EAATC and its directors, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, instructors, sponsors, facility owners, landowners, and lessors of premises (collectively, the "Releasees") from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, causes of action, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from:
- Any loss, damage, injury, disability, or death sustained by me (or my minor child)
- Any property damage
- Participation in Solid Ground EAATC programs or presence on Solid Ground EAATC premises
This Release Includes Ordinary Negligence
This release applies to liability arising from:
- The ordinary negligence of Solid Ground EAATC or the Releasees, to the fullest extent permitted by Oregon law
- Inherent risks of equine and animal activities
- Condition of facilities, equipment, tack, or animals
- Actions or inactions of staff, volunteers, or other participants
5. Indemnification
I agree to INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Releasees from all losses, claims, actions, demands, damages, judgments, costs, expenses (including attorney fees), or proceedings that may be initiated by me, my minor child, or any person on our behalf, arising from my (or my minor child's) participation in Solid Ground EAATC activities.
6. Oregon Equine Activity Liability Statute (ORS 30.687-30.697)
Under Oregon law (ORS 30.691), an equine activity sponsor is not liable for injuries or death to a participant arising from riding, training, driving, grooming, or riding as a passenger upon an equine.
This statute and release DO NOT apply to and Solid Ground EAATC may be held liable if:
- Solid Ground EAATC commits an act or omission constituting willful or wanton disregard for participant safety that caused the injury
- Solid Ground EAATC intentionally injures the participant
- Claims arise under product liability provisions (ORS 30.900-30.920)
- Claims arise under ORS 30.820 or 608.015
7. Voluntary Participation
I understand that my participation (or my minor child's participation) is entirely voluntary, and I may withdraw at any time. Solid Ground EAATC reserves the right to terminate participation if staff determine continued participation poses safety risks or disrupts operations. No refunds will be provided for voluntary withdrawal or termination.
8. General Provisions
Entire Agreement: This document constitutes the entire agreement between me and Solid Ground EAATC concerning participation.
Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in full force and effect.
Governing Law: This agreement is governed by Oregon law. Legal actions must be brought in Klamath County, Oregon.
Duration: This agreement remains in effect for all current and future participation unless a new agreement is executed.
9. Acknowledgment and Binding Signature
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS.
I acknowledge and certify that:
- I am giving up substantial legal rights including my right to sue for injuries or damages
- I am signing this agreement freely and voluntarily without coercion
- I understand the inherent risks and my confidentiality obligations
- I choose to participate despite these risks
- If signing for a minor, I am the parent/legal guardian with full authority to execute this agreement
- This agreement is binding upon me, my minor child (if applicable), my spouse, heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin