Working Study Program at Holtsmúli

A new program in Equine Studies

Úrvalshestar offer a unique program where students can come and stay for a longer period of time to learn how to train horses. The program includes extensive practical training and is based on giving students ample opportunity to learn new techniques and practice them until they have been mastered. The learning program consists of lectures and demonstrations as well as riding lessons, both private and in a group. There are between 4- 6 working students at Holtsmúli at any given time and each student receives instruction suited to his/ her competency level.
The Equine Studies Program curriculum is divided into levels. At the end of each level, the student is tested on his/her ability and competency level. After passing all of the tests the student will receive a diploma issued by Úrvalshestar.
The syllabuses for each of the levels are available below. We teach in English.

Curriculum in Equine Studies

At the beginning of the program both the student and a representative from Úrvalshestar must sign a contract. This contract lists the responsibilities of both parties.

Contract for work study at Úrvalshestar

Students staying for a minimum of six months get a horse to keep!

Students staying for 6 months or longer get priority over students staying for a shorter period of time. Working students can choose between 2 options in their contract.

Option 1.

The student will receive a horse to own at the completion of a six month time period. This horse is at the age of 3-5 years, chosen by the student from a group of a few horses offered by Úrvalshestar. The student will have worked with the horses available in order to make a good selection of a horse he/she is interested in. The selection of this horse takes place after ca 4 months of stay, and the student will from then on, work with his/her horse during working hours with supervision.

The transfer of ownership is in no way dependant on the test scores for each level, it is dependant in the duration of study (minimum 6 months).
This is a special opportunity for students to learn correct training methods and practice them on their own horse that they can then take home and keep working with in the future.

Option 2.

The working student receives a certain amount of money each month based on his progress through the levels. The amount increases as the student passes more tests:

From the start until the end of 1. level: 25.000 icelandic kronur per month

At completion of 1. level: 50.000 icelandic kronur per month

At completion of 2. level: 75.000 icelandic kronur per month

At completion of 3rd level: 100.000 icelandic kronur per month

At the completion of 4th level payment per month is negotiated between the student and Úrvalshestar.

Evaluation of progress and testing procedure

Each student is given the opportunity to take the curriculum level tests whenever he/she feels ready. In this way, each student is given the time he/she needs to master the tasks and isn´t bound by time limits. This offers advanced students the opportunity to complete tests in a shorter period of time, while novice students receive the time they need to increase their competency level.

The curriculum for the first three levels of the Equine Studies Program is complete and is already in progress. We are working on final revisions on levels four through seven, and students will be able to work on them starting this fall. We welcome all who wish to learn more about equitation, training and horse breeding and invite you to apply. We respond to all inquiries.

Application

Student facilities

Students living at Holtsmúli receive accommodation in a small house, called Báran. The house has three bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room for students to watch TV, rest and relax. Students usually share bedrooms with another working student. Báran has a washing machine and wireless Internet connection.

Trips to shop for groceries and other necessities are available on a regular basis. It is crucial that working students bring warm clothing, riding boots (with a heel) and a riding helmet. In addition we recommend the following items:
     - Riding breeches
     - Warm gloves
     - Warm overalls
     - Wool socks
     - Hat that can be worn under helmet
     - Thermal underwear
     - Warm coat and sweaters

Stephanie Podlech. The first working student to take a test. She past the first level with honors and is now working on level two