About KEMI | Application Information | Online Application | Frequently Asked Questions | Fee Schedule | Admission Requirements

The Kentucky Equine Management Internship (KEMI) program is dedicated to improving the opportunities for college students wishing to pursue an interest in the field of equine management. KEMI offers a comprehensive educational experience for students enrolled for academic credit through a sponsoring college or university, or for recent graduates of such institutions.

Through the internship, students integrate academic studies with practical experience, leadership and responsibility as a contributing participant on a Central Kentucky horse farm. Aside from farm commitments, students are introduced into a network of equine professionals representing multifaceted careers in the equine profession.

During the first week of the course, students participate in Orientation activities as a group. After the first week, students are employed full-time by participating farms where they become familiar with the day-to-day management of horses on commercial thoroughbred farms.

On area farms, a typical full-time work week is 48 hours per week with one day off. In most cases, students work hands-on with horses, however some farms may also assign responsibilities associated with record keeping, veterinary care or farm maintenance. At least one night each week students meet as a group for a classroom lecture, laboratory exercise or demonstration.

The Kentucky Equine Management Internship opens the door to the thoroughbred industry for highly motivated students with a strong work ethic and sincere interest in horses. Students develop broad-based skills through the on-farm experience, whereas the technical focus of the lectures and laboratories enhance the integration of material learned in college courses with management techniques. Together, the employment and classroom components increase the potential for successful employment following graduation.

Beyond the tremendous learning opportunities associated with the day-to-day farm activities, there are countless other opportunities. During the weekly meetings students are introduced to, and are able to interact with, successful professionals in the horse industry. By successfully completing the KEMI program and seeking additional opportunities in the areas of greatest interest, students are better prepared to step into a career level position after graduation.

Many farms or industry organizations contact KEMI when they are seeking qualified employees. Those students who complete the course are eligible to utilize the KEMI resources in order to obtain positions in the industry. Providing this service to our graduates is the most obvious method for ensuring accountability for our program and the mission of the Kentucky Equine Management Internship.

The Kentucky Equine Management Internship seeks to admit only students whose ability and preparation indicate that they have a good chance of succeeding in a physically and mentally challenging twenty-two week internship. All of the students are required to work full-time and attend classes one night each week. In addition, other laboratory activities and special events are scheduled during the internship. Therefore students must be able to dedicate themselves to this program as their only source of employment during the internship period.

Observations regarding the students who have completed the course indicate that most successful students demonstrated:

• Commitment to obtaining a position in the horse industry or related field following graduation
• A solid work ethic and good time management skills
• Strong horsemanship skills
• Good study habits and solid foundation in upper division collegiate studies
• Prior involvement with group or community activities
• A strong employment history

Preference is given to candidates who have successfully completed the first three years of a preparatory collegiate curriculum. Students should be able to document substantial experiences in the field of equine management through employment and extracurricular activities such as intercollegiate equestrian teams, horse judging teams, 4-H, FFA, Pony Club or other breed-related organizations.

Internship Sessions:

The Kentucky Equine Management Internship is offered two times each year, once during the spring breeding and foaling season and once during the fall sales and yearling breaking and training season. Each session is twenty-two weeks in duration and coincides with the labor demands on our area horse farms.

Additional information about the application process, including the latest fee schedules, application deadlines, and requirements, can be found by following this link. To go directly to the KEMI Application, click here.