Downunder Horsemanship Apprenticeship

What is a Downunder Horsemanship Apprenticeship?
The end goal of this apprenticeship is to be a horse clinician.  If you want to strictly be a horse trainer, this is not the apprenticeship for you.  You’ll certainly get your fair share of hands on knowledge of training horses using the Downunder Horsemanship program.  However, you’ll also learn how to communicate the program to students in a way that’s easiest for them to understand.  While horsemanship is an integral part of being a clinician, being able to communicate clearly and teach people will be your most important asset.  Training horses helps your skills so that you can help your future students with problems they are experiencing.  Being able to draw back on firsthand experience is second to none.  It’s important that you understand that the end goal of the program is not to train horses, but to be a clinician.   

Please do not call the Downunder Horsemanship office for information regarding the apprenticeship.
*In order to receive more information on the apprenticeship, please complete the application process.*

Commonly Asked Questions
Q: How long is an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship is a four year commitment. During the first two years of the apprenticeship you’ll mainly learn how to train horses using the Downunder Horsemanship training method. The last two years of the apprenticeship will be spent further developing your communicating and teaching skills.

Q: Will I be able to bring my horse and other pets?
No, because you’ll be too busy training horses for Downunder Horsemanship and studying materials to have time to work with your own horse. No pets are allowed because as you begin to travel extensively, you won’t be able to care for them on a regular basis. 

Q: Can I bring my car?
It’s required that you can provide your own transportation.

Q: What type of work will I be doing?
An apprenticeship with Downunder Horsemanship isn’t just about learning how to train horses and teach people.  It’s also about building character and learning life lessons. With that in mind, you’ll be asked to do everything from cleaning stalls and tack to riding and training horses. The first six months that you are at the ranch, you’re strictly on a trial period and will be given a lot of grunt jobs. As you gain more experience and continue to develop your education, you’ll spend more time working with horses and people. 

Q: Where will I live?
You will live on the Downunder Horsemanship ranch in an apartment provided for you.

Q: What will be provided for me?
Downunder Horsemanship will provide you with room. Apprentice apartments share a common living area and a kitchen, and are equipped with washers and dryers. You must provide your own food and maintain your own health insurance. 

Q: I’m not interested in being a clinician. Is the apprenticeship still right for me?
The Downunder Horsemanship apprenticeship is strictly for individuals dedicated to pursuing a career as a clinician.  If you’re interested in learning how to train horses, this is not the apprenticeship for you.

How to apply for the Downunder Horsemanship Apprenticeship

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the apprenticeship.  No exceptions.
• Send us a resume that includes your age, education, past work experience (with horses or otherwise), your phone number and physical address.
  • In your cover letter, please answer the following questions:
    • Do you own or use any Downunder Horsemanship products? If so, what?
    • Are there any health concerns we need to be aware of? If, yes, please explain (Apprenticeship is physically demanding).
    • Why are you interested in apprenticing with Clinton?
    • Why should Clinton choose you as an apprentice?
• Include a descriptive video of yourself:
  • Walking, trotting and cantering on a horse
  • Describe your strengths as a rider and as a person
  • Why Downunder Horsemanship should hire you as an apprentice
• Once you’ve mailed in your resume and descriptive video, they will be reviewed, and you’ll be contacted for a one week trial if Clinton feels your ability, work ethic, personality and attitude match that of an apprentice. 

Resumes and videos can be mailed to:
Downunder Horsemanship
Attention: Shana Terry
2285 N US HWY 377
Stephenville, TX 76401

Do not email resumes - they must be mailed with your video.