Mentorship and Job Shadow Program
Our Animal Bodywork Mentorship Program provides a supportive environment for individuals who want to deepen their knowledge, gain real-world exposure, and connect with others in the animal bodywork industry.
This program is designed for past students, emerging practitioners, and independent bodyworkers who are looking for guidance, professional development, and mentorship within a working practice.
Our Intention
The purpose of our job shadowing & mentorship program is to create a supportive platform for those who may be interested in the profession but needing some exposure, recent graduates who are just starting out and those who have their own practice who are looking to build confidence, skill, ethical practice, and professional community within the equine and canine bodywork field.
By sharing experience, discussion, and real-world exposure, we aim to help practitioners continue learning while supporting collaboration rather than competition within the industry.
Opportunities Include:
Application Process:
To ensure the mentorship experience is valuable and appropriate for each participant, interested individuals are asked to complete a brief application.
The application allows us to better understand:
• Your educational background or training in animal bodywork
• Your level of experience working with horses or dogs
• What areas you are hoping to learn more about (techniques, assessment, business, case management, etc.)
• Whether you are seeking job shadow experience, mentorship support, or skill refinement
Applications help us determine appropriate mentorship structure, group placement, and learning opportunities so each participant gains the most from the experience.
Insurance Requirements:
All mentorship participants who are currently practicing or providing hands-on work must hold valid professional liability insurance.
At minimum, participants must carry AEF (Alberta Equestrian Federation) insurance coverage or an equivalent professional liability policy that covers animal bodywork practice.
Proof of insurance may be required prior to participation in mentorship sessions involving hands-on practice.
Participants attending observation-only job shadow opportunities require AEF (Alberta Equestrian Federation) insurance and must still sign the program liability waiver.
Liability Waiver and Participation Expectations :
Participation in mentorship or job shadow opportunities involves time spent around horses, dogs, and active bodywork sessions, which naturally carry inherent risks.
All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver and informed participation agreement acknowledging the following:
• Horses and dogs are living animals whose behavior can be unpredictable
• Participants assume responsibility for their personal safety while on site
• Participants will follow all safety instructions provided by the practitioner or facility
• Participants will respect client animals, property, and privacy
• Participants will maintain professional and respectful conduct at all times
• Participants assume responsibility for their personal safety and all accidents or injury incurred while travelling to and from facilities
• Participants understand they are present for educational observation or mentorship purposes ONLY and will NOT solicit business from any individuals or businesses from these mentorship & shadowing opportunities.
Participants may also be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement regarding client information and case discussions that occur during mentorship sessions.
Programs are open to graduates of Olds College, independent equine or canine bodyworkers, and individuals exploring the profession who are looking to build confidence, skills, and community within the field.
Our goal is to support the development of competent, ethical, and confident practitioners while fostering collaboration within the animal bodywork industry.
Job Shadowing
Shadow our team during equine and canine bodywork sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to observe, ask questions, refine techniques, and discuss real client cases in a collaborative learning environment.
Definitions:
Olds College Graduates – Past students who have graduated from Olds College Equine Programming (all Olds college equine programming students receive a discount on job shadow opportunities but only Equine Massage Graduates can participate in the mentorship program).
Independent Practitioner – Individuals who are already working in the industry of equine or canine bodywork.
Emerging Practitioner - Individuals exploring the profession.
Fee Structure
Job Shadow Opportunities (observation of practitioner & questions)
· Graduates of the Equine Programs at Olds College $50/Session
· Emerging practitioners, and independent bodyworkers $100/Session
· Group 2-4 people half day & full day opportunities – request information.
Mentorship
Available as one-on-one mentorship sessions or small group mentorship days, allowing for personalized support while also benefiting from shared discussion and peer learning.
• Technique refinement including massage, myofascial release, neuromuscular techniques, and body awareness work
• Functional assessment discussion including biomechanics, posture, compensation patterns, and movement observation
• Case discussions around common performance, injury, or behavioral presentations
• Industry mentorship including client communication, professional boundaries, business development, and practitioner sustainability
• Problem-solving support for specific cases practitioners may be encountering in their own practice
• Community connection with other professionals who share a commitment to animal wellness
Consult sessions for practitioners own practice case horses or for practitioners owned horses is also available under mentorship.
Fee Structure
Mentorship Opportunities (Participates in hands on learning with targeted topic areas)
· Graduates of the Equine Massage Program at Olds College $80/Session
· Independent bodyworkers $150/Session
· Group 2-4 people half day & full day opportunities – request information
Scheduling
Once you have filled in the application form we will add you to a group message platform for upcoming dates as well as time slots that can be scheduled privately.
Please Contact Meagan Saum 1-403-807-0759 & Danielle Majercsak 1-403-878-3914 for questions or more information!
Liability Waiver and Participation Expectations
Participation in mentorship or job shadow opportunities involves time spent around horses, dogs, and active bodywork sessions, which naturally carry inherent risks.
All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver and informed participation agreement acknowledging the following:
• Horses and dogs are living animals whose behavior can be unpredictable
• Participants assume responsibility for their personal safety while on site
• Participants will follow all safety instructions provided by the practitioner or facility
• Participants will respect client animals, property, and privacy
• Participants will maintain professional and respectful conduct at all times
• Participants assume responsibility for their personal safety and all accidents or injury incurred while travelling to and from facilities
• Participants understand they are present for educational observation or mentorship purposes ONLY and will NOT solicit business from any individuals or businesses from these mentorship & shadowing opportunities.
Participants may also be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement regarding client information and case discussions that occur during mentorship sessions.