The Kentucky Equine Management Internship (KEMI) program is currently accepting applications for their fall 2018 session. Session dates are June 18 – November 30, 2018.
The Kentucky Equine Management Internship offers a comprehensive educational experience for students enrolled for academic credit through a sponsoring college or university, or for recent graduates of such institutions. Through the internship, students integrate academic studies with practical experience, leadership and responsibility as a contributing participant on a Central Kentucky horse farm. Aside from farm commitments, students are introduced into a network of equine professionals representing multifaceted careers in the equine profession.
During the first week of the course, students participate in orientation activities as a group. After the first week, students are employed full-time by participating farms where they become familiar with the day-to-day management of horses on commercial thoroughbred farms. On area farms, a typical full-time work week is 48 hours per week with one day off. In most cases, students work hands-on with horses, however some farms may also assign responsibilities associated with record keeping, veterinary care or farm maintenance. At least one night each week students meet as a group for a classroom lecture, laboratory exercise or demonstration.
During the fall session, most students will be placed with farms that prepare horses for commercial auctions. There are major thoroughbred sales almost monthly beginning in July. Students gain experience in the techniques for preparing yearlings, weanlings and broodmares for sale and have the opportunity to learn about the factors that affect the value of an individual horse including pedigree, conformation and soundness. Students working for farms with sales horses should expect to work extended hours during the sale. A few host sites offer opportunities to work with horses under saddle; however, these opportunities are limited and students must meet strict criteria for riding ability and height/weight restrictions.
For more information and to apply, please visit the Kentucky Equine Management Internship website: http://www.kemi.org/application-info/
Applications are due April 30, 2018.