Training Internship
Job Description
The training intern is responsible for implementing the exercise and training routines set in place by the
trainer. Help provide initial training and contact with horses while being instrumental in creating a
foundation of general manners. The training intern will also assist the Equine Programs Assistant to
provide support during the adoption process.
General Responsibilities
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Assist with training and overseeing the exercise routine of horses
Developing and implementing specific exercise routines
Assisting with under saddle work and groundwork
Assist with correcting behavioral issues
Training general ground manners & basic handling
Prepare horses to accept training equipment
Desensitizing horses
Assisting with adoptions and scheduling adoption appointments
Handle overflow email
Assist with all other related assigned tasks
Keep tack room organized, tack cleaned and properly stored
Qualifications
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Must be at least 18 years old
Must be professional and be willing to sign confidentiality agreement
Ability to work as a self-starter
Extensive riding experience
Firm knowledge of equines
Previous work with green horses
Strong foundation in groundwork
Resourcefulness
Excellent verbal communication skills
Flexibility with changes in task and priorities and use sound judgment
Possess time, organization, stress management skills
Demonstrates strong work ethic and moral standards
Desire to learn and grow professionally
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
P.O. Box 309 * Woodbine, MD 21797
Phone: (301) 854-5037 * (410) 442-1564 * Fax: (301) 854-5146
E-mail: outreach@defhr.org * Website: www.defhr.org
*Protection for Horses…Education for People*
Page |1
Program Description:
Days End Farm Horse Rescue’s Training Internship is designed to immerse the participant in the training
and adoption programs of a non-profit horse rescue by giving them a unique opportunity to work with
abused horses seized by Animal Control agencies. Desired applicants will have a strong foundation in
groundwork and training basic manners and handling. Interns can expect to gain significant equine
husbandry experience while working with equine professionals throughout the training process.
Participants can expect to work with a population of 20-25 horses, a knowledgeable and friendly staff,
and volunteers. Interns will spend most of their time at our main facility, but will travel to off-site clinics
and events as scheduled. Training interns are expected to bring their own personal training equipment
(e.g. helmet, boots, clothing, etc…). Tack/training tools will be provided, but it is encouraged to bring
own. This is a paid residential position.
Learning Objectives
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Skills Acquisition: Improving riding and animal husbandry skills.
Broader Knowledge: Gain insight into the operations of a horse rescue and the rehabilitation and
training process. Expand knowledge in horse psychology and training techniques to aid adoption
process.
Career Field Awareness: Gain experience under trainer in a professional environment. Help build
knowledge for career focused in equine management, training, advocacy, rescue and
rehabilitation.
Payment
Stipend $75 per week
Weekly Commitment
Minimum 40 hour commitment (one-weekend day required)
Duration
3-month or 6-month commitment (based on interns availability)
Supervised By
Community Outreach Director / Trainer
Appointed By
Executive Director / Community Outreach Director
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
P.O. Box 309 * Woodbine, MD 21797
Phone: (301) 854-5037 * (410) 442-1564 * Fax: (301) 854-5146
E-mail: outreach@defhr.org * Website: www.defhr.org
*Protection for Horses…Education for People*
Page |2
Training Internship Application
Please attach this completed application form to your resume and submit it to
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Attn: Community Outreach Director, 1372 Woodbine Road, MD 21797
or via fax to (301) 854-5146 Attn: Community Outreach Director
NAME: ______________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________
CITY: ______________________________________ STATE: __________ ZIP CODE: _______________
HOME PHONE: ________________________________ CELL PHONE: ____________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________
Training Experience
List the names of any trainers you have schooled under and training certifications you have received:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Please provide us with a description of your training methods (can be attached to application in a
separate document).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Experienced in training: Feral/Unhandled _____ Unbroke _____ Green Broke _____ OTTB _____
Bucking _____ Bolting _____ Rearing _____ Kicking _____ Biting _____ Other __________________________
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
P.O. Box 309 * Woodbine, MD 21797
Phone: (301) 854-5037 * (410) 442-1564 * Fax: (301) 854-5146
E-mail: outreach@defhr.org * Website: www.defhr.org
*Protection for Horses…Education for People*
Page |3
Please answer the following questions on a separate sheet:
1. Why do you want to be a Training Intern at Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR)?
2. What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Training Intern at DEFHR?
3. What experience do you have training green horses?
4. How many years have you been riding?
5. Days End Farm is in the public eye every minute of every day, so it is extremely important that
we maintain a high level of expectations when it comes to staff and interns’ work ethics,
attention to detail, and responsibility to the horses. What characteristics do you possess that
make you qualified to be in our program and trusted with the lives and well-being of our horses?
6. What are your career goals?
7. Training interns are provided shared housing with DEFHR’s other residential interns. Since our
interns are required to work and live in such close proximity, what qualities do you possess that
will allow you to excel within, and contribute to, the team structure?
8. Please describe in detail how you would react and handle the situations below:
a. Briefly describe how you would prepare a horse for the farrier if they have never had
their feet done before.
b. Describe your lunging technique. How would you teach a green horse to lunge?
c. How would you correct the following behaviors on the ground: rearing, pulling back,
resistance to lead willingly?
9. Please explain how you found out about our internship program.
10. Is there any other additional information that you would like to share with us? Are there any
qualities that you possess that were not addressed in this application that you would like to
share?
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
P.O. Box 309 * Woodbine, MD 21797
Phone: (301) 854-5037 * (410) 442-1564 * Fax: (301) 854-5146
E-mail: outreach@defhr.org * Website: www.defhr.org
*Protection for Horses…Education for People*
Page |4
Name _______________________________
Additional materials required with this application include a five minute video of you demonstrating the
training techniques listed below:
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Tacking up a horse
Lunging a horse walk/trot/canter
Sending the horse over trot poles on a lunge line
Walk/trot/canter under saddle
Any additional training techniques you would like to demonstrate (jumping, working horses over
obstacles, etc…)
We would also like one written reference from a trainer submitted, along with two professional
references listed below:
Reference #1:
Name __________________________________________________________________
Phone __________________________________________________________________
E-mail __________________________________________________________________
Relationship ____________________________________________________________
Reference #2:
Name __________________________________________________________________
Phone __________________________________________________________________
E-mail __________________________________________________________________
Relationship ____________________________________________________________
Please fax or mail your application to the address at the bottom of this page, Attn: Nicky Wetzelberger.
Resumes and transcripts are not required, but are encouraged. Incomplete applications will not be
considered, so please be sure you have completed and sent the entire packet in its entirety. If you have
any questions, please contact Nicky Wetzelberger at outreach@defhr.org.
By signing this application, I am acknowledging that I understand and am willing to perform all of the
duties listed in the job description. I agree to abide by and respect all policies, procedures, and
philosophies of Days End Farm Horse Rescue. I also acknowledge that I am aware that the internship I
am applying for is voluntary and that housing and a stipend of $75/week are available.
__________________________________________________
Signature
_______________________
Date
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
P.O. Box 309 * Woodbine, MD 21797
Phone: (301) 854-5037 * (410) 442-1564 * Fax: (301) 854-5146
E-mail: outreach@defhr.org * Website: www.defhr.org
*Protection for Horses…Education for People*
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