Details

Description: 

The SVE apprenticeship program aims to give adolescents (between twelve and sixteen years of age)  the opportunity to learn how to understand horse behavior, develop relationships with a variety of horses, practice teamwork and even learn customer service in a positive environment. The curriculum is based on the Certified Horsemanship Association’s Manual for riding instructors. The program will prepare students with all the skills necessary for recreational horse ownership, and the knowledge, experience, and connections if they desire to pursue horseback riding as a professional. When your child graduates the apprenticeship program, and reaches the age of 16, we will pay for 10% of the cost to become a Certified riding instructor or trail guide! We will also provide letters of recommendation and aid them in finding a job in the horse industry. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit, and provide ground lessons to special needs children. When they are skilled enough, they will also have the opportunity to volunteer with the special needs population! (This will look great on all kinds of resumes; horsy or not)

Our Equine Apprenticeship Program utilizes a level based system that bases our training off of the curriculum from the Certified Horsemanship Association Manual which is divided into four levels. Lesson Nights are designed to help your child prepare for riding and written level tests. As your child passes each level they will earn more privileges such as independent riding on trails and in the arena! 

Certified Horsemanship Association Description: 

“Certified Horsemanship Association’s goal is to promote excellence in horsemanship safety and education for the entire horse industry. CHA is well respected and holds rigorous standards for instructor certification, which involves a certification clinic, etc. Clients will know you are knowledgeable in five areas you are tested on. These are: safety, horsemanship knowledge and ability, teaching techniques, group control, and responsibility and professionalism.”

Lesson Nights: 

Trainee Nights consist of free riding and ground lessons and are a fun way for your child to build relationships with the horses, learn to work with each one and make friends outdoors, too! This program is designed to assist your child in becoming a knowledgeable, independent and confident equestrian. The lessons are based off of the CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) Manual as with all of our riding lessons. Trainees must attend two trainee nights a month where they will study for the written tests which are made by the Certified Horsemanship Association. They will also have a riding lesson where they will practice their riding skills so they can level up in their riding abilities! Trainee nights are held alternating Fridays and Sundays. The schedule can be found in the Trainee Portal.