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A Letter from Jen to Our Working Students
All equestrians begin as students. DHF students are encouraged to take advantage of all that we have to offer, especially membership in the Dreamers. Ideally a young person begins as a student, joins the Dreamers, evolves into a Working Student and then is awarded an Apprenticeship. From there, the equestrian professions are endless!
Our DHF Dreamer program is a supplemental education program for lesson students and boarders of all ages, interested in expanding their knowledge base and socializing with other like-minded people. By implementing the educational guidelines established by the US Pony Club, 4-H, US Dressage Federation, US Eventing Assoc, and the Assoc of the British Riding School, DHF has developed its Dreamer program that covers a wide variety of horse management and riding topics at monthly meetings. Annual evaluation sessions will be held during which participants will be able to demonstrate their new horse knowledge and riding skills in order to graduate to one of four Dream Stages: Preparatory Dreamers, Knowledge Dreamers, Mini-Pro Dreamers, Professional Dreamers.
An additional benefit offered to our 18 and under Dreamers is our Dreamers scholarship fund which is funded by monies raised through various fund raising activities throughout the year. Dreamers who volunteer to help at DHF shows, clinics and other educational events qualify to apply for a scholarship. Granted Dreamer scholarships can be used to fund educational opportunities like participating in shows riding and riding in DHF-approved clinics.
Once Dreamers have proven themselves to be dedicated to higher learning, they may be selected to enter our advanced educational program and become a working student where they'll gain hands-on experience working with the horses and clients of DHF in every aspect of daily care.
Working Student “graduates”, become Apprentices. The nature of apprentice work is to learn, and as such becomes the primary goal. The apprentice is actively involved with all aspects of the business in order to obtain a better understanding of what defines the career of an Equestrian Professional. DHF Apprentices’ high level of responsibility includes: Barn Management, Marketing, Event Planning, Operating Procedures, Client Relations, Teaching, Running Summer Camps, Lesson Horse Training Program and Facility Maintenance. Through such involvement and responsibility, the apprentice becomes acutely aware of all farm matters so that he or she may participate in decision-making and discussion. Apprentices normally live on-site to become fully immersed in the educational atmosphere.
Benefits of being a DHF Dreamer Working Student:
1. All work hours are logged as credit in the books and then working students can spend that credit on lessons, board and/or clinics at DHF.
2. Enjoy a 10% discount off lessons at DHF with any of our professional trainers, Natalie, Sheila, Jen and Jeremy.
3. NEW!!! In conjunction with your required weekly regular lesson, you will now get one FREE lesson weekly with a DHF Trainer Apprentice, Helen or Sami. Working Students are encouraged to alternate between Helen and Sami on a regular basis.Please Note: haul-in and lesson horse use fees still apply and will be reflected on your monthly statement.
4. Priority staff scheduling and FREE auditing during DHF educational events like clinics and seminars to maximize available time to learn from observation.
Requirements of DHF Dreamer Working Students:
1. Consistently present yourself politely and professionally on and off DHF-you represent DHF's future and people will use you to evaluate the quality of education provided at DHF.
2. Show up early to work and never hesitate to ask questions to learn more.
3. Take advantage of every learning opportunity offered at DHF-we expect you to audit every clinic and to take time to sit and watch while our DHF instructors teach regular lessons to maximize your own education.
4. Fill out the DHF Rider Goals sheet outlining your personal equestrian goals and bring it to your next lesson for discussion with your DHF instructor so you can work together to develop a plan to achieve them (will be sent separately).
5. Be an active, reliable, upstanding member of the DHF Dreamers group. You are required to attend 10 of the 12 meetings (meetings are held once a month). Annual membership dues: $35
6. Volunteer to represent the DHF Dreamers at events both at DHF and away. You need to be prepared to explain to people what DHF means to you, what you get out of being a DHF Dreamer, and how/why you feel DHF is different than other farms.
7. Take notes at each DHF educational event. We have developed a clinic questionnaire to assist working students with note taking and to encourage critical thinking. Make sure you take a copy with you to each event so that you and your DHF coach can review your observations/questions at the beginning of your next lesson (will be sent separately).
8. Attend and participate in the free theory lesson offered a few days after each DHF clinic.
9. Required participation in regularly scheduled DHF staff meetings.
We hope that DHF's many educational offerings help to foster a sense of community and encourage education beyond the scope of riding lessons thereby enhancing your experience at DHF.
Welcome!
