Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship program seeks to reward and encourage those who want more.... What does that mean? The following is the "job description," if you will, of the apprenticeship program...
Apprenticeship description:
Current apprentices are required to attend a one-week clinic each summer in which we will push participant skills as far as we possibly can in one week. There will be monthly requirements throughout the year which apprentices will be expected to complete over 5 areas--
*Teaching-- because we are all mentors to someone else
*Training-- because we must apply the skills we are learning to real-life situations
*Events-- because we must learn to speak knowledgeably and professionally about what matters to us
*Observing-- because we learn from watching others
*Self-directed-- we should not need to be spoon-fed the things that compose our priorities.
Apprentices are more than students; they will show through their commitment a heightened desire and ability to train, ride, and teach. Participants should not commit to be an apprentice unless they are serious about going deeper and are willing to commit time each month to that end. Apprentices are expected to attend events, take part in planning, teach under supervision, work on training projects, and show a self-directed desire to represent Herds of Hooves.
Apprenticeship is a one year commitment open by invitation or application to enthusiastic youth and adult students of a minimum of one year and 13 years old plus. There is a yearly option to "renew" or excuse oneself each year without any negative results. An HOH Apprenticeship is something that can be put on a job resume or a college application-- a positive evaluation of one's work ethic, commitment, self-direction, and growth can go a long way.
Do not be overwhelmed if you are interested in this program, but do understand that there will be a clear difference between students and apprentices, both in responsibility and priveledge.
Our current apprentice roster includes....
Savanna Taylor
New apprentice in 2011
"I just started being an apprentice this past summer. Currently I am the youngest apprentice. I love the challenge of teaching and learning about horses. I own four horses and am now training one."
Madeline Kiser
Student since 2007 and apprentice since 2009
"My name is Madeline Grace Kiser. I have enjoyed horses for several years. I started in a traditional background, and then got introduced into Progressive Horsemanship. Horses have taught me how to be patient and responsible. I am currently a Junior Apprentice. I have my own horse, her name is Sacharda (Shu-Sah-duh), and she is a Chincoteague Pony. I plan on moving up to a larger, faster horse to progress in my riding and training."
Lexie London
Student since 2008 and apprentice since 2009
"My name is Lexie London. I am 14yrs old and I am from Stephens County. I have always had a strong passion for horses, so I finally began taking lessons when I was 7yrs old. I have always wanted a horse of my own, but my parents wanted me to realize all the big responsibilities of having a horse. I have been with Mrs. Abby for 4yrs. I started out in her work program and then a year later I became an apprentice. After many years of working hard and increasing my knowledge of horses I got my 1st horse, Max, on 4-22-10. Still to this day I am working hard to expand my knowledge of horses."
Hannah Croscutt
Student since 2003 and apprentice since 2006
"Hannah holds the position as “Senior Apprentice” and has been an apprentice under Abby Walker for over 5 years. Starting her Progressive Horsemanship educational journey in October of 2003, at the age of 11, she has found that the strategic, empathetic leadership of horses has brought her closer the Lord with each passing day. The Work Scholarship has been vital in developing her overall understanding of what it is to truly be a “knowledgeable” horse person. More often than not, she will be found with a mucking fork in her hand, covered in “red dirt” and slinging feed in the stalls. Not only has Hannah learned a solid understanding of the words “hard day’s work,” but she also is working to develop an educated eye that will help her in her pursuit of helping others become knowledgeable about horses and how they work. While young and still in need of many years work and learning, she genuinely appreciates horses and all they have done for her. Her favorite things to learn about are problem-solving and/or rehabilitation of “problem horses,” working with mustangs, obstacles and trail riding, using horses to perform tasks, and showing in competitive trail/obstacle courses. She participated in the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover: Yearling Edition, and also plans to compete in 2012 in Clemson, SC."