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VT Equine Science

EQUINE SCIENCE INTERNSHIPS AT VIRGINIA TECH

APPLICATION DUE FEBRUARY 28, 2009

Click here to view the application form

Objective: To help prepare undergraduate students for careers in the horse industry through targeted instruction and development of practical and scientific skills.

This internship represents an extraordinary opportunity for qualified students to gain scientific knowledge and technical experience through direct exposure to the horse industry and equine research at one of the nation's premier Equine Science institutions. Virginia Tech features more than 150 horses, dedicated faculty, significant equine facilities at Blacksburg and Middleburg campuses, and extremely strong ties to the national and international horse industry.

Three distinct internship opportunities are available: Sporthorse Breeding ( Blacksburg , VA ), Equitation ( Blacksburg , VA ) or Equine Research ( Middleburg , VA ). At all sites, students will have the opportunity to:

Individual features of each site include:

Text Box: Sporthorse Breeding (Blacksburg) • Prepare and exhibit youngstock bred by Virginia Tech in USDF Sporthorse Breeding classes • Develop skills in training young horses • Assist with foaling and reproductive work • Travel to regional breeding farms and events, including the Grand Prix of Roanoke, the Virginia International CCI* and Dressage at Lexington • Develop proficiency in breeding stock selection, conformation and gait evaluation, and pedigree analysis through regular classroom sessions, projects and review of scientific literature Text Box: Equitation (Blacksburg) • Improve equitation skills through targeted instruction • Develop skills in training young horses at various stages of development, including starting under saddle • Cultivate instructional and leadership skills by assisting with the Virginia Tech Summer Riding Series • Travel to regional events and horse shows, including the Roanoke Valley Horse Show Text Box: Equine Research (Middleburg) • Participate in current areas of research o Animal factors affecting glycemic response o Equine growth and development o Nutrition and laminitis • Learn important laboratory techniques (sample prep, ELISA and other assay systems) • Potentially organize, conduct and report on your own research project

Interns will work with faculty, staff, graduate students and fellow interns to complete daily tasks and coordinate events and research projects, and thus develop essential organizational and communication skills. Finished interns will have a greater appreciation of and proficiency in skills necessary to work on larger equine operations. Further, they will have a greater understanding of the scientific method, including experimental design and implementation, and be able to demonstrate critical thinking. As a final project, interns at all sites will prepare a written report or poster highlighting their summer experience.

This internship is appropriate for students entering their junior or senior year in the fall semester following the internship. The internship is open to current undergraduate students at Virginia Tech or any other institution in the United States or Canada . Students graduating in May 2009 will also be considered. The internship generally runs May 15 – Aug 15. Stipends are available for interns and students may receive college credit if desired. Interested students should complete the application form and submit required documents by February 28 th for consideration for Summer 2009. Please contact the following faculty with any specific questions you may have:

Sporthorse Breeding – Dr. Rebecca Splan, rsplan@vt.edu or 540-231-4740. www.equine.vt.edu ,

Equitation – Ms. Sherri West, slwillis@vt.edu or 540-231-3555. www.equestrian.vt.org

Equine Research – Dr. Shea Porr, sporr@vt.edu or 540-687-3521. www.apsc.vt.edu/centers/mare/marechome.htm