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CIT Program

What is a CIT? What does the program entail?

To be a “Counselor in Training” at Red Gate Farm is to have a higher level of responsibility for the care of the horses. It is a way for students to learn hands-on about how to run a barn, daily care for the horses, and a close-up look at teaching. CITs are able to stand in the arena with instructors to help students and observe lessons. It’s a great “first job” for young adults, and teaches the CIT how to be professional and talk to kids and adults that she doesn’t know.

 

When can I become a CIT?

A rider may be a CIT year-round and help out with activities in the barn and the horses’ care, but the CIT program is at its height during Summer Camp. At camp, the CIT is a “mini instructor” that helps to teach the campers how to groom and tack the horses. You can pick any week of the summer to work as a CIT; we strongly encourage each CIT to work two weeks’ of camp minimum, but they do not have to be consecutive weeks.

 

CIT PERKS

Two weeks of CIT work at camp this summer will get you in to the CIT/Barn Worker Pool & Pizza Party at the end of camp!

The CIT earns a group lesson at the end of each week for 5 days worked. If the CIT only works 4 days, then the CIT may hack instead.

 

CIT Summer Camp Schedule

7:30/ 8 am – 3:30 pm 

Camp begins at 8:30, and campers usually arrive around 8 am, so CITs need to be here no later than 7:30- 8  pm. Camp ends at 3:00 so CITs need to plan to stay until 3:30.

Each CIT will be assigned  approximately 2 horses and 4 riders for the week of camp. These horse and rider pairs will be the CIT’s responsibility for the week: ensuring that the two horses are in, following the rider to the lesson to assist the instructor, and helping to put the horses away after.

After lunch, the CITs will clean the barn: cleaning the stalls, restocking hay, and cleaning tack.

 

What do I need to become a CIT?

  1. Attend CIT Training Sessions: These occur regularly throughout the spring. Ask the barn manager for more info on training. Sign up sheet is in the barn!
  2. Parent Approval Form: You need to fill out this form with the dates you plan to work with yours and your parents’ signatures. Parent Signature Form
  3. A Red Gate Farm polo shirt (or multiple red polo shirts) – you need some Red Gate Farm apparel to distinguish you from the campers!

If you’re interested in becoming a CIT, please contact the Barn Manager