Ayrshire Farm

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Apprentices come from throughout the United States and Europe to work and learn at Ayrshire Farm in Upperville, Virginia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just sixty miles from the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Historic Ayrshire Farm, with its 800 acres, was founded by a Scottish immigrant in the early 1800’s. The magnificent 42-room stone mansion, along with the grand stable, was built in the early 1900’s. In later years the farm and its buildings began a descent into obscurity, becoming dilapidated and finally approaching a takeover by predatory land developers.

Luckily, in 1996, historic Ayrshire was purchased and saved from complete destruction. The new owner, Sandy Lerner, Co-founder of Cisco Systems, saw beyond a field of dreams and launched her mission to restore the farm to its original role as a first-class stable and productive farm. Buildings and stone walls have been restored, new fences built and fruit orchards and trees have been planted. The gardens have been reintroduced in the English tradition throughout the entire estate, surrounding the mansion, and flanking the driveways and paths leading to the main stable and courtyard.

The Ayrshire Farm Apprenticeship Program has become a place where students can come and gain hand s-on experience in all aspects of horse husbandry, stable management, and horse training with the draft breed. Great emphasis is placed on training our horses in various disciplines of riding, as well as both pleasure driving (carriage driving) and field work. Included in the curriculum is horse health care, a breeding program, foaling and foal care. To further enhance their skills we participate in a full calendar of horse events and activities. In addition to the wealth of experience, the students receive a generous monthly stipend and are housed in a complete furnished dormitory on the farm.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Ayrshire Farm offers excellent benefits and most of the positions offer the possibility of on-site housing.

Unique opportunity for hands-on-individual to manage our herd of Ancient White Park and Scottish Highland Cattle. Must have experience in husbandry, humane principles and sustainable farming methods. This position also manages the care and feeding of organic rare breed pigs and a small dairy herd. Responsible for supervising workers, maintaining records and breeding programs. On-site housing and excellent benefits.

SWINE MANAGER
Experienced Swine Manager needed for the care and feeding of organic rare breed pigs. Duties include maintaining quality control and production records. Breeding experience a requirement.

DAIRY MANAGER
Unique opportunity for hands-on Manager. Long term possibility for right person to manage small dairy herd. Opportunity to increase/develop dairy program. Must have experience in husbandry, humane principles and sustainable farming methods. Responsible for supervising workers, maintaining records and breeding.

GROOMS
Experienced full-time grooms needed. Must be dependable and diligent. Opportunities for carriage driving, draft horse shows & expos. Riding experience required, preferably with background in Dressage.