How to Become a Horse Training Apprentice
A horse training apprentice is someone who wants to become a professional horse trainer. Rather than setting out on your own with no experience, it is sometimes better to apprentice with a veteran trainer so you don't make as many mistakes. This provides you not only with experience in horse training, but also in business.
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Instructions
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Evaluate your skills and experience. If you don't know how to train horses, or if you aren't an advanced rider, it might be a good idea to take riding lessons for a while before you pursue an apprenticeship. This will give you a foundation in horsemanship that will greatly improve your experience as a trainer.
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Understand that a horse training apprentice may not be paid for his work, or may be given only a small stipend in addition to valuable instruction. This is not an opportunity to get rich, but a chance to learn the ropes of horse training under the tutelage of an experienced trainer.
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Determine whether you are willing to relocate to become a horse training apprentice. Because these positions are few and far between, it may be necessary to move to gain the experience you want. Fortunately, apprenticeships often come with housing included.
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Research horse trainers either locally or nationally. Some trainers will have a section of their web site that talks about apprenticeships or working students. These are the stables where you are most likely to find a position, though you might find a mentor in your home town if you put in the effort.
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Prepare a resume or CV that details your horse training experience. To become an apprentice, you will need to prove that you have the requisite skills and knowledge. Even if you don't have formal experience, you can write down the trainers who have taught you in the past, the horses you've ridden or trained, and the competitions you've won.
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Write a cover letter to send out with your resume. This letter should explain why you want to become a horse training apprentice, and should highlight your most impressive skills and experience. Make sure this document is no more than one page long.
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Submit your resume and cover letter to the trainers on the list you compiled. You can send them via postal mail, or you can e-mail the documents if you've been provided an electronic address.
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Visit the stables where you are considering a horse training apprenticeship. Evaluate the facilities, the program and the trainer himself. You will know almost immediately if this is a place where you can see yourself working.
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Agree to mutually beneficial terms with the horse trainer you have chosen. Although a horse training apprentice may feel like nothing more than a glorified groom part of the time, you should feel as though you are learning the entire time.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to work with a horse trainer who has significant experience and has developed a positive reputation in the equestrian industry.
Know that a horse training apprentice is sometimes called a "working student".
Avoid situations where you are expected simply to work, receiving nothing in return. You should be taught skills that you can use when you become a horse trainer yourself.
