Description

The Equine Care and Rehabilitation Internship at DEFHR gives participants a unique opportunity to work with neglected and abused horses seized by animal protection authorities. Interns in this program can expect to gain significant equine husbandry experience, learn how to recognize equine cruelty and neglect, and receive training in basic rehabilitation and horse psychology.

This program is tailored to those seeking careers in equine management, equine veterinary services, equine rescue and rehabilitation, or equine advocacy. Riding and training are not the primary focus of this internship, although opportunities to ride may be available.

Please be aware that this is a physically demanding program; interns will be expected to assist with the completion of barn chores on a daily basis (including but not limited to mucking stalls and paddocks, carrying and cleaning buckets of water, and lifting bags of feed and bales of hay).

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. 

Interns will develop teamwork and leadership skills by caring for a population of 50 to 90 DEFHR horses, learning from a knowledgeable DEFHR staff, coordinate enthusiastic DEFHR volunteers, and educating the community through DEFHR’s outreach programs.

Opportunities for both residential and nonresidential Equine Care & Rehabilitation Internships are available. Residential spots are limited. Those living onsite receive free housing and basic amenities, with a $100/week stipend for food and other essentials. Non-residential interns are unpaid. In order to consider a non-residential internship complete, they must complete at least 300 internship hours.