ForTheHorse Apprenticeship Program

We would like to congratulate Nina Klebach from Belgium as the successful apprentice starting in August 2010!!

Apprenticeship with ForTheHorse:
An apprenticeship enables the student to gain a complete, comprehensive education in all aspects of our horse business. We believe it is very important that today's trainers pass on the knowledge so that tomorrow's trainers can continue to keep it alive. Therefore, we offer a long-term apprenticeship program in which the student learns not only how to work around horses, ride and teach, but also how to run a holistic barn, care for horses in a holistic manner and many other facets of the business that will be vital for their future careers. Our program is geared towards riders who wish to become future professionals.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

·  Apprentices work full-time, 6 days a week with one day off per week. This, like any "agricultural" business, is not a 9-5 job. Days are long and hard. It is a lifestyle for those that do not mind working hard, long days.

·  Room and Board is provided free of charge in exchange for working on the farm in non-horse related activities for 2 hours per day in addition to daily horse activities.

·  Apprentice positions are best suited for those individuals who are interested in eventually becoming professional trainers and instructors themselves. Apprentices receive a comprehensive education on the entire training of the horse, including every facet of their care, health, and training from a holistic and natural point of view.

·  Apprentices take part in "THEORY SESSIONS" which can include lectures, round-table discussions, as well as homework researching the concepts that are taught here. Assignments are periodically given to study specific concepts, literature, etc. and reports are occasionally assigned. Apprentices are expected to be able to speak publicly (oral reports) as well as be able to develop their writing skills (written reports).

·  As apprentices develop in their own riding, they gradually get to take part in the teaching of lessons, and develop into "Assistant Instructors".

·  Apprentices are an integral part of our program and basically "run" the barn. Many opportunities available within the running of the barn, as well as opportunities to represent the farm/program in exhibitions and competitions.

·  Apprentices must work their way up through the ranks. Everyone, regardless of prior experience, starts out at the same level. Authority, responsibilities, and privileges are earned. Apprentices earn privileges and responsibilities based upon their performance, riding, etc.

·  Apprentices learn how to teach. They learn teaching strategy and how to communicate effectively.

REQUIREMENTS:

·  Horse training is a physically demanding occupation. You MUST be physically fit and able to carry out the demands of the job, which may include handling horses, cleaning shelters/pens, unloading grain bags, stacking hay, etc.

·  Previous horse/riding experience is not necessary, although it can provide an advantage.

·  Need to be able to think ahead, solve problems, and work well with others. Must be a "team player".

·  Must be reliable, trustworthy, responsible, and able to stay on task even when the going gets rough.

·  A good work ethic is essential.

·  It is advantageous to be self-motivated and have a clear idea of where they are heading in their riding/career.

·  Must have a commitment to improving oneself through physical development (general physical fitness, strengthening, flexibility development), as well as intellectual and emotional development.

·  Must have a commitment to the further development of one's education, and must take responsibility for their own learning.

·     Minimum of three (3) consecutive months stay

JOB DUTIES: may include the following:

·  Feeding and watering of horses

·  Grooming, clipping, and bathing of horses

·  Barn clean up

·  Grooming and assisting at shows

·  Assisting with training of horses

·  Exercising and turnout of horses

·  Training of horses on the farm

·  Riding in Performance Exhibitions and/or Competitions.

NON-HORSE RELATED DUTIES:  may include the following:

·         Weed pulling

·         Fencing

·         Rock picking

·         General maintenance

·         irrigation

OPPORTUNITIES:
Privileges are earned. This program is a "Meritocracy" whereby the more the Apprentice applies himself/herself, the more she gets out of the program. We reward those who are able to work together as a team for the common good of the program, as well as those that are able to think ahead and take on responsibility. Many opportunities exist within the program, including:

·  Overseeing newer apprentices

·  Grooming at Dressage and Jumping Shows

·  Training projects

·  Working together as a team to start the young horses under saddle

PROCESS OF APPLICATION

1. Send a resume, letter, and/or video (optional) of your riding to us. We require 6 references. At least three of those must be from riders/trainers or teachers/educators. We do not require applicants to have riding experience. If you do, however, the optional video/DVD would be beneficial to send with your letter and resume.

Email: Chris@ForTheHorse.com

2. Local Applicants (those within 2 hour drive from here) will be expected to come for an interview in-person. If you are not local, but willing and able to come for an interview, please indicate this on your resume/letter.
3. If you are called back, you will be invited to try out for 1-2 weeks. This "try-out" period is no guarantee that you will be accepted. It is an opportunity for us to see how you work with others, how you fit into the program, and see if you have what it takes to be a ForTheHorse apprentice.
4. If you are accepted into the program, your acceptance is on a "probationary" status. After 30 days, your performance will be reviewed and a decision will be made whether you are to remain in the program. Acceptance past the initial 30-days is no guarantee that you will have a long-term position. Where we try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and we try to help give you the skills you will need to succeed, there are some that will just not make it in this rigorous program. At any time, we can terminate your apprenticeship based upon sub-performance (in your work or your riding), inability to follow orders, inability to work well with others, dishonesty, mistreatment of the horses, etc.
5. Do not apply if you are not willing or able to devote yourself 100% to your apprenticeship.