Harmony Horse Stables offers an extensive apprentice program for people wanting to expand their education. Our apprentice program prepares the student to enter the equine industry as a teacher and/or assistant barn manager. An apprentice needs to have a willing attitude, be willing to learn, pitch in where needed, and cope with a changing schedule. Apprentices are expected to work where and when needed. All apprentices will begin with a thirty day trial period. Apprenticeships will last for a minimum of six months.

A full time apprentice is expected to work 30 hours per week. In exchange the student will receive $80 per week and four lessons. A minimum of two lessons will be focused on teaching. A part time apprentice is expected to work 15 hours per week. In exchange the student will receive $40 per week and two lessons or three lessons per week and no money. Apprentices are expected to assist with schooling shows, off premise horse shows, and other activities as these are all very valuable learning experiences. Apprentices are required to observe at least three hours of lessons per week, and work assigned horses on your own time.

1. Barn

• learn to handle horses
• learn to muck stalls
• be able to feed & adjust feed with regard to weight/work
• be able to manage morning barn
• learn night barn duties
• learn equine first aide
• be able to identify a sick horse
• be comfortable with public relations about Harmony Horse Stables programs
• learn to communicate effectively with staff and clients

2. Training

• learn to groom, tack/untack, cool out horses
• be able to clean, oil, and fit tack
• learn to use the lunge line & side reins
• ride well enough to school lesson horses

3. Teaching

• learn to teach lunge lessons
• learn to teach beginner children and adults
• learn to teach semi-private and group lessons
• learn to teach balance seat, beginner dressage, & jumping lessons
• learn how to communicate effectively with students and parents
• learn how to teach horsemanship skills

Harmony Horse Stables recognizes that there are many people who would like to learn to teach. However due to working full time and/or family constraints, the above program will not suit their needs. Therefore, Harmony Horse Stables has designed a teaching program that is more flexible. This program requires that students have a minimum of two lessons per week (these will be focused on teaching), observe a minimum of three hours per week, work with assigned horses, and assist with one Saturday per month.

Skills to be Mastered:

1. Teaching

• learn to teach lunge lessons
• learn to teach beginner children and adults
• learn to teach semi-private and group lessons
• learn to teach balance seat, beginner dressage, & jumping lessons
• learn how to communicate effectively with students and parents
• learn how to teach horsemanship skills

Please speak to Bette in the Office regarding starting an Apprenticeship program.