top of page
Mentors

Owl Hollow Farm mentors foster a safe and trusting environment for each participant, in which participants can become familiar with the care and nurture of horses and gain the experience of riding if they so choose. Participants are always encouraged to advance at their own pace. Mentors must have a working knowledge of tacking and handling horses as well as mentor-ship of children who need encouragement as a result of physical or emotional deficits in their lives, with a desire to be a willing listener, encouraging, supportive, patient and flexible.

 

Progress made throughout any season should be directed by each individual child’s wants and needs, not a set program directive. The goal is to meet the child where they are, to share knowledge of the care of horses with the initiative of investing in another living being, and to gain whatever skills each child is interested in attaining. Participants may or may not desire to ride. Some children benefit more from quiet time simply petting, brushing and bonding with their horse.​

 

Requirements                                                                                                           

  • Be willing to make a one (1) year commitment (two nine-week seasons/year)

  • Complete the application, screening and training processes including an acceptable background check

  • Devote a minimum of three (3) one-hour, one-on-one sessions each week

  • Communicate weekly with assigned participants in a manner of the Mentor’s choosing (e.g. call, text, e-mail, etc.)

  • Adhere to all program policies and procedures

  • Consistently meet all responsibilities of a Mentor

  • Attend Mentor training as requested by OHF Director

  • Submit Mentor session reports as requested by OHF Director

  • Accept peer and/or staff feedback regarding Mentor activities

  • Provide own transportation to all Mentor activities with an insured vehicle and satisfactory driving record

 

Screening

OHF staff will conduct a background check of applicants including a check of the individual's references, criminal history, evidence of past child abuse or neglect, posting on sexual offender registries, driving record and verification of auto insurance. Determination of acceptance into the Mentoring program will be based upon the results of the background check(s) and screening; an interview with the Board of Directors, and any other information deemed by the staff to be applicable.  The President is responsible for final approval of an applicant’s acceptance into the program. Upon completion of the screening and selection process, OHF will notify each applicant as to their acceptance status, and provide accepted applicants the date and time of their training session.

 

Mentor Training

All Mentors must attend a minimum of two (2) hours of initial training prior to being matched with a program participant. The training will include basic program guidelines, safety measures, mandatory reporting requirements and relationship building skills. Additional in-service training sessions will be offered to Mentors each quarter.

 

Applying to Be a Mentor

All interested parties should complete a Mentor Application. Please be advised that completion of an application is just the first step in the application process. If Owl Hollow staff wish to move forward with your candidacy for mentorship, you will be contacted at the phone number or email address provided to set up an interview. Successful completion of an interview would be followed by training and supervision. We suggest that before you become a mentor you spend either a Spring or Fall season assisting with sessions.

bottom of page