Internships
Here at KESMARC Kentucky, we fully understand the “exclusiveness” of our facility, being one of the few Equine Rehabilitation Centers of its kind worldwide. Our goal is to give future horsemen and horsewomen a sound understanding of Equine Rehabilitation and the commitment necessary to succeed in the equine field. Interns will learn proper bandaging, surgery aftercare, handling of horses of different breeds, disciplines, and personalities and will learn about customizing care for horses with a variety of problems as well as for conditioning horses.
Our programs are available to anyone 18 years and older. Those who benefit most from interning with us are those interested in gaining a “real-world” view of the equine industry in general, equine rehabilitation, equine nursing, and veterinary medicine in particular. We look for self-motivated, hard-working individuals who are “horse-savvy” and willing to think outside of the box.
Our internship program is unique in that barring any unforeseen circumstances, our interns are not required to do daily mucking of stalls, do overnight foal watch nightly, or feed daily. Our goal is to allow interns to learn from some of the best in the business and be able to see some of the newest and most effective treatments and technologies for a variety of problems.
We have had graduates of our program go on to be vets in Australia, Europe, the middle east, and South America; become chiropractors and acupuncturists as well as have their own practices and work at some of the best farms, tracks, and veterinary practices around the world.
We are proud to offer two different internship programs: the Derby and Oaks. Please note both of these programs are UNPAID. Interns are also responsible for their own living expenses (aka food), insurance, VISAs if needed, and travel expenses. In addition, all interns must possess a valid driver’s license or passport as well as proof of health insurance.
The Derby Program is offered in three month blocks:
Spring: February 18th – May 14th
Summer: May 15th – August 15th*
Fall: August 16th – November 16th
Winter: November 17th - February 17th
*Summer is extremely competitive due to time off school; please get applications in early and do not be discouraged if not chosen for your first try; consider reapplying for a different time block or reapplying for summer.
The applicant may choose to intern for three months, six months, nine months, or twelve months.
Each intern will be expected to work a six-day work week, with hours varying due to daily schedules. Interns average 8 hours a day, 48 hours per week.
Duties expected of our interns may include, but are not limited to:
Daily administration of medications and supplements
Daily monitoring of temperature, appetite, etc
Daily examining of horses for heat, soreness, etc
General care, including grooming and bathing
Applying bandages and other topical treatments
Assisting veterinarians, farriers, therapists, etc as needed
Daily record keeping on horses for billing and health record purposes
Aiding in maintaining a clean, neat barn and work area
Any tasks that may arise in the day to day operation of an equine facility
The internship is very hands-on. Responsibilities increase as each intern’s skills and knowledge increases. The longer each intern is with us, the more opportunities they will have to see and learn. The absolute best way to learn in this environment is to ask questions. We have some of the best in the business come through our doors and are willing to share their knowledge. But you have to ask questions to learn from them. Ask why, ask what, ask any question you can think of!
Interns should note that they will not be personally swimming, aquatreding horses or putting them in the cold salt water spa. This is for the safety of our interns as well as for the horses.
Housing is provided on-site in a dorm-style, fully furnished apartment with a full-size kitchen. Up to four people may share the apartment. Interns may choose to bring their own vehicle; parking is provided in front of the intern apartment.
Derby Program
The Oaks Program is ideal for those who desire a more flexible schedule than that offered through the Derby Program. We require a minimum duration of 2.5 months, but it can be extended up to one year, if needed. Consideration will be given to current veterinary students who would like to come for a two-week rotation.
Oaks Interns also have the option of interning on a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time consists of six-days per week, averaging 48 hours per week. Part-time interns may come for a minimum of 4 full days. This allows current students, those with part-time jobs, etc, to work around their other commitments. These minimum time requirements are for the benefit of the interns. Interns that strictly come for half days or only a couple days a week really do not get what they want to or learn what they should from this internship. We have found that interns that do only come a couple days a week or for half days tend to spend the majority of their time here playing "catch up" as we have much that goes on and things that change each day.
Housing is NOT provided for those interning through the Oaks Program.
Exposure to KESMARC KY is similar to those interning through the Derby Program. Responsibilities increase as skills and knowledge increases; the longer each intern is with us, the more opportunity they will have to see and do.
Depending on the duration of the internship, duties may include, but are not limited to:
Daily administration of medications and supplements
Daily monitoring of temperature, appetite, etc
Daily examining of horses for heat, soreness, etc
General care, including grooming and bathing
Applying bandages and other topical treatments
Assisting veterinarians, farriers, therapists, etc as needed
Daily record keeping on horses for billing and health record purposes
Aiding in maintaining a clean, neat barn and work area
Any tasks that may arise in the day to day operation of an equine facility
Oaks Program
DERBY PROGRAM: Please refer to recommended submission dates for each block. Only a limited number of positions are available, and they do fill quickly.
Spring Block – Recommended submission date October 15th
Summer Block – Recommended submission date January 31st
Fall Block – Recommended submission date April 15th
Winter Block – Recommended submission date July 15th
OAKS PROGRAM: As the start date and duration is much more flexible in the Oaks Program, we will accept applications at any time. In order to secure your position, we do recommend submitting the application at least three months prior to the desired start date.
