Apprenticeship with ForTheHorse:

The ForTheHorse apprenticeship enables the student to gain a complete, comprehensive education in all aspects of our horse and rider education system. 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.

The students have the opportunity to actually train horses under our daily supervision.  If a student stays here long enough (2 to 3 years) they will know how to actually train without supervision.   The study is practical with a theoretical knowledge base and is based on at least 3 lessons per week (private or semi-private) with exposure to numerous horses.  Students learn by practical problem solving with the many different breeds, types and education level of horses at ForTheHorse.

This course of study is the best way to become a horse trainer/educator. Our method of education, whereby a student is integrated into our training system, where they watch each other and their teachers perform effective training, is the key to a proper equestrian education.

ForTheHorse has a year round apprenticeship program.  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 also take part in theory sessions which can include lectures and round-table discussions, as well as homework researching the concepts that are taught here.  There are no wages, however the apprenticeship is valued at $2,125 per month.  In addition, the apprentice may audit the Philippe Karl School of Legerete closed and open clinics free of charge..

The candidate will be required to do daily chores, horse related and non-horse related. The work is not difficult but it does require fitness. To be successful at ForTheHorse, the student will need a solid work ethic, be energetic, responsible and able to follow instructions.

 There are two options for apprentices as follows...

PAYING APPRENTICE:

• You will receive one on one attention, 3 private lessons per week, join in on any group and theory sessions, and free access to audit all lessons/clinics at ForTheHorse, including the Philippe Karl School of Legerete closed and open clinics.

• Food and preparation of food is your responsibility.

• Please contact Chris@ForTheHorse.com for fees and application process.

WORKING APPRENTICE:

·  Lodging is provided free of charge in exchange for working on the farm in non-horse related activities for 3 hours per day, in addition to daily horse chores and horse activities. 

·  Apprentices receive at least 3 lessons per week, either private or semi-private, plus supervision with each horse that they ride.

·  Apprentices also receive regular rider movement education in their weekly lessons schedule.

REQUIREMENTS for WORKING APPRENTICE:

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

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

·  Minimum stay one (1) year and up to 2 or 3 years.

·  Food and preparation of food is the responsibility of the apprentice.

JOB DUTIES for WORKING APPRENTICE: may include the following:

·  Feeding and watering of horses

·  Grooming, clipping, and bathing of horses

·  Barn clean up

·  Grooming and assisting at shows/clinics

·  Assisting with training of horses

·  Exercising and turnout of horses

·  Training of horses on the farm

·  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.

NON-HORSE RELATED DUTIES for WORKING APPRENTICE:  may include the following:

·         Weed pulling

·         General help with maintenance, ie. painting

·         irrigation of pastures

OPPORTUNITIES for PAYING APPRENTICE and WORKING APPRENTICE:
Many opportunities exist within the program, including:

·  Grooming at Dressage and Jumping Shows

·  Training projects and horse shows

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

·  Studying here, at ForTheHorse, with some of the world's best riders and equine educators from France

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 asked 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. When you are contacted, you will be invited to try out for 1-2 weeks.
4. After two weeks, when you are accepted into the program, your acceptance is on a "probationary" status for 30 days. Thereafter, 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.