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Internship Program
Intern where performance begins
Valley Equine’s undergraduate internship program provides immersive, real-world experience in one of the country’s top reproductive facilities. Designed for students pursuing veterinary or equine careers, this program sets a strong foundation for success after graduation. All available internships can be found below, along with the requirements for application and deadlines.
Our Program
Valley Equine offers a hands-on internship for undergraduate students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine, equine reproduction, or management. Interns gain real-world experience in embryo transfer, foaling, and yearling prep for major sales like the NCHA and NRCHA Futurities.
With 45 stallions, a high-volume mare and recipient program, and over 200 yearlings prepped annually, this internship delivers immersive training in a fast-paced, high-level environment. Two tracks are available, both requiring strong horsemanship, attention to detail, and the ability to keep up with 10-hour days, six days a week.
2026 Breeding Season Internship
January 1 – July 15, 2026 | Due October 1, 2025 | Paid Position
Across the 180-day stretch in 2025, Valley Equine shipped 5,589 semen doses, completed 661 flushes, bred 1,169 mares in-house, and foaled out 211 foals. For interns, it’s an immersive experience in one of the country’s most respected breeding programs, where long days come with unmatched exposure and opportunity.
Responsibilities
- Handing of mares and mares with foals for reproductive exams
- Observe and assist foaling mares
- Assist resident veterinarians and staff with medical treatments/procedures
- Administer medical treatments as prescribed
- Assist with reproductive procedures such as breeding, lavaging, embryo flushing and transfers
- Assist farriers with trimming and shoeing
- Re-supplying, restocking, and ensuring cleanliness of the breeding barn and laboratory area
Requirements
- Confident handling of horses required
- Reliable, detail-driven, and flexible
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
To Apply
2026 Sales Prep Internship
August 1 – December 15, 2026 | Applications Due May 15, 2026 | Paid Position
Join our team in preparing yearlings and broodmares for the Western Bloodstock NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sale and NCHA Futurity Sale, and Triangle Fall Sale. Interns will work 6 days a week under the guidance of the yearling sales manager to condition and present horses to a professional standard.
Responsibilities
- Daily grooming, bathing, and vacuum work
- Exercising all horses and maintaining routines on walker and in round pen
- Assisting with medications, supplements, and farrier appointments
- Implementing blanketing schedules and feeding programs
- Supporting all phases of the prep timeline
Requirements
- Confident handling of yearlings required
- Reliable, detail-driven, and flexible
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
To Apply
2026 Summer Rehabilitation Internship
Summer 2026 (May – August) | Applications Closed | Paid Position
Join the team at Valley Equine Rehabilitation and gain experience managing cutting-edge therapies for performance horses. This internship is ideal for students looking to deepen their knowledge of equine healing and conditioning in a professional, progressive setting.
Responsibilities
- Assist with daily rehabilitation routines including cold therapy, hand-walking, and Eurociser routines
- Support operation of equipment such as AquaTred, and solarium
- Monitor and document horse progress under supervision of the rehabilitation manager
- Exposure to lameness improvements for various injury or surgical scenarios
Requirements
- Confident handling of horses required
- Reliable, detail-driven, and flexible
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
To Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Is housing provided?
Yes, housing will be provided for the Breeding Season and Sales Prep Internships if needed!
Do I have to have a specific major or have taken certain classes?
No, a specific major or set of courses is not required. However, applicants who have completed coursework in equine reproduction, animal science, or horse handling may be better prepared and are often more competitive during the selection process.
What are the typical hours for the internship?
Interns can expect to work approximately 10 hours per day, six days a week. The schedule is demanding and fast-paced, reflecting the high level of care and attention required in a large-scale operation.
What are the physical requirements for the internships?
Interns must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, walk long distances across varied terrain, and confidently handle mares, foals, recipient mares, and yearlings. A strong level of physical fitness and comfort working around horses is essential.
Will I be riding horses?
No, this internship does not involve riding. The focus is on ground-based handling, care, and management of mares, foals, and yearlings, as well as reproductive procedures and sale preparation.
Will there be any vacation days?
There are no scheduled vacation days during the internship. However, personal days off may be coordinated in advance with your supervisor, depending on workload and staffing needs.
Are food and transportation provided?
No, interns are responsible for their own meals and transportation.

