MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

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MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 〰️

TOMORROW’S FRONT RUNNERS

Whether it's the clean lines of a Thoroughbred barn or the smooth curve of the racetrack that got your attention first, you're here because you've fallen in love with Thoroughbred horse racing. If you're looking for mentorship and a potential path to careers in the Thoroughbred industry, Amplify can connect you with mentors excited to share their experience and wisdom in racing.

The application for the Spring 2025 session will open in January 7, 2025.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program launched in 2021, formalizing the process of pairing youth and young adults interested in pursuing a Thoroughbred industry career (mentees) with experienced industry professionals who can offer guidance (mentors). We’re proud to say that it's the only mentorship program of its kind in the Thoroughbred industry, and is unique among other horse programs for youth.

Since its launch, the program has produced dozens of graduates and propelled its participants to jobs, internships, and educational pursuits within various fields of the equine industry. 

These include jobs in: 

  • Media

  • Racetrack and farm work

  • Parimutuel wagering

  • Sales

  • Ownership 

  • Veterinary medicine

Notably, the program has accepted mentees from 17 different states or territories!

GIVING A LEG UP

The program is designed to provide a first step for young people to learn more about the Thoroughbred horse industry and learn how to get more involved. Pairings are designed to encourage mentees to learn about the Thoroughbred horse industry and develop an understanding of its nuances; teach important skills needed to pursue a job or career, and facilitate meaningful conversations between experienced professionals and young people about the realities of employment in the Thoroughbred horse industry.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

  • Improve accessibility and develop an understanding of the Thoroughbred horse industry by leveraging the passion, knowledge, and experience of industry professionals.

  • Facilitate meaningful conversations between young adults and industry professionals about employment expectations.

  • Create a pathway to employment by connecting education and the workforce.

HORSE RACING WOMEN’S SUMMIT MENTORING PARTNER

Amplify Horse Racing is the official mentoring partner of the Horse Racing Women’s Summit, and has created The Amplify Horse Racing Guide to Mentorship. The guide serves as a resource to support HRWS members and followers on their own journeys as mentors, mentees, and the pursuit of personal and professional development. The guide offers an in-depth look at mentorship, from defining what it is to exploring how mentorship matches form, sharing the value in having a mentor and providing advice for a successful mentorship. Readers can also learn more about getting involved with the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program

To access the guide, click here.

TRAVEL AWARD

Amplify will offer four end-of-year travel awards to outstanding mentees who complete the program and demonstrate a strong work ethic and dedication to pursuing involvement in the Thoroughbred horse industry. Award recipients will have the opportunity to travel to Kentucky for a weekend of behind-the-scenes tours and networking experiences. Details about how to apply will be shared with mentees accepted to the program.

WHAT IS MENTORSHIP

Since we offer multiple horse programs for youth, we want to emphasize that mentorship is not the same as an internship. Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people (“mentees”) together with experienced industry professionals (“mentors”) who offer guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at developing their journey into the Thoroughbred horse industry. Mentors counsel mentees on their career goals, direction, and steps toward achievement. An internship, on the other hand, is a learning-focused hands-on work experience but is generally transactional in the sense that the employer benefits from the intern's work. An intern might receive compensation in the form of school credit or payment. 

Amplify Horse Racing’s insurance policy covers matches through the duration the program as a conversational and observation-based learning experience. Mentors who hire their mentees to intern or work for during the mentorship program automatically assume the liability of a working experience.

HOW ARE MENTORS AND MENTEES PAIRED?

Mentorship pairings are made based on perceived compatibility between a mentee’s areas of interest in the Thoroughbred horse industry and their mentor’s career field. Compatibility of schedules and geographic proximity are also taken into account. Meetings can take place virtually or in person.

PROGRAM TIMELINE

The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program is three months long – however, mentor-mentee pairs are encouraged to build a working relationship and continue meeting and communicating beyond the three months of the program if they wish to do so. 

Here’s how it works:

  • There are two separate sessions of the program, with mentorships taking place in the spring (March-May) and in the fall (August-October).

  • While mentees can apply for the program in January or June, mentors can fill out an interest form at any time of the year.

  • Mentees must apply, be interviewed, and get accepted.

  • Mentors must also apply and pass a background check.

  • Amplify provides an email introduction between mentors and mentees and schedules a face-to-face introduction over Zoom. Amplify also provides training materials and resources to guide conversations.

  • After the Zoom introduction, mentors and mentees schedule their own meetings and determine the most convenient communication and meeting methods.

  • Pairs must meet for a minimum of one hour per month for three months, and spend additional time communicating between meetings.

  • Mentors and mentees each complete a final survey.

HYBRID MENTORSHIP

We make long-distance mentorships exciting and fun. Let's meet face-to-face when possible, but we can also pair you with your mentor on Zoom, Google Meet, or even FaceTime. Whatever works best for you!

COST

 There is no fee for mentors or mentees to participate.

DISCLAIMER

Amplify Horse Racing Inc. nor any mentors involved in the program are obligated to provide transportation to or from any meetings or to cover any costs associated with the virtual or in-person meetings. All transportation and potential costs of meetings are the sole responsibility of the mentee. Additionally, for the safety of both mentors and mentees, agreements that outline safety parameters, liability release, and a transportation policy must be signed and submitted before participation in the program. Mentees under the age of 18 must have permission from a legal guardian to participate. 

"One of the best things about mentorships is that the mentors and mentees can both get a lot out of the experience. For the mentee, it is about guidance and connections that will further their careers. The mentor gets fresh perspectives on the industry and a tremendous amount of fulfillment when their mentee succeeds."

-Jordyn Egan, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, Amplify Mentor and Board Member