Horsemanship Apprenticeship Programs

Horsemanship apprenticeship programs are the ideal way for horse enthusiasts to learn how to become an accomplished horseman. These programs are taught in a training environment that makes it easy to learn and relate, and the programs are taught by master instructors who know how to help you learn to connect better with your horse. You will also learn the necessary business side of the horseman's lifestyle. Most apprenticeships are offered by specific trainers with high levels of credibility. Below are just a few of the top programs available in the U.S. and Canada.

  1. Martin Black̵7;s Horsemanship School

    • Martin Black̵7;s Horsemanship School in Sanger, Texas, formerly called an apprenticeship program, offers education on the business side of equine operations. From February through March, students chosen for this school will ride numerous horses per day, including colts, older horses and problem horses. Field trips are taken to meet trainers, view breeding labs and more, and professionals are available to educate and answer questions, including veterinarians and nutritionists. At the end of the program, you should feel confident in beginning your own business.

    Caroline Rider̵7;s Natural Horsemanship Apprenticeship Program

    • Caroline Rider̵7;s Natural Horsemanship Apprenticeship Program in Manchester, Pennsylvania strives to create a bond between horseman and horse through mind, body and soul. This program is available for people who desire trail riding, ground control and upper-level performance training, as well as other disciplines. You will learn the processes of dressage, reining patterns and riding while building a close relationship with the horse through an application of the Tao of Horsemanship. Only one to three students are chosen each session to keep the hands-on training small and focused.

    Downunder Horsemanship Apprenticeship

    • Clinton Anderson̵7;s Downunder Horsemanship Apprenticeship Program in Stephenville, Texas dedicates itself to teaching others how to become the best horsemen, trainers and clinicians they can be. This three-year apprenticeship is highly sought after and pays you to learn the Clinton Anderson method of training. After learning this method, you will train with a horse and a person to put this method to use, and then you will learn how to teach the method to others. Applications are available at Downunderhorsemanship.com.

    Sensible Apprenticeship Program

    • The Sensible Apprenticeship Program in Elk, Washington is taught by Ann Kirk and accepts anyone with a love and passion for horses. This program creates a dedicated horseman out of each participant, no matter the beginning level of the rider. From day one, the students enter the round pen to learn the confidence and discipline they need to become a horseman. The program consists of four two-week sessions plus six-week practice sessions in between each two-week session.

    Doug Mills Apprenticeship Program

    • The Doug Mills Apprenticeship Program in Kamloops, Canada teaches you how to become an accomplished horseman using the Doug Mills method. In three courses, students are taught horse psychology and natural instincts in order to understand how a horse thinks and to create a clear communication with horses. the program also teaches students how to control their own bodies and emotions so they have the timing and feel it takes to become a horseman. Doug will personally guide you as a mentor and coach as you pass his courses and start your own business.

    Practical Apprenticeship Program

    • The Heart-Centered Equine Academy̵7;s Practical Apprenticeship Program in Victor, Montana is designed to work around your schedule and experience level while not trying to cram vital education into a mere couple weeks. If you have four or more people interested in the program, the academy will conduct the program in your area. The program covers 16 sessions spread over a five-month period. The course helps current horse owners learn how to train horses themselves and to create bonds with their horses that will last forever.