The NRCHA Trainer Internship program is designed for those who want to explore the career option of training horses, without losing their non-pro status.
NRCHA Trainer Internship Program
Specifications:
Internship must be pre-approved by the NRCHA Board of Directors. The NRCHA Board of Directors has the right to deny NRCHA Internship status for any reason. During the internship, interns can show ONLY show in the OPEN division(s) for which they are eligible. The intern can show owned or non-owned horses. At the end of the internship (a maximum 1-year period), the intern may apply to return to NON PRO eligibility if they have not exceeded $100,000 in Open earnings. This re-application must be approved and granted by the NRCHA Board of Directors.Per the 2025 NRCHA Rule Book 2.2.1.6 Definitions (p 18)
Process for Trainer Internship Application:
- Secure an internship with trainer of intern’s choice and negotiate terms.
- Submit application at least 30 days prior to starting internship.
- Applicants will be contacted by phone within 30 days of application.
- If approved, intern’s membership eligibility will be changed to OPEN division(s).
“This program allows young people a year to figure out what they want to do and if training horses is for them, without the fear of losing their non pro status if they decide to pursue something else. Ideally, these interns will learn about the training part of the industry, but also about the business side, which probably even more important than how to train a horse. It’s a good opportunity for cow horse kids a chance to experiment with being a pro and see if it’s for them.”
Todd CrawfordNRCHA Treasurer & Professional Trainer
