Nature Sages 

Trail Ramblers 

Equine Apprentice Program 2023

AGES: 13-16 
PRICE: $386 per session- 5 weeks
CLASS TIME: Saturdays 1pm-4pm
Session 4: 5 Classes- Saturday April 15th-Saturday May 20th. No Class Saturday May 6th
Training Meet and Greet during the week of May 23-26 after 3pm. Exact day TBD.

APPLY NOW HERE- Program Full

Does your student love horses and wants to build a deeper connection? The Sienna Ranch Equine Apprenticeship program is focused on developing your students skills in horsemanship, equine health, and a deeper emotional connection with animals. Whether a first time horse enthusiast or a seasoned animal lover, students will build a basic foundation for horse handling and husbandry in order to assist with our summer horse camp program.

Apprentices in this program complete classes that will combine equine and goat handling instruction. Apprentices will learn animal husbandry, diets, enclosure setups, and care protocols for the animals we care for at Sienna Ranch.

After completing the training class, students will participate in a minimum of 2 weeks of onsite Apprenticeship for the Sienna Ranch Equine Adventure Summer Camps. Students will learn how to properly care for the horses at the ranch by learning stall cleaning, nutrition, care, and behavior. Special focus will be on leading, grooming, and tacking horses for children, as well as learning how to walk goats.

NOTE: Students must apply for the apprenticeship program. Returning apprentices from previous summers do not need to apply and can email admin@siennaranch.com to request a spot for the class and/or Summer Camp.

This program is  an incredibly valuable learning experience. A strong commitment is required for this program. Apprentices will be required to attend all classes during the session, the one day meet and greet in May (Day and Time TBD) to meet the instructors, and a minimum of 2 summer camp weeks (Monday-Friday 8:45-3pm). Participants will be led by the Sienna Ranch Animal Care Manager (ACM). This program is an opportunity for teens to further grow their equine knowledge, leadership skills,  and gain valuable job training as a part of a team.

Requirements for the Class: 

• Must be able to attend all classes with a minimum of 2 weeks’ commitment onsite for summer camp (May 29-August 11, 2023). Note: that week assignments are based on availability, however we endeavor to give students their priority choice when possible.
• Ages 13-16 (13 by April 15th, 2023)
• Comfortable around farm animals, including horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, and cats
• Patience for animals and children
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• An interest in learning new skills
• Arrive on time and be prepared to fully participate in Camp
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Able to follow verbal directions (e.g., “Lead the horse around to the left”, “Please walk”) in an outdoor environment filled with distractions
• Ability to be adaptable/flexible. 

Program Goals: 

• After completion of this program, Apprentices will:
  • Know how to lead, groom, and tack/untack our horses; 
  • Understand animal behavior and handling; 
  • Learn about animal training;
  • Know how to clean the horse stalls; 
  • Learn how to safely and independently work around our animals; 
  • Generally understand livestock animal nutrition and care. 
• The goal of this program is to train Apprentices for Summer Camp. During Summer Camp, Apprentices will prepare horses for riding—including grooming, leading, tacking, and untacking—water riding areas, and assist the riding instructor in the arena. When not working directly with the horses, apprentices will have the opportunity to interact with other ranch animals and assist the instructor in leading game activities with the the campers. 

Summer Camp Apprentice Application 

Summer Camp Apprentice Program Description

APPLY NOW HERE- Applications Due March 17th

Apprentices in this program have fun while helping to mentor the next generation of Sienna Ranch students, and become an important part of the Sienna Ranch camp team. 

Requirements for the Class: 

• Complete application process and respond to all communications from Sienna Ranch before due dates
• Age 12 or older by March 17th
• Must be able to attend the 2 hour training day during the week of May 23-26 after 3pm. Exact day TBD.
• Comfortable interacting with our many Ranch animals
• Familiarity with Sienna Ranch layout, including locations of restrooms, garden, buckeye tree, Green Yurt, Front Office, etc (Not required but preferred)
• Excited about working with young students (PreK-KG and/or 1st-2nd grade)
• Ability to explain and lead age-appropriate games 
• Patience, kindness, and flexibility
• Able to communicate clearly and confidently with Lead Instructors and other adults at Sienna Ranch
• Ability to participate independently and in a team environment
• Excited about spending time outside at the Ranch in all weather

Program Goals:

• Valuable learning experience and mentorship with meaningful leadership opportunities
• An opportunity for Nature Program Apprentices to share their nature experiences and enthusiasm with younger kids
• An opportunity to learn by close-up observation of experienced instructors and their classes.

Apprentices are available for at least two weeks of Summer Camp. 

• Summer Camp Dates
  • Week 1   5/29-6/2
  • Week 2   6/5-6/19
  • Week 3   6/12-6/16
  • Week 4   6/19-6/23
  • Week 5   6/26-6/30
  • Week 6   7/3-7/7
  • Week 7   7/10-7/14
  • Week 8   7/17-7/21
  • Week 9   7/24-7/28
  • Week 10 7/31-8/4
  • Week 11  8/7-8/11
• Hours:
  • Monday-Friday 8:45am-3:00pm