On October 24, 2026, Mentees had the opportunity to visit the D-Bar Scout Ranch in Metamora, MI. The 1800 acres of breathtaking wilderness has 3 spring fed lakes, horseback riding, longhorn cattle, rock climbing, archery, fishing and more importantly teaches kids lessons about character.

Most mentees never had the opportunity to see horses in person and were excited to have the opportunity to groom, feed and ride the majestic animals, until they saw the awesome size and power of the horses.

Jay, a 12-year-old adolescent mentee shared that he was extremely afraid of trying to ride the horse. His peer Brian told him that there was nothing to it. When Brian and Jay got near the horse, both were visibly nervous.

Brian’s mentor explained to him that horses can sense anxiety and gave him some strategies to regulate his breathing and anxiety. Brian did the breathing exercises and agreed to give it a try. After a few laps around the field, Brian was a natural, smiling, laughing and giving the thumbs up.

Jay however was not convinced, and you could literally see his heart beating through his shirt. His mentor told him, “it’s ok to be afraid, everyone experiences fear; courage is not the absence of fear, it’s doing what’s necessary in the face of fear.” Jay was not moved. His mentor went on to talk to him about 2 of the Core Assets, Perseverance/Grit and a Growth Mindset. His mentor told him, “As long as you’re safe, you should always try to push pass fear.”

Brian got back on the horse and had another round. Jay reluctantly agreed to get on the horse, with the promise that if didn’t like it he could immediately get off.

Brian through conquering his fear, modeled for Jay and inspired him to persevere and have a growth mindset! Jay was ecstatic about riding the horse and overcoming his fear. Peer to Peer teaching, learning and growing was on full display at the D-Bar Ranch.