Smallest Research Horse Makes a Big Impression on Intern

Interns at Kentucky Equine Research interact with several horses daily, managing their workdays and their care. Because the horses are individuals with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, interns tend to click with different horses. Sometimes an intern can’t pick just one favorite, a position Jessica Simmons found herself in with Halo and Sheldon.

“Halo is the smallest horse in our research herd. What he lacks in height he makes up for in personality,” Jessica said. “He is known for his mischievous antics. Halo is one of my favorites because you can always count on having a good laugh. For example, Halo is always eager to participate in palatability trials. He can be found ‘dancing’ with his front legs while trying different flavors.”

Jessica’s other favorite is Sheldon. “Sheldon is the definition of a gentle giant. He is one of the bigger horses in our herd, but he isn’t the bravest,” she said. “Sheldon likes to cuddle and tackle the scary tasks together. He is the first horse at the gate during feeding and is happy to try anything we asked him to. I love the perfect beachy waves of his mane.”

Kentucky Equine Research is home to many horses, including racehorses in training, sport horses, and career research horses like Halo and Sheldon. Learn more about the herd.

The Kentucky Equine Research internship program offers the practical experience necessary to understand and implement research protocol, and imparts the skills necessary to assist in the everyday management of a large and busy research facility, often interfacing scientific design with practical solutions.