This Program is ideal for students seeking structural progression beyond weekly lessons
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At Horseplay & Harmony, we believe that truly understanding horses requires more than participation — it requires observation, thoughtful discussion, and guided application.
Our Mentorship Program is designed for riders, aspiring trainers, horse owners, and equine professionals who are looking to deepen their understanding of training theory, behavioural development, and coaching practices through immersive, real-world learning experiences. Whether your goal is to improve your effectiveness in the saddle, develop practical training skills on the ground, or simply gain a clearer understanding of your horse’s behaviour and the “why” behind their responses, our mentorship opportunities provide meaningful insight into the decision-making processes that support calm, capable, and confident horses — from foundational development through advanced refinement. Through structured shadowing opportunities, case-based discussions, and hands-on participation (as appropriate), participants are supported in developing their observational skills, timing, feel, and understanding in a way that prioritizes clarity, compassion, and progressive horsemanship. |
Who is this for?
Our Mentorship Opportunities are designed to support a wide range of individuals who are looking to expand their understanding of horses, training, and behaviour in a thoughtful and supportive environment.
This program may be a great fit for:
This program may be a great fit for:
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Horse Owners
Who want to better understand their horse’s behaviour, emotional responses, and learning process — whether or not they are actively pursuing ridden performance goals. Riders
Looking to deepen their understanding of how training decisions impact their horse’s confidence, balance, and long-term development both in and out of the saddle. |
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What To Expect
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Participants can expect:
Structured Shadowing Opportunities Observe professional training sessions, groundwork, liberty work, and private lessons while gaining insight into the planning, progression, and decision-making that support each horse’s development. Guided Discussion & Reflection Engage in conversations that explore the reasoning behind training approaches, behavioural responses, and coaching strategies — with opportunities to ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of the “why” behind the work. Development of Observational Skills Learn what to look for when assessing tension, understanding, readiness, and emotional state in both horse and rider — and how these factors influence training decisions. Application of Concepts Where appropriate, participants may have opportunities to apply foundational skills under supervision through groundwork, handling, or rider support roles. Exposure to Program Planning Gain insight into how training and lesson plans are structured to support progressive development from foundation through refinement. Mentorship opportunities are individualized to ensure that each participant is supported in a way that aligns with their experience level, interests, and long-term goals. |
Mentorship Opportunities
Mentorship placements are individualized based on experience level, interests, and professional goals. Mentorship opportunities may include:
Training Session Shadowing |
Shadow private lessons to better understand how training concepts are translated into rider education.
Topics may include:
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Lesson Observation & Coaching Insight |
Observe professional training sessions across a range of developmental stages — from young horses learning foundational skills to more advanced horses refining athletic work.
Participants will gain insight into:
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Case Study Discussion |
Participate in guided discussions focused on real training scenarios.
May include:
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Guided Hands on Practice |
Where appropriate, participants may have the opportunity to apply skills under supervision through:
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Video Review and Training Analysis |
Review recorded sessions to develop observational skills and deepen understanding of:
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Instructor and Trainer Development |
Ideal for those interested in pursuing professional roles within the industry.
Topics may include:
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Mentorship Pathways
Mentorship opportunities at Horseplay & Harmony are offered through three progressive pathways designed to support growth in understanding, feel, and application — whether your goal is to better understand your horse’s behaviour, gain confidence in your handling, or begin applying foundational training concepts with guidance.
Each pathway includes a consistent weekly shadow placement within an active training environment. Additional individualized mentorship support is introduced at each level to help participants connect what they observe to their own horse and begin applying these concepts with clarity.
Each pathway includes a consistent weekly shadow placement within an active training environment. Additional individualized mentorship support is introduced at each level to help participants connect what they observe to their own horse and begin applying these concepts with clarity.
Foundation Mentorship |
Observe & Understand
Designed for participants who are looking to develop a clearer understanding of behaviour, communication, and the learning process through observation and guided discussion. Learning within Foundation placements is focused on the horses and sessions being observed, helping participants build a stronger understanding of how training decisions are made and adjusted in real time. Includes:
Investment: Half-Day Placement (3 hrs/week) $495 / month + tax ($41.25/hr) Full-Day Placement (5.5 hrs/week) $825 / month + tax ($37.50/hr) |
Development Mentorship (*Most Popular!) |
Observe, Discuss, & Connect It to Your Horse
For participants who would like support in understanding how the concepts they observe apply directly to their own horse. In addition to weekly shadow placements, Development participants receive: ✅ Weekly 30-Minute Individual Mentorship Session This dedicated mentorship time may be used to:
Investment: Half-Day Placement (3 hrs/week) 12 hrs shadow
Full-Day Placement (5.5 hrs/week) 22 hrs shadow
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Refinement Mentorship
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Observe, Discuss, & Apply
Ideal for participants who are looking to begin applying foundational concepts with guided support in a structured and supportive environment. Includes:
Lessons may focus on:
Investment: Half-Day Placement (3 hrs/week) 12 hrs shadow
Full-Day Placement (5.5 hrs/week) 22 hrs shadow
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Drop-In Shadow Day
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A Flexible Introduction to the Mentorship Program
Ideal for those who would like a behind-the-scenes look into the training process without committing to an ongoing mentorship placement. Investment Half-Day Shadow (3 hrs) $165 + tax ($55.00/hr) Full-Day Shadow (5.5 hrs) $295 + tax ($53.64/hr) |
Mentorship placements are limited to ensure quality of experience for both participants and horses in training.
Applicant Process
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Step 1: Written Application
Prospective participants will be asked to provide information regarding:
Step 2: Introductory Conversation Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a brief discussion to:
Step 3: Placement & Scheduling Once accepted, mentorship opportunities will be scheduled based on availability and may take place on an ongoing or short-term basis depending on the participant’s goals. |
Is Mentorship Right For Me?
Mentorship at Horseplay & Harmony offers a unique opportunity to step inside the day-to-day operations of an active breeding, training, and sales program at Blitzen Estate.
Rather than observing from the sidelines, mentorship participants are welcomed into the working rhythm of a professional training facility — gaining insight into how horses are developed, educated, prepared, and supported across a variety of stages and goals.
Mentorship placements include approximately 3–5 hours of guided, hands-on learning each week, with our highest-tier placements also including a dedicated weekly private lesson. This structure allows students to move beyond isolated instruction and begin to understand how foundational concepts are applied across multiple horses, situations, and training timelines.
Because mentorship is built around the real-time needs of horses and clients within the program, placements can be tailored to support a wide range of learning goals.
Participants may have opportunities to:
✔ Learn safe and effective handling of foals or young horses
✔ Gain insight into breeding program management and decision-making
✔ Observe and assist with early ridden development
✔ Support horses being prepared for shows or future careers
✔ Develop skills in liberty or trick training
✔ Explore approaches to behavioural or confidence challenges
✔ Learn how to support riders working through confidence or training setbacks
✔ Understand how training principles are applied across different horses
✔ Experience the day-to-day routines and responsibilities of a professional training program
Mentorship placements are individualized to support your current stage of development and may focus on groundwork, liberty, trick training, ridden work, or broader aspects of horse and rider development depending on your goals and interests.
For many, mentorship offers the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be part of a working breeding and training facility — not just for a day, but as part of a consistent and supportive learning environment.
Rather than observing from the sidelines, mentorship participants are welcomed into the working rhythm of a professional training facility — gaining insight into how horses are developed, educated, prepared, and supported across a variety of stages and goals.
Mentorship placements include approximately 3–5 hours of guided, hands-on learning each week, with our highest-tier placements also including a dedicated weekly private lesson. This structure allows students to move beyond isolated instruction and begin to understand how foundational concepts are applied across multiple horses, situations, and training timelines.
Because mentorship is built around the real-time needs of horses and clients within the program, placements can be tailored to support a wide range of learning goals.
Participants may have opportunities to:
✔ Learn safe and effective handling of foals or young horses
✔ Gain insight into breeding program management and decision-making
✔ Observe and assist with early ridden development
✔ Support horses being prepared for shows or future careers
✔ Develop skills in liberty or trick training
✔ Explore approaches to behavioural or confidence challenges
✔ Learn how to support riders working through confidence or training setbacks
✔ Understand how training principles are applied across different horses
✔ Experience the day-to-day routines and responsibilities of a professional training program
Mentorship placements are individualized to support your current stage of development and may focus on groundwork, liberty, trick training, ridden work, or broader aspects of horse and rider development depending on your goals and interests.
For many, mentorship offers the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be part of a working breeding and training facility — not just for a day, but as part of a consistent and supportive learning environment.
Application Form
What Happens Next?
- Submit Your Application
Complete the Mentorship Application form to share more about your experience, goals, and the type of support you’re seeking. - Application Review
We carefully review each submission to ensure the program is aligned with your current stage of development and training goals. - Follow-Up Communication
If your application is a potential fit, we may reach out by email to request additional information or schedule a brief intake conversation. - Program Placement Recommendation
Based on your goals, availability, and experience, we will provide guidance on the most appropriate mentorship pathway or next step within Horseplay & Harmony. - Enrollment & Scheduling
Once placement is confirmed, program details and scheduling options will be provided to support your onboarding into the mentorship experience.
Submitting an application does not commit you to enrollment. This process is designed to ensure that each mentorship placement supports both your goals and your horse’s long-term development.