Volunteer Application

1. Positive Strides, Inc. shall preserve the right of confidentiality for all individuals in its program, participants, instructors and volunteers.
2. The staff, instructors, board, volunteers and any others working with the program shall keep confidential all medical, financial, social, referral and personal information regarding a person and his/her family. Information will not be disclosed to anyone without proper authorization.
3. A rider may not be competent to give consent for disclosure of medical or sensitive information because of age (under 18 years) or mental incapacity. If this is the case only the parent(s) or legal representative or others defined by the State of Maryland have this authority.
4. Adult riders are presumed legally competent to give or deny consent unless they have been adjudicated incompetent to make this type of health care decisions. If a substitute decision maker has been appointed, specific written consent from that individual is required.
5. Access to or disclosure of sensitive information should not be given to anyone without the rider's written consent on the basis of perception. (i.e. at the request of a healthcare facility.)
6. Disclosure of information to outside agencies is only done with written consent of the rider.
7. Breach of this confidentiality policy may result in loss of position or removal from the volunteer program.

Waiver of Liability: For the privilege of riding, handling, working, and/or being around equines today and on all future dates, I, on behalf of myself, my family members, my heirs, personal representatives, or assigns, do hereby agree to release, waive and discharge Positive Strides, Inc., its respective directors, managers, employees, volunteers, and agents (hereinafter collectively referred to as "PSI") as well as Kimberly Hopkins, property owner of 6292 Statum Road, Preston, Maryland, from any liability or responsibility for accident, damage, injury or illness to myself or any horse used by me which may be owned or leased by PSI, or to any family member or spectator accompanying me while on the premises of Hopkins resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities or from the ordinary negligence (active or passive) of PSI or Kimberly Hopkins.

AND that except in the event of PSI and Kimberly Hopkins' wanton and willful and/or reckless conduct and/or gross negligence, I agree not to bring any claims, demands, actions and causes of action, and/or litigation, against PSI and Kimberly Hopkins for any economic and/or non-economic losses due to bodily injury, death and/or property damage sustained by me.

Assumption of Inherent Risks: I understand and assume the inherent risks involved in equine activities, including those used for therapeutic purposes, which risks include, but are not limited to, bodily injury, physical harm and even death to horses, riders, and spectators. "Inherent risks of equine activities" include:

• The propensity of any equine to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death
• The unpredictability of an equine's reaction to sounds, sudden movements and unfamiliar objects, persons or other animals
• Certain hazards such as surface or subsurface objects
• Collisions with other equines, animals, people and objects
• Limited availability of emergency medical care
• The potential of a participant or spectator to act in a negligent manner

Participant Agreement / Indemnification: I also agree to hold harmless, defend and indemnify PSI and Kimberly Hopkins (including costs associated with defending a suit, judgment, court costs, investigation costs, and reasonable attorney fees) from any and all claims arising from my injury or loss due to my participation as a rider, handler or spectator.

Covenant not to Sue; Mediation; Venue; and Severability: I covenant not to sue PSI or Kimberly Hopkins for any present or future claim arising directly or indirectly from my participation. Any action shall be brought within one (1) year. Prior to litigation, such dispute shall first be mediated. Mediation and litigation shall be conducted in Caroline County, Maryland.

Acknowledgement of Understanding: I understand this is a legal document and that I am signing this agreement freely and voluntarily. I understand I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue PSI and Kimberly Hopkins for injury or death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities or the active or passive ordinary negligence of PSI and Kimberly Hopkins.

I UNDERSTAND that I am voluntarily participating / or allowing my minor child to participate in a sport that is considered dangerous and can result in serious injury. I realize that when riding or driving, a predator (man) attempts to dominate and control an animal of prey (horse/pony) that is normally ten times larger, stronger and faster.

I UNDERSTAND that the nature of stable horses is unpredictable. The horse/pony can shy, rear, buck, and attempt to throw a rider or driver without warning. I realize that no horse/pony is considered completely safe. The horse/pony can cause injury or accident at any time.

I UNDERSTAND that I will adhere strictly to guidelines set forth by Ashley Hopkins and Kimberly Hopkins and while participating in riding or driving lessons, working around farm animals and visiting the premises, but by adhering to those guidelines does not ensure my safety or the safety of those with me.

I UNDERSTAND that Ashley Hopkins and Kimberly Hopkins nor anyone associated with the riding facility is NOT liable for any accident or injury to me, my minor child or any siblings or guests that may accompany me to the premises. I understand that I enter into this agreement and participate at MY OWN RISK. I further agree that I will not attempt to sue, for monetary gain, Ashley Hopkins, Kimberly Hopkins nor anyone associated with Ashley Hopkins or Kimberly Hopkins.