Equine Internship Program

Girl in purple shirt uses a stethoscope to check the side of a horse as a girl in a grey shirt watches.
Man in purple shirt performs ultrasound on horse while students observe, another person monitors the imaging screen in barn.
Man in purple shirt performs ultrasound on horse while students observe, another person monitors the imaging screen in barn.
A man walks alongside a brown horse inside an arena.

Building the Foundation for the Next Generation

Internships are an integral component of the student experience, providing essential hands-on learning that bridges the gap between classroom education and real-world application. At Tarleton State University, our Equine Program is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful and impactful careers within the equine industry by connecting them with immersive, skill-building opportunities. By working with leading operations across the equine sectors, Tