Horsemanship Working Student
Horse Apprenticeship Program
Updated February 2025
The horsemanship working student program is offered from June through August solely at The Equestrian Center located in Sandpoint, Idaho.
We no longer have lesson horses available for working students. If you do not have your own horse for the private instruction sessions, your learning will be adapted to those horses currently in training.
The horse positions are as follows:
Live-Onsite Term: 3 weeks minimum- 2 months maximum
Students will work five days a week; meals, private room, and board fee of $350/wk.
Live-OffSite Term: 3 weeks minimum- 2 months maximum
Students will work three days a week.
One workday = 4 hours of work from 8am-noon
One workday = one 1-hour private (riding or groundwork) instruction with Sam.
We do a one-week trial period for all working students.
Purpose:
An immersion opportunity for equine enthusiasts with a strong motivation to learn, self-discipline, and an above-and-beyond work ethic. You will have various opportunities and exposure regarding all aspects of horsemanship and riding. Must be reliable, responsible, and have a positive attitude. You will help in the daily running of the farm including chores, unforeseen situations, and horse-related activities in exchange for horse learning opportunities.
The Facility:
Our facility is NOT a social center, we do not offer boarding, nor do we have the time to coddle working students. If you're looking for a "social barn" atmosphere, TEC will not be a good fit.
The Horses:
We have horses sent to us from all over the U.S. and students arrive from around the world.
WE WORK WITH YOUNG & “PROBLEM” HORSES THAT CAN BE UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS. WE NEED STUDENTS TO MAINTAIN AWARENESS, RESPECT, AND A 110% POSITIVE WORK ETHIC AND ATTITUDE WHEN PARTICIPATING IN OUR PROGRAM.
We offer individualized training and programs in a supportive, nonjudgmental, and low-key atmosphere.
TEC’s Goal:
Our goal is in exchange for the working student’s effort, labor, and time, there is mutual benefit, without having the working student's presence cause concern. distraction, or stress. Every day the schedule changes depending on the horses and clients.
Mandatory Candidate Requirements: Please do NOT apply if you don't have the experience
* Must have a valid driver's license (in the case of an emergency.)
* Appropriate attire for working with horses.
* NO SMOKING ON TEC PREMISES.
* Must submit THREE horse-related references.
* Minimum of FIVE years riding & handling horses. Must submit a current video of groundwork & riding.
* Positive attitude and an open mind for learning.
*"Above and beyond" work ethic.
Duties on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis may include but are not limited to:
*Tack Cleaning
*Catching/bathing/grooming/turning in or out horses
*Tacking/Untacking
*Round Pen/Liberty work
*Facility Maintenance- Dragging pastures, minimal raking keeping barn area neat and tidy, etc.- NO STALL CLEANING, etc.
Potential Additional Opportunities:
Free auditing at Alternative Horsemanship Clinics - auditing only
Trailer driving & backing/ Tractor Driving
If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested in please fill out the Working Student Application Form.
Incomplete forms will be deleted. A limited amount of positions are available each season. Thank you for your time and effort and good luck!