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APPRENTICESHIP WITH RITTER DRESSAGE:
We currently have four full-time Apprentices, and we are currently interviewing for an additional Apprentice. Meet our Current Apprentices.
An apprenticeship enables the student to gain a complete, comprehensive education in all aspects of the horse business. 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 ride and teach, but also how to run a barn and care for horses, how to run a horse business, and other facets of the business that will be vital for their future careers. Our program is geared towards riders who wish to become future professionals.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
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. Days are long and hard. It is a lifestyle for those that do not mind working hard, long days.
Stipend and housing are not provided. Rooms are available (2 apprentices to a room) for rent at a very low rate, however we do not provide room/board free of charge. Most apprentices need to have outside financial support to pay for their rent, food, etc.
Apprentice positions are best suited for those individuals who are interested in eventually becoming professional trainers and instructors themselves. Apprentices receive a comprehensive education on the entire training of the horse, including every facet of their care, health, and training.
Apprentices take part in "THEORY SESSIONS" which can include lectures, round-table discussions, as well as homework researching the classical equestrian literature. Assignments are periodically given to study specific concepts, literature, etc. and reports are occasionally assigned. Apprentices are expected to be able to speak publicly (oral reports) as well as be able to develop their writing skills (written reports).
As apprentices develop in their own riding, they gradually get to take part in the teaching of lessons, and develop into "Assistant Instructors" with the ability to foster their own group of students.
Apprentices are an integral part of our program and basically "run" the barn. Many opportunities available within the running of the barn, as well as opportunities to represent the farm/program in exhibitions and competitions.
Apprentices must work their way up through the ranks. Everyone, regardless of prior experience, starts out at the same level. Authority, responsibilities, and privileges are earned. Apprentices earn privileges and responsibilities based upon their performance, riding, etc.
Apprentices learn how to teach. They learn teaching strategy and how to communicate effectively.
REQUIREMENTS:
Horse training is a phsyically demanding occupation. MUST be physically fit and able to carry out the demands of the job, which may include handling horses, cleaning stalls, unloading grain bags, stacking hay, etc.
Previous horse/riding/dressage experience is not necessary, although it can provide an advantage. (Everyone starts out at the longeline, regardless of previous experience.)
Need to be able to think ahead, solve problems, and work well with others. Must be a "team player".
Must be reliable, trustworthy, responsible, and able to stay on task even when the going gets rough.
A good work ethic is essential.
It is advantageous to be self-motivated and have a clear idea of where they are heading in their riding/career as horse trainers.
Must have a commitment to improving oneself through phsyical development (general physical fitness, strengthening, flexibility development), as well as intellectual development.
Must have a commitment to the preservation of classical horsemanship, and see themselves as playing an important role in that preservation.
Must have a commitment to the further development of one's education, and must take responsibility for their own learning.
JOB DUTIES: may include the following:
Feeding and watering of horses
Stall cleaning
Grooming, clipping, and bathing of horses
Barn clean up
Grooming and assisting at shows
Assisting with training of horses
Exercising and turnout of horses
Administration of medicines and Medical care of horses
Teaching riding lessons
Training of horses
Riding in Performance Exhibitions and/or Dressage Competitions.
OPPORTUNITIES:
Privileges are earned. This program is a "Meritocracy" whereby the more the Apprentice applies himself/herself, the more she gets out of the program. We reward those that are able to work together as a team for the common good of the program, as well as those that are able to think ahead and take on responsibility. Many opportunities exist within the program, including:
Overseeing newer apprentices
Grooming at Dressage Shows
Teaching and overseeing the teaching of other apprentices
Training projects
Working together as a team to start the young horses under saddle
Perform in our at-home Exhibitions
Represent White Horse Vale and Ritter Dressage in Exhibitions away from home
Represent White Horse Vale and Ritter Dressage in Dressage Competitions
Earn income teaching outside students
Earn income training outside horses
PROCESS OF APPLICATION
- 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.
Mail: Ritter Dressage
2112 N. Columbus Ave.
Goldendale, WA 98620
Email: Thomas Ritter: Thomas@classicaldressage.com
Shana Ritter: Levade@classicaldressage.com
Lisa Hettman: Longreinlipizzans@gorge.net.
- Local Applicants (those from Washington or Oregon) will be expected to come for an interview in-person. If you are out of this region, but willing and able to come for an interview, please indicate this on your resume/letter.
- If you are called back, you will be invited to try out for 1-2 weeks. This "try-out" period is no guarantee that you will be accepted. It is an opportunity for us to see how you work with others, how you fit into the program, and see if you have what it takes to be a Ritter Dressage Apprentice. Only the best are accepted.
- If you are accepted into the program, your acceptance is on a "probationary" status. After 30 days, your performance will be reviewed and a decision will be made whether you are to remain in the program. Acceptance past the initial 30-days is no guarantee that you will have a long-term position. Where we try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and we try to help give you the skills you will need to succeed, there are some that will just not make it in this rigorous program. 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.
- Do not apply if you not willing or able to devote yourself 100% to your apprenticeship.
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