Horse Youth Programs

Two participants from Colorado or Wyoming will be selected each year to complete one 18-month term focusing on the operations of the annual NWSS by shadowing the staff and committees during the planning, decision, and execution phases. It is intended as an introduction to career and volunteer opportunities within the equine industry.

Details and applications will be available beginning September 1st with applications due September 30th.

Mentor Matchup matches selected youth with industry professionals who act as their “coach” for the day. They will be given one-on-one practice time in the morning followed by a competition in the afternoon. A Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will be named and awarded scholarship money of $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Up to 10 individuals, ages 14-21, from Colorado and Wyoming will be selected to participate. Selections will be based on:

• Horse and rider connection and potential
• Desire to be involved in the equine industry
• Professionalism
• Humane and respectful treatment of all animals and individuals

Competition tasks will be determined once finalists are selected and may include: ranch trail obstacles, reining maneuvers and cattle work such as roping, boxing, sorting and/or fence work.

Interested youth must be a Colorado or Wyoming resident between 14 – 21 years of age and will be selected based on the procedure for the RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining. You will submit a completed application and a short video showing the horse/rider pair’s potential for a freestyle reining performance no later than September 30, 2021. Riders must have a current NRHA membership card and horses must have a current NRHA license to be considered. Selections will be based on quality, talent, creativity and entertainment.

Up to six finalists from Colorado or Wyoming will be selected to compete for Champion and Reserve Champion and over $3,000 in scholarship money.

Please read the specifications carefully BEFORE submitting an application. By signing and submitting an application, you agree to all the specifications.

Details and applications will be available beginning September 1st with applications due September 30th.

Equine Event Internship

Spring-Summer (April-August)
This internship focuses on third-party managed equestrian events hosted at the National Western Complex throughout the year (Complex Events). Applicants need to receive credit through their school, university or institution. This internship is for school credit and is unpaid.

This educational internship provides event-planning experience with potential to build lifelong connections. Applicants should be enthusiastic, professional and have a strong work ethic. They must have strong communication and organizational skills, be detail oriented and possess an ability to handle themselves in various situations.

This internship will provide students an opportunity to learn about different aspects of the equine industry through hands-on experience with various shows and events hosted at the National Western Complex. They will work directly with show promoters and various NW staff to prepare for and provide an excellent experience for our Complex Events.

The intern will need to be available from approximately April 15th to August 15th for 8-12 hours a week. Submit your resume and cover letter to horse@nationalwestern.com no later than March 31, 2022 to be considered. See the full description and details HERE.