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Careers and Education in the Horse Industry - Internships

Expert Barbara Strawson

Questions (For answers, scroll down or click on question)

I would like to know more information about the careers available in the horse business.

I am a college freshman interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine with a specialty in equine practice and equine breeding. Is it possible to get a summer internship at a breeding facility without much experience? Would this prepare me for an equine science/pre-vet program?

I am a 49 year old male that will soon retire from the US Navy Chaplain Corps. I have a BS in Animal Science, a Masters of Divinity, and am nine hours short of a Masters in Human Resource Management. My long range plan is to open a stable for handicapped kids. What information can you give on intern positions that will help me reach my goal?

What areas in the horse industry offer Internships?

Please tell me where and how I can get into horse training.

How does a person with little to no experience in the professional Equus field get started? I am ready for a career change and don't know where to start.


Questions and Answers

Q: What areas in the horse industry offer Internships?

A: Breeding farms and farriers are the two most common areas.

 

Q: Please tell me where and how I can get into horse training.

A: There are many different ways you can get into horse training. Your approach may depend on what area of the horse industry you are interested in. In our area, dressage training and breeding, it is common to become a working student or intern to gain experience. In one of these positions the student will work in exchange for the learning experience. After gaining some experience, the student may then find a job in his/her area of interest. Some people may begin with a job as a stable hand and as they learn more, may also find the opportunity to move into other areas of the industry. If you provide more information on what you are interested in, I may be able to better head you in the right direction.

 

Q: How does a person with little to no experience in the professional Equus field get started? I am ready for a career change and don't know where to start.

A: As there are many different jobs in the horse industry, it is hard to answer that question without knowing more information about you. If you are not sure what you want to do, you can start by making a list of everything you enjoy about horses. Next, write down the things you know how to do. Out of all these things, what do you think you would enjoy the most? Some other things you will want to consider are what breed of horse do you like? What style of riding do you enjoy? Would you be most happy in a riding position or one in which you take care of the horses? If you are not sure, go to different types of horse shows and watch. Ask some questions.

To get started you may first take a job as a working student or intern. You will not get paid much, but you will gain valuable experience. You might start with a job in a local stable taking care of the horses to see if you like it and what areas you may be more interested in. Once you narrow down some of your interests, we might be able to better guide you in how to start.

 

Q: I am a 49 year old male that will soon retire from the US Navy Chaplain Corps. I have a BS in Animal Science, a Masters of Divinity, and am nine hours short of a Masters in Human Resource Management. My long range plan is to open a stable for handicapped kids. What information can you give on intern positions that will help me reach my goal?

A: You can call the NARHA, 800-369-RIDE for information on handicap programs and internships available. They also have a website at www.narha.org. I also know someone in Annapolis, Maryland who takes interns or she could recommend places you can call. If you would like her name and number, please call me at 410-658-9898 or send your request via email to hilltop@equerry.com.

 

Q: I am a college freshman interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine with a specialty in equine practice and equine breeding. Is it possible to get a summer internship at a breeding facility without much experience? Would this prepare me for an equine science/pre-vet program?

A: It should be possible to get an internship without much experience. The important thing to have is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. This should prepare you for a pre-vet program as an internship involves a lot of practical experience, such as observing and helping with foaling, handling foals, inseminating mares, seeing the collection process, and teasing. You would also get the experience of observing the Veterinarian during these processes as well as handling the horses for routine veterinary care. It is the practical experience that will be an asset on your veterinary school application.

 

Q: I would like to know more information about the careers available in the horse business.

A: There are several articles which discuss careers in the horse business and information about colleges. Unfortunately, I do not have the issues to get dates on all of them.

  • "Back to Basics", Equus
  • "How to Get Horse Smart", Equus Buyer Savvy
  • "The Road to a Riding Career", Practical Horseman, August 97
  • "The Education Edge", Horseplay, October 97
  • The Chronicle of the Horse - Intercollegiate Riding Issue, Friday, April 3, 1998
  • The Complete Guide to Horse Careers by Sue Reynolds, New Horizons Equestrian Education Center, 425 Red Mountain Road, Livermore, CO 80536, ISBN: 0-9663559-0-3
  • 50 Careers with Horses by Bonnie Kreitler, Breakthrough Publishing, 30 N. Highland Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562, ISBN: 0-9143276-0-7  

 


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