Nature Sages 

Full Day Class
GRADES: 7th-9th 
PRICE: See our 2021-2022 Price Guide 
Weekly Offerings: 
Wednesday 9:30am-3:30pm

Animal Apprentice Program 

More Details to come about the Schedule

Apprentices in this program complete classes that will combine hands-on practical animal care training as well as instruction in history, diets, enclosure setups, and care protocols for the animals we care for at Sienna Ranch including horses, goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens. After completing the training class, students will participate in a minimum of 2 weeks of onsite Apprenticeship for the Sienna Ranch Summer Camps.

Students will learn how to properly care for the variety of animals at the ranch by learning stall cleaning, nutrition, care, and behavior. Special focus will be on horse care including mucking, leading, grooming, and tacking

NOTE: Students must apply for the apprenticeship program. Apprentices from previous years do not need to apply and will be automatically given a spot. After completion of class and summer apprenticeship, students may be eligible for continuing in the 2021-2022 school year apprenticeship.

The Sienna Ranch Animal Care Apprenticeship Program is highly selective and an incredibly valuable learning experience. A strong commitment is required for this program. Apprentices will be required to attend all classes and a minimum of 2 summer camp sessions. Participants will report to the Animal Care Manager (ACM). This program is an opportunity for teens to further grow their animal care knowledge, leadership skills, and gain valuable work experience 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 31-August 13)
• In Ages 13-16
• 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
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Program Goals: 

• After completion of this program, Apprentices will know:
  • how to clean all of the animal stalls; 
  • lead, groom, and tack our horses; 
  • understand animal behavior and handling; 
  • learn about animal training; 
  • understand livestock animal nutrition and care; 
  • learn how to safely and independently work around our animals. 
• 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 horse camp, apprentices will have the opportunity to interact with other ranch animals and assist the Animal Care Manager with specialty projects. 
• Apprentices are expected to arrive on time and be prepared to fully participate in the class. Participants must have the maturity and comfort level to work independently and in a team environment, be comfortable working around children and farm animals, and possess the ability to problem solve. Maintaining a positive attitude and the ability to be flexible is imperative in this position. 
• Apprentices should understand that animal care happens regardless of the weather conditions, so they should be prepared to work in a variety of weather (rain, heat, mud, etc.).