Kentucky Equine Research Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Internships

Are you looking to build on classroom knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, learn the ins and outs of running a large research barn, and participate in designing and conducting research trials? If so, an internship with Kentucky Equine Research may be for you!

Internships are available at research facilities in Kentucky and Florida. The cornerstone of Kentucky Equine Research is its 150-acre facility in central Kentucky where equine nutrition and exercise physiology experiments are conducted. This research center maintains Thoroughbred research horses and includes a high-speed treadmill, a six-horse free walker, an indirect calorimeter, and equipment necessary for detailed investigation of nutrient metabolism at rest and during exercise.

A second research facility in Ocala, Florida, features a training track for Thoroughbred racehorses, so much of the research performed there involves horses in active training. All research conducted at the research farms and published by Kentucky Equine Research is designed to have direct application to the horse feed industry and is relevant to current topics of interest in the scientific community.

Interns in the equine nutrition and exercise physiology program provide routine health care and management of horses at the research farms, including cleaning stalls, preparing rations, feeding, conditioning horses on a treadmill and automatic walker, and monitoring the health, weight, and condition of all horses. Interns participate in standardized exercise tests using a high-speed treadmill, record data during experiments, and collect samples during digestion trials and exercise trials. Interns become familiar with the operation of research equipment, such as the indirect calorimeter, heart rate monitors, centrifuge, and blood gas analyzer.

During the internship, there are opportunities to visit other horse farms, veterinary clinics, and educational facilities in the area, as well as the chance to attend Kentucky Equine Research conferences, farm manager meetings, educational seminars, and various equine-related clinics and competitions.

Applicants must have completed at least two years of a bachelor of science degree (or equivalent degree) in animal or veterinary science (equine emphasis) and possess an above-average GPA. Additionally, applicants should have proficient horse-handling skills. Learning by instruction and observation and handling changing conditions and priorities are key components.

There are two internship tracks available, summer and year-round. Application deadlines are:

• Applications open: November 10
• Early decision deadline: December 20
• Early offers: no later than January 31
• Regular application deadline: February 20
• Regular application decision: no later than March 4
• Final offers: no later than March 31

Interested applicants can learn more about the internship program and how to apply here.