NRCHA Trainer Internship Program

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.

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:

  1. Secure an internship with trainer of intern’s choice and negotiate terms.
  2. Submit application at least 30 days prior to starting internship.
  3. Applicants will be contacted by phone within 30 days of application.
  4. If approved, intern’s membership eligibility will be changed to OPEN division(s).
Apply Here

“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.”

Todd CrawfordNRCHA Treasurer & Professional Trainer

Current Interns

Member NameCity, StateNRCHA ProfessionalInternship Term Dates
Mason ElliotKersey, COClay RoeserJune 1 - November 1, 2025
Collin OchsnerBertram, TXWade MeadorJune 15, 2025 - June 15, 2026

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