Horsemanship Apprenticeship Program
Dixon Stables Apprenticeship Program is a very intense program requiring dedication and 
hard work. A strong commitment is essential and the reward will be great – for at the end of the program, you will feel a huge sense of accomplishment. To be able to communicate and connect with a horse’s mind is a beautiful thing. Through hard work and dedication, you can achieve what most horse lovers only dream of.
The apprenticeship program is four "one week" periods, (this can be extended to four "two week" or four "three week" periods). Each week costs $500 per person with a $500 booking deposit required for scheduling. This nonrefundable deposit is necessary because of the time that is set aside exclusively for the apprenticeship program and will be deducted from the last session’s cost.
|
Sign up for the next apprenticeship program beginning APRIL 7th, 2012,
while there is still space available.
Call Marc to book your spot 256-476-2667
The 2012 Apprenticeship will be four "one week" periods. We will have an Extended Getaway immediately after the Apprenticeship. Extended Getaway will be at Anthony Creek Horse Camp (Cades Cove) Great Smoky Mountains National Park May 9th - 13th
|
All Training time is in the evening (to accommodate working people). You will get a min of 2hrs and max of 4hrs of time one on one with me (or possible one of the other trainers, as you choose) per day, 5 days per week. You will also get complete use of the riding facility and trails 24-7.
Horse boarding will be provided and are included in the price. Each person is responsible for his/her own stall cleanings. Horses can be provided if needed. We have all levels from not-started colts to finished horses that just need polished up, or students can have their own horse for the program. It doesn’t matter if the horse is un-started or already trained because all horses in the program will be started from scratch. A negative Coggins test is required for all horses. Students that bring their own horse will have an opportunity to work with some of the colts in training, matched to your level.
Apprenticeship Program–Topics Covered:
Level 1: Ground Work / Preparing to Mount
- Disengagement of Hips
- Freezing in a Crisis
- Go Forward and Whoa
- Controlling Shoulders from the Ground
- Directional Control
- Proper Leading
- Picking Up Feet
- Introduction to Fly Spray
- Proper Tying
- Preparing Horse for Saddle
- Giving to the Bit
Trailering
Level 2: Under Saddle Basics
- Figure 8s
- Controlling Hips and Shoulders
- Side-passing
- Head Down, Backing
- Squeeze to Go
- Sit Back to Stop
- Crossing Minor Obstacles
Calm Down Cue
Level 3: Gaining More Control
- Directional Control
- Connect Rein to Shoulder
- Connect Rein to Hip
- Collected Stops and Back-Ups
- Lead Preparation
- Speed Control
- Seat and Leg Cues
- One Rein Stop
- Problem Solving
- 360 degree turns front & rear
- Faster Stops / Sliding Stops
- Dragging Objects
- Crossing Major Obstacles
Tricks (lying down, and more – as time allows)
Level 4: Riding Out.
This week will be spent completely freestyle and mostly trail riding or working calves.
This week will require at least 2 full days.
One day will be a Saturday, and one will be another day taken off from work to travel and trail ride at a local campground / riding area.