DEFHR Internship
Program
Days End Farm Horse Rescue’s Internship Program is designed to immerse participants in the daily operations of a non-profit horse rescue by giving them an unique opportunity to work with neglected and abused horses seized by state-wide Animal Control agencies. Through education and interaction, students gain experience working with equine professionals and the public throughout the rescue and rehabilitation process. Interns can expect to gain significant equine husbandry experience, recognize equine cruelty and neglect, receive training in basic rehabilitation, and learn about horse psychology and its application in training.
This program is tailored to those seeking careers in equine management, horse rescue and rehabilitation, equine veterinary services, horse training, and horse advocacy. Interns can expect to work with a population of 50-70 horses, a knowledgeable staff, and enthusiastic volunteers. This internship has both residential and non-residential options.
Residential Internship
The residential program consists of the interns living on-site for the duration of their session with a weekly stipend of $75. Interns are expected to work Monday through Saturday, from 8am to 5pm with a one-hour lunch break each day. Residential interns are also responsible for feeding 5 nights per week at 5pm. This responsibility is a favorite of many of our previous interns, as the farm in the evening is very peaceful and relaxing. Sundays are usually days when interns like to go off-site to sightsee, have fun, or visit home. Monday through Friday nights, interns are required to spend the night on-site. This rule was put in place in case there is an emergency on-site or we get called on a rescue. Rescues are very unexpected, sudden, and can happen in the middle of the night. They often require getting packed up and on the road as quickly as possible. Therefore, if interns are already on-site, they are gauranteed to be able to participate in the rescue.
Non-residential Internship
The Non-residential Internship Program is also available to anyone unable or unwilling to live on-site. It follows the same curriculum as the Residential Internship, except there is no weekly stipend and schedules are very flexible.
*Note: You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for this internship*
Sessions Available:
SUMMER 2009 APPLICANTS
Applications are currently being reviewed and applicants will be notified shortly about whether they were accepted.
The Experiences are Endless!
Feed Management
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Medicating
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Stable Management
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Leadership
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Wound Care / Bandaging
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Rescue Training
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Assisting Vet / Farrier
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Training
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Friendship
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Fun!
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Examples of Past Clinics/Guest Lectures/Field Trips (as of 1/19/09)
- Amy Burk, PhD (University of Maryland College Park) - Equine Nutrition lecture
- DeEtte Gorrie - Round pen clinic
- Unwanted Horse Symposium in Washington, D.C.
- Large Animal Rescue Training (LART) on-site clinic
- Serra Valley Farms - Equine Hydrotherapy demonstration
- Equine Cruelty Investigators (ECI) on-site clinic
- Assisted with vaccination, teeth floating, hoof trimming, and wound treatment of six feral horses in Washington County
- Impounds with West Virginia Animal Control
- Eyler's New Year's Auction followed by discussion on opinions of current state of horse industry based on observations at auction
- Linda Gray, DVM. - Alternative Equine Veterinary Practices lecture
- Trip to Caroline County to observe a trial on on-going court case
- Impound from Caroline County
- Q&A session with professional trainers, Craig Cameron and David Beard
- Horse World Expo '09
- Observation of consult with Gooseberry feed representative
Testimonials from Intern Alumni
Leslie Ryan (Session I-08, University of Arizona) - "If you want to learn more about anything horse-related, this is the perfect way."
Jessica Raptis (Session I-08, Virginia Tech) - "The staff is so much fun and working with them and the volunteers is so inspiring. The dedication the people have to their work is what makes this such a success."
Amanda Brenske (Session I-08, Cornell University) - "You gain so much knowledge and experience, even if you think you know horses. Bonds are formed with these animals and you are amazed at how much they change. You get to play a huge part in changing an animal's life and finding them a new, loving home!"
Deanna Richardson (Session I-08, University of Arizona) - "I LOVED THIS INTERNSHIP! This has been the most life-changing summer of my life. The people, the horses, the farm...I'm going to miss it all. I'm happy to have been a part of Days End. Thank you."
Carly Chambers (Session II-08) - "It's a great way to learn a lot about abused and neglected horses and the staff and volunteers are really nice. I really enjoyed working with the horses."
Kolleen Raitz (December '08, Otterbein College) - "I came here already knowing how to muck stalls and provide other general care tasks, but having to work everyday with so many horses really helped me see what it takes to successfully manage a program such as this. I feel much more confident going in to the horse industry because I know what it takes to operate a horse facility."
Leslie Ryan (Session I-08, University of Arizona) - "If you want to learn more about anything horse-related, this is the perfect way."
Jessica Raptis (Session I-08, Virginia Tech) - "The staff is so much fun and working with them and the volunteers is so inspiring. The dedication the people have to their work is what makes this such a success."
Amanda Brenske (Session I-08, Cornell University) - "You gain so much knowledge and experience, even if you think you know horses. Bonds are formed with these animals and you are amazed at how much they change. You get to play a huge part in changing an animal's life and finding them a new, loving home!"
Deanna Richardson (Session I-08, University of Arizona) - "I LOVED THIS INTERNSHIP! This has been the most life-changing summer of my life. The people, the horses, the farm...I'm going to miss it all. I'm happy to have been a part of Days End. Thank you."
Carly Chambers (Session II-08) - "It's a great way to learn a lot about abused and neglected horses and the staff and volunteers are really nice. I really enjoyed working with the horses."
Kolleen Raitz (December '08, Otterbein College) - "I came here already knowing how to muck stalls and provide other general care tasks, but having to work everyday with so many horses really helped me see what it takes to successfully manage a program such as this. I feel much more confident going in to the horse industry because I know what it takes to operate a horse facility."
