Equestrian Mindset and Performance Coaching

1. Nature of Services
The services provided by Elsa Friis, Ph.D. (hereinafter referred to as “Coach”) consist of equestrian mindset and performance coaching. These services are conversational and educational in nature and are designed to help equestrian athletes optimize their mental approach to riding and competition, including but not limited to goal setting, focus and concentration techniques, confidence building, managing competition anxiety, visualization, and general performance enhancement strategies.
2. Important Distinctions – Coaching vs. Therapy
I understand and acknowledge the following:

The Coach holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is licensed as a psychologist in the State of North Carolina; however, the Coach is NOT practicing under that license in the provision of these coaching services.

These coaching services are NOT psychotherapy, counseling, mental health treatment, or any form of licensed psychological practice.

The Coach is acting solely in the capacity of a performance and mindset coach, not as a licensed psychologist, therapist, or mental health provider.

The coaching relationship does not create a therapist-client or psychologist-client relationship, and no such privilege, protection, or duty of care associated with a licensed therapeutic relationship applies.

These services are not covered by health insurance and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or address any mental health disorder or clinical condition.

If I am currently experiencing a mental health condition or crisis, I understand the Coach may recommend that I seek appropriate licensed professional care and may decline to continue coaching until I have done so.

3. Scope and Limitations of Coaching
Coaching involves a collaborative conversation-based process in which the Coach assists the Client in identifying and pursuing goals related to equestrian performance. I understand and agree that:

Coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by state or federal law.

The Coach will not prescribe medication or provide medical advice of any kind.

Coaching outcomes depend in part on my own motivation, effort, and willingness to apply concepts discussed in sessions.

No specific results or outcomes are guaranteed.

The Coach may use techniques such as guided visualization, goal setting, self-talk strategies, breathing exercises, and other performance-related tools. These are educational and coaching tools, not therapeutic interventions.

4. Confidentiality
The Coach will treat all information shared during coaching sessions as confidential, with the following exceptions:

If I provide written consent to release information to a third party.

If there is a reasonable belief that I or another person is in imminent danger of serious harm.

If disclosure is required by law, including but not limited to mandatory reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of a minor or vulnerable adult.

If required by valid court order or subpoena.

5. Assumption of Risk
I understand that performance coaching involves discussion of personal goals, emotions, experiences, and challenges related to equestrian sport. While coaching is intended to be supportive and constructive, I acknowledge:

Coaching conversations may occasionally bring up uncomfortable emotions or personal insights.

The Coach is not responsible for decisions I make or actions I take based on coaching discussions, whether in or out of the saddle.

Equestrian activities involve inherent physical risks. The Coach does not provide instruction in riding, horsemanship, or equine handling, and is not responsible for any physical injury sustained during equestrian activities

6. Fees and Cancellation
Fees for coaching sessions will be disclosed prior to the first session. Payment terms, cancellation policies, and any applicable package rates will be outlined in a separate fee agreement or scheduling communication. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have been informed of applicable fees.
7. Termination
Either the Client or the Coach may terminate the coaching relationship at any time, for any reason, with written or verbal notice. The Coach reserves the right to discontinue services and provide referrals if, in the Coach’s professional judgment, the Client’s needs would be better served by a licensed mental health professional, medical provider, or other specialist.
8. Waiver and Release of Liability
By signing this document, I voluntarily agree to the following:

I release and hold harmless the Coach, and any affiliated business entities, from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action arising out of or in connection with the coaching services provided.

I waive any claim related to the Coach’s licensure status as a psychologist, understanding that these services are not being provided under that license.

I understand that the Coach carries no professional liability insurance for the provision of licensed psychological services in connection with these coaching services, and I accept this.

This waiver shall be binding upon me, my heirs, personal representatives, assigns, and estate.

9. Dispute Resolution
Any dispute arising out of or related to this agreement or the coaching services provided shall first be submitted to mediation in the State of North Carolina. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. Both parties waive their right to a jury trial.
10. Governing Law
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.
11. Severability
If any provision of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
12. Entire Agreement
This document constitutes the entire agreement between the Client and the Coach with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements. Any modifications to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties.

13. Acknowledgment and Signature
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this Informed Consent, Disclosure, and Waiver. I have had the opportunity to ask questions, and I enter into this agreement voluntarily.

This Personal Training Agreement (the Agreement) is made and entered into on the date below, by and between Fitness Amendments at 3882 Llano Road, Santa Rosa, California 95407 and the Client named below (the Client).

The parties hereby agree to the following terms and conditions:

GENERAL TERMS
Client agrees to personal training services provided by Fitness Amendments. The trainer will design a tailored exercise program for the Client. A different trainer may be assigned at any time at the sole discretion of Fitness Amendments.
ATTACHMENT
Client has read and executed the Full Disclosure of Physical Conditions/Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability form, which is incorporated into this agreement.
TRAINING PACKAGES AND PAYMENTS
Training Packages include personalized exercises from your initial assessment, progressively curated to your imbalances.
The Service Provider offers five training programs with one-on-one training sessions lasting sixty (60) minutes. Client agrees to recurring monthly billing with fees automatically charged each month.

Client may cancel at any time with thirty (30) days written notice. Failure to provide notice will result in continued charges.

Any Training Session not used within 180 days shall be forfeited without refund.

Amounts may be adjusted at trainer's sole discretion without notice.

Client will be charged for canceled appointments unless notified at least 4 hours in advance. If Client is more than 15 minutes late, lost time is forfeited and Client will be charged.

WAIVER AND INDEMNITY
Client agrees to indemnify staff and trainer for any injuries, illnesses, or expenses from participation, especially if Client neglected to disclose a medical condition.
TERMINATION
Either party may terminate with thirty (30) days written notice.
EFFECT OF TERMINATION
If Client terminates, Trainer retains all payments for unused sessions. If Trainer terminates, Trainer refunds payments for unused sessions.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all previous agreements.
WARRANTIES
No warranties except those expressly contained herein.
APPLICABLE LAW
California law governs this Agreement.
SIGNATORIES
This Agreement is effective as of the date below.
Full Disclosure of Physical Conditions / Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability

Executed on the date below, this form is incorporated into the Personal Training Agreement.

Client certifies physical soundness and ability to participate except as stated below.

Client certifies awareness of need for physician's approval and that Abigail Schmid recommended yearly physical examination. Client either has physician permission or chooses to participate without it.

Client assumes all responsibility for participation.

THE CLIENT CERTIFIES FULL DISCLOSURE OF ALL PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT MIGHT AFFECT PARTICIPATION AND REPRESENTS NO HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT WOULD PREVENT PARTICIPATION.

Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk

Client enters this Agreement with full knowledge of risks and benefits. Client is of legal age, not mentally incapacitated, and acts without duress.

Client understands and assumes all risks including: physical injury, dizziness, strains, sprains, fractures, fainting, heart rhythm alterations, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, and any other injury from any cause.

Release of Liability

Client voluntarily agrees to participate in all training activities and follow all rules. In consideration of these services, Client waives, releases, and holds harmless Fitness Amendments, its successors, assigns, agents, employees, contractors, officers, directors, and officials from any and all claims, damages, and causes of action including those related to injuries, acts, omissions, or negligence.