Summer Teen Programs

Equine Apprentice Program 2025

AGES: 13-16

PRICE: $600 per session- 8 weeks

CLASS TIME: Saturdays 10am-1pm

Session 4: 8 Classes*

3/22/25 | 3/29/25 | 4/12/25 | 4/19/25 | 4/26/25 | 5/3/25 | 5/10/25* | 5/17/25

*5/10 for Community Event Class time may differ.

Training Meet and Greet during the week of May 26th-30th after 3pm. Exact day TBD.

APPLY NOW HERE

Does your student love horses and wants to build a deeper connection? The Sienna Ranch Equine Apprentice Program is focused on developing your student’s 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. *NEW this year: Equine Apprentices will spend 1 class riding the horses to practice how to lead a horse with a rider.

Apprentices in this program complete classes that will focus on equine knowledge and handling skills, leadership skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and working as a team. Apprentices will learn horse handling, tacking, animal husbandry, diets, enclosure setups, and care protocols for the animals we care for at Sienna Ranch, as well as how to confidently and safely work around horses and children.

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. 

NOTE: Students must apply for the apprenticeship program. Returning apprentices from previous summers do not need to apply and can email [email protected] 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 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) and Equine Coordinator. 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 8 spring classes with a minimum of 2 weeks’ commitment onsite for summer camp (June 2-August 15, 2025). Note: week assignments are based on availability, however we endeavor to give students their priority choice when possible.
• Ages 13-16 (age 13 as of March 22, 2025)
• Comfortable around farm animals, including horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, and cats
• Ability to confirm and respond to verbal directions (e.g., “Lead the horse around to the left,” “Please walk”) in an outdoor environment filled with distractions
• Patience for animals and children
• Ability to effectively complete horse handling assessment and meet requirements of handling horses. Human and animal safety is of the utmost importance and apprentices must be able to safely handle horses around children in order to participate in Summer Camp.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds (e.g., horse saddles, hay nets)
• 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
• Ability to be adaptable/flexible. 
• Ability to follow instructions and Sienna Ranch rules

Program Goals: 

• After completion of this program, Equine Apprentices will:
  • Know how to lead, groom, and tack/untack our horses; 
  • Understand animal behavior and handling; 
  • Teach younger children how to groom a horse;
  • Know how to clean the horse stalls; 
  • Learn how to safely and independently work around our animals; 
  • Generally understand livestock animal nutrition and care;
  • Actively participate in all camp activities and games with the campers. 
• 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 campers. 

NOTE: This is not a riding program and instead focuses on safely handling horses while children are riding during summer camp.

Farm Hands Camp Apprentice Program 2024

Summer Camp Apprentice Program Description

APPLY NOW HERE- Applications Due March 15th

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 15th
• Must be able to attend the 2 hour training day during the week of May 28-31 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
• Apprentices are available for at least two weeks of Summer Camp.
  • Summer Camp Dates
    • Week 1   6/3-6/7
    • Week 2   6/10-6/14
    • Week 3   6/17-6/21
    • Week 4   6/24-6/28
    • Week 5   7/1-7/5
    • Week 6   7/8-7/12
    • Week 7   7/15-7/19
    • Week 8   7/22-7/26
    • Week 9   7/29-8/2
    • Week 10 8/5-8/9
    • Week 11  8/12-8/16
  • Hours: Monday-Friday 8:45am-3:00pm

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