The Bluerock Ranch Intern Experience

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Ranch-Sponsored Internship

Our Ranch-Sponsored Internship is our primary internship pathway and is designed for strong, confident riders who want an immersive, hands-on opportunity to further develop their horsemanship while working with young and developing horses.

We typically welcome a small number of Ranch-Sponsored Interns during each of our spring, summer and fall sessions.

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What You’ll Experience

No two days are exactly alike. Depending on your experience, the horses in the program, and what is happening during your session, your time at the ranch may include:​

• Arena work and groundwork

• Working with young and green horses

• Colt starting and developing young horses

• Trail and mountain riding

• Cattle and livestock work

• Ranch chores and day-to-day horse care

• Putting meaningful miles on developing horses in real-world situations

• Learning alongside our head trainer and ranch team

• Taking part in general ranch life

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This is much more than riding circles in an arena. Our goal is to develop horses that are confident, versatile and capable in a wide variety of environments, and interns play an important role in that process.

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Who We’re Looking For

Applicants should have a strong riding and horsemanship background, whether English or Western.

Experience starting colts or working with young, green horses is a significant asset.

Horsemanship matters, but it is only part of what we look for. We also want people who bring:

• A great attitude

• A strong work ethic

• A willingness to learn

• Coachability

• A positive, low-drama mindset

• The ability to contribute to a close-knit ranch environment

 

Selection is not simply about having the strongest résumé. We are looking for people who will contribute positively to the ranch, embrace the experience and make the most of the opportunity they are given

Interns live at the ranch for the duration of their session, with room and board provided by Bluerock Ranch. Our program is open to Canadian and international applicants aged 18 and over.

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More Than Horsemanship​​

Throughout each session, Bluerock Ranch invests in the development of our interns through ranch-sponsored learning opportunities, clinics and western experiences.

Depending on the season, these may include:

• Learning from outside trainers and clinicians

• Developing additional ranch and livestock skills

• Attending rodeos or western events

• Participating in ranch-sponsored experiences

• Exploring Alberta ranch country beyond the property

 

It is an opportunity to grow as a horseperson while experiencing a side of Alberta that few visitors ever get to see.

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Living at Bluerock

Interns live at the ranch for the duration of their session.

For Ranch-Sponsored Interns, accommodation, meals, clinics and ranch-sponsored learning experiences are covered by Bluerock Ranch. Interns are responsible for their own travel to and from the ranch.

The program is open to:

• Canadian applicants

• International applicants

• Applicants aged 18 and over

 

We intentionally keep each group small, which means spaces are limited and selection is highly competitive.

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Applying for the Ranch-Sponsored Internship

Applications for the following year typically open in late October.

We receive a large number of applications for a very small number of spaces, so we encourage prospective applicants to get to know us before applications open.

A short introduction video is one of the best ways to help us get to know the person behind the application.

Tell us:

• Who you are

• What draws you to Bluerock

• What experience you have with horses and riding

• What experience you have with young or green horses

• What you are hoping to learn

• What you are hoping to contribute

• Why you think life on a horse ranch in Alberta might suit you

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Don’t make it polished. No need for fancy edits unless you enjoy creating and want to do a few extra fun things to let us get to know your personality better. Don’t treat it like a university admissions video! 😄 Just talk to us.

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Then follow us on Instagram, TikTok and/or Facebook and interact with us between now and application time. Get to know what we do, comment, ask questions and follow along with the horses and ranch.

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We genuinely notice people who do this. When the formal competition opens and we’re suddenly looking through a huge number of applications, recognizing someone’s name and already having a sense of who they are definitely stands out.

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If you would like to inquire about our Ranch-Sponsored Internship before applications open, please send us a message on WhatsApp at

+1 604-379-5982

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Working Holiday Maker

Bluerock Ranch offers one additional way to formally join our internship experience for individuals who may not have the time available for a full Ranch-Sponsored Internship, or who are still developing their horsemanship skills but would like the opportunity to learn in a more immersive, extended clinic-style environment.

 

The Working Holiday Maker is a pay-to-stay opportunity, with one position available during each intern session.

 

Participants can stay at the ranch for 2 to 4 weeks and join in with the intern group throughout their stay.

 

Depending on your experience and what is happening at the ranch during your visit, you may take part in:

• Horsemanship development

• Riding and groundwork

• Colt starting and work with young horses, where appropriate

• Ranch chores and horse care

• General ranch activities

• Intern learning opportunities

• Day-to-day ranch life

 

This option is designed for people who want more than a short clinic, but who may not yet be ready, or available, for the full Ranch-Sponsored Internship.

 

One Working Holiday Maker applicant will be selected for each intern session.

 

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send us a message on WhatsApp at +1 604-379-5982 and specify that you are inquiring about the Working Holiday Maker opportunity. 

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