What is an “Equestrian Apprenticeship?” There are 2 types of equine apprenticeships.
1. Intermediate level apprenticeship; this is working as an assistant as a groom, stud groom/hand, trek assistant, supporting harness horse trainer, assistant groom in agriculture or an apprentice or conditional jockey
2. Advanced level apprenticeship: this covers working as a groom, assistant yard manager, trek leader, intermediate instructor/level 3 coach or a jockey harness horse groom, trainer or driver and with agricultural harness horses.
Currently, there are many different apprenticeship schemes open to people wanting to work with horses. The government is currently redesigning 76 different apprenticeship schemes, from TV production to welding, and including grooms. Now (November 2014) member bodies of the British Equestrian Federation, the British Horseracing Authority, equestrian charities, The Household Cavalry and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, as well as representatives from polo and hunting, have become part of a steering group, facilitated by Trent Park Equestrian Centre, to standardise apprenticeships by 2017.
“The overall outcome of the reform is to ensure that every industry benefits from a well-trained workforce with transferable skills,” said Sue Martin of Trent Park Equestrian Centre.
“We will produce a standard of apprenticeship for the equine industry that is world class and builds on existing strengths, with industry and the grooms benefiting from having specialised training.”
Brian Hutton of Talland School of Equitation added: “This will give the many strands of the horseworld the opportunity to work together to create a rounded, educated, practical groom with all the skills for the future of the industry.”
Through the radical apprenticeship reform, The Department for Business Innovation and Skills aims to increase the quality of apprenticeships, put employers in the driving seat and simplify the system.
In doing so it expects that the successful apprentice will be held in the same esteem as a university graduate.
If you would like to take up an apprenticeship in the horse world then look no further!
Stonar Equestrian Centre is looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and efficient person to join our existing team as an equestrian apprentice. Top level coaching provided towards BHS exams, NVQ in horse care and Haddon Training apprenticeships. Regular lessons in both showjumping and dressage with our coaches are included. The successful candidate will be a dedicated, motivated person and preferably have some industry experience. Candidates must show good communication skills and enjoy working with children. This is a full time position with a requirement to work some weekends. Acommodation and full board included.
Stonar Equestrian Centre is a BHS approved Riding School and Livery Yard and has BHS ‘Where to Train’ approval up to BHSI level. Riding has been a core feature of the school for several decades. The outstanding facilities include first class indoor and outdoor schools, stabling for 65 horses and a cross country schooling field with a wide variety of different fences. Whether pupils are complete beginners, wanting to ride for fun or are already riding competitively, our equestrian education will continue their riding development. Riders can bring their own horse or pony to school.
The centre has an impressive staff line up Darrell Scaife FBHS, Eleanor Halsey BHSII and Joanne Chilcott BHSII and very good facilities including an onsite xcountry course.