-Jen
Back to Working Students Next to Apprentices
All equestrians begin as students. DHF students are encouraged to take advantage of all that we have to offer, especially membership in the Dreamers. Ideally a young person begins as a student, joins the Dreamers, evolves into a Working Student and then is awarded an Apprenticeship. From there, the equestrian professions are endless!
Our DHF Dreamer program is a supplemental education program for lesson students and boarders of all ages, interested in expanding their knowledge base and socializing with other like-minded people. By implementing the educational guidelines established by the US Pony Club, 4-H, US Dressage Federation, US Eventing Assoc, and the Assoc of the British Riding School, DHF has developed its Dreamer program that covers a wide variety of horse management and riding topics at monthly meetings. Annual evaluation sessions will be held during which participants will be able to demonstrate their new horse knowledge and riding skills in order to graduate to one of four Dream Stages: Preparatory Dreamers, Knowledge Dreamers, Mini-Pro Dreamers, Professional Dreamers.
An additional benefit offered to our 18 and under Dreamers is our Dreamers scholarship fund which is funded by monies raised through various fund raising activities throughout the year. Dreamers who volunteer to help at DHF shows, clinics and other educational events qualify to apply for a scholarship. Granted Dreamer scholarships can be used to fund educational opportunities like participating in shows riding and riding in DHF-approved clinics.
Once Dreamers have proven themselves to be dedicated to higher learning, they may be selected to enter our advanced educational program and become a working student where they'll gain hands-on experience working with the horses and clients of DHF in every aspect of daily care.
Working Student “graduates”, become Apprentices. The nature of apprentice work is to learn, and as such becomes the primary goal. The apprentice is actively involved with all aspects of the business in order to obtain a better understanding of what defines the career of an Equestrian Professional. DHF Apprentices’ high level of responsibility includes: Barn Management, Marketing, Event Planning, Operating Procedures, Client Relations, Teaching, Running Summer Camps, Lesson Horse Training Program and Facility Maintenance. Through such involvement and responsibility, the apprentice becomes acutely aware of all farm matters so that he or she may participate in decision-making and discussion. Apprentices normally live on-site to become fully immersed in the educational atmosphere.
Benefits of being a DHF Dreamer Working Student:
1. All work hours are logged as credit in the books and then working students can spend that credit on lessons, board and/or clinics at DHF.
2. Enjoy a 10% discount off lessons at DHF with any of our professional trainers, Natalie, Sheila, Jen and Jeremy.
3. NEW!!! In conjunction with your required weekly regular lesson, you will now get one FREE lesson weekly with a DHF Trainer Apprentice, Helen or Sami. Working Students are encouraged to alternate between Helen and Sami on a regular basis.Please Note: haul-in and lesson horse use fees still apply and will be reflected on your monthly statement.
4. Priority staff scheduling and FREE auditing during DHF educational events like clinics and seminars to maximize available time to learn from observation.
Requirements of DHF Dreamer Working Students:
1. Consistently present yourself politely and professionally on and off DHF-you represent DHF's future and people will use you to evaluate the quality of education provided at DHF.
2. Show up early to work and never hesitate to ask questions to learn more.
3. Take advantage of every learning opportunity offered at DHF-we expect you to audit every clinic and to take time to sit and watch while our DHF instructors teach regular lessons to maximize your own education.
4. Fill out the DHF Rider Goals sheet outlining your personal equestrian goals and bring it to your next lesson for discussion with your DHF instructor so you can work together to develop a plan to achieve them (will be sent separately).
5. Be an active, reliable, upstanding member of the DHF Dreamers group. You are required to attend 10 of the 12 meetings (meetings are held once a month). Annual membership dues: $35
6. Volunteer to represent the DHF Dreamers at events both at DHF and away. You need to be prepared to explain to people what DHF means to you, what you get out of being a DHF Dreamer, and how/why you feel DHF is different than other farms.
7. Take notes at each DHF educational event. We have developed a clinic questionnaire to assist working students with note taking and to encourage critical thinking. Make sure you take a copy with you to each event so that you and your DHF coach can review your observations/questions at the beginning of your next lesson (will be sent separately).
8. Attend and participate in the free theory lesson offered a few days after each DHF clinic.
9. Required participation in regularly scheduled DHF staff meetings.
We hope that DHF's many educational offerings help to foster a sense of community and encourage education beyond the scope of riding lessons thereby enhancing your experience at DHF.
Welcome!
-Jen
Back to Working Students Next to Apprentices
