Equine Operations Assistant Intern (Equisol Adaptive Horsemanship, Pack Intern, Spring '27)
**This internship is hosted by Equisol Adaptive Horsemanship and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio and ASUN.
Students are highly encouraged to complete a 15 minute drop-in or schedule an in-person or virtual 30-minute appointment with a Career Mentor BEFORE submitting an application. Resumes and cover letters that do not meet NCS best practices will not be included in applicant packages to employers.
After the application period closes in Handshake, the NCS Internships Team reviews the applicants and sends eligible students' applicant packages to employers for them to reach out to conduct interviews and make the final intern selection. Employers will contact students directly if they are interested in moving forward with them as a candidate.
About Equisol Adaptive Horsemanship:
Equisol Adaptive Horsemanship is a 501(c)3 non-profit, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), International Member Center that specializes in teaching horsemanship skills to those with cognitive, physical and social/emotional special needs. Our mission is to promote the well-being of individuals with special needs through equine assisted services (EAS). Additionally, we offer yoga on horseback, classes for littles (ages 2-4 years), Ranch School, and health and wellness coaching that is offered by Equisol, LLC.
All of our programs are geared toward improving your quality of life. While partnering with equines in activities, we will guide you toward reaching your goals so that you may achieve a greater sense of well-being.
Internship Description:
The intern will support the care of 10 equines; to feed, water, administer minor medical treatments to equines, clean equine-related areas, possibly lead equines in classes and other programming related events and support the Equine Team with other care tasks such as equine exercise/training, bathing and holding equines for farrier and vet visits. Interns will learn the details of what kind of quality equine care is needed to support an adaptive horsemanship program and to run a successful and equine-welfare oriented, commercial stable business. Interns will be guided at our affiliated Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Member Center (PATH Intl.) and mentored by equine professionals, some of whom are PATH Intl. Advanced Certified Instructors and Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning and others who are Instructors in Training.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Feed, water, administer minor medical treatments to equines
- Prioritize the safety of equines, program participants, and team members in all interactions
- Clean equine and equine-related areas
- Communicate with team members to ensure ample inventory of supplies
- Utilize ATV to navigate ranch and transport supplies and equipment
- Support programming by leading equines in classes as needed
Goals and Expectations of the Intern:
- Complete 120 hours of work as an intern (8-15 hours per week, 15 weeks total)
- Learn and observe the needs of equines to support their care and avoid potentially hazardous situations
- Maintain situational awareness all times to ensure coordinated flow between animal care and program operations
- Arrive on time and prepared to complete daily tasks
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno during the Spring ‘27 semester
- December ‘26 or earlier graduates are not eligible for the Pack Internship Grant Program
- Must have some equine knowledge
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to consistently and comfortably walk in varying terrain outdoors and adverse weather conditions adverse weather
- Ability to drive an ATV
Preferred Qualifications:
- Equine experience and equine medical knowledge.
Desired Schedule for Intern:
The number of days/week and specific days can be worked around a students’ class schedule. AM barn shifts are 6:30-10:30. PM barn shifts are 5:00-7:00. Saturdays from 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM required whether the barn shift is worked that morning or evening. Other available equine support shifts are Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM or any variance of times within that time frame.
PIGP internships require interns to complete 120 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.