Standing Heart Ranch Internships
Standing Heart Ranch offers internships for enthusiastic students seeking greater knowledge and a deeper understanding of all levels of horsemanship. Internships can be personalized to fit each student's individual goals, regardless of discipline and skill level.
Dave was also a mentor to scholarship recipients through the Legacy of Legends which is no longer in operation.
2021 Travis & Natalie Brown
"We came to Standing Heart Ranch with the intention of improving our horsemanship in a handful of specific areas, yet we have come away with an entirely new perspective on what we offer to the horse and how in order to change our horses, we must first change ourselves. Our time under Dave’s mentorship has been the single most influential learning experience in our horsemanship journey. Many days of our internship involved Dave unselfishly giving more time and effort than we ever expected him to give, often spending hours on foot with us in the arena while his own horse waited on the high line. Dave has taught us to hone in on the smallest of things that mean so much to the horse, leading to a completely new understanding of what we can achieve with the smallest changes in our riding. We have learned more about the horse’s feet and how he operates than we ever thought. We are extremely grateful for everything Dave has taught us, and are excited to continue learning from our mentor, Dave Gamble." -Travis & Natalie Brown
2019 Cody Miller
"I was fortunate to intern with Dave Gamble at Standing Heart Ranch for 30 days. Dave’s skill, knowledge and experience are very apparent. Dave is excellent at discerning the level of horse and rider. He tactfully teaches specific to each, ensuring the foundation is set and builds upon it. He continually challenges the horse, giving them the necessary tools to be successful in their horsemanship.”
2018 Amy Heijen
"Dave has helped me to grow in my horsemanship a lot. I gained more confidence in my own riding and groundwork skills during my internship. I was amazed by how much progress Dave could make with a horse in a short amount of time. He taught me how to get a horse mentally connected and reaching for the human. Dave helped me finally realized how it feels when a horse is following a feel! I will take this learning experience forever with me and I will always be grateful for this amazing opportunity. "
2018 Emily Scholtec
"Dave’s ability to cater to different experience levels is wonderful. He has a knack for being able to hone in on where someone needs help and push them to advance without overwhelming them. He is quick to recognize improvements, which encourages his students and keeps us positive in the midst of the struggle to improve our horsemanship. His passion for the horse is obvious and contagious. Dave takes his responsibility as a teacher seriously, and gives us his all every day. I am grateful to have been matched with a mentor who cares so deeply and is so gifted.”
2018 Lili Mayhook
"After becoming a Legacy of Legends recipient, I could not have been more thrilled to hear that I was going to be working with Dave. What makes him different is that his passion and love is contagious. In my time at the Standing Heart Ranch, I not only felt more responsible for the outer and inner workings of my horses- but I have gotten to see his positive impact on many others and their horses. Everyone leaves a little better with the gumption to continue to be better. Through his accurate and particular teaching style, you are instantly more in tune with every movement the horse makes. The devotion and in-depth understanding that Dave offers is nothing short of a blessing to the industry. It will not matter what problems you come with, you will leave a better- more aware horseman. And for that, I owe Dave Gamble and his family everything.”
2018 Mary Gandy
"Learning from Dave in this one-on-one atmosphere is like taking shots of espresso instead of drinking a latte – he’s just been pouring information into my brain as fast as I can absorb it. I was fortunate to be able to bring my horses to Standing Heart Ranch to work with throughout my stay here. It’s been really interesting to watch the changes that are happening with each horse and myself, as well as the differences between horses and how they learn and process things.I’m so grateful for this opportunity to learn and am excited to take my knowledge and continue working with my horses.”
2017 Kat Licence
"After applying for the Legacy’s scholarship and learning I was one of the recipients, I couldn’t wait to get started. For me, Dave’s teaching style was exactly what I needed. He is particular and doesn’t sugar coat problems. He is honest with what he sees and articulates what the rider needs to change. He breaks each step down to ensure his students fully understand an exercise. As long as I was trying and didn’t give up, he was willing to repeat himself a thousand times until I fully understood. Dave absolutely changed my perspective on horsemanship and has become a dear friend and mentor.”
2017 Mandy Sensat
"Before I met Dave Gamble, I thought I was going pretty well when I rode my horse. Dave has completely changed my horsemanship. I have a better understanding of how a horse operates, how to ride mentally and physically, as well as how important ground work is. Dave is such a fantastic teacher! If I don’t understand something that he is trying to teach me, he breaks it down so that I can understand. He always give me a visual and then watches me do it so that I can feel it and he can help me further. I couldn’t imagine ever meeting someone like him and now I’m forever thankful and grateful to have the privilege to learn and continue learning from Dave Gamble. He is no doubt, one of THE best horseman.”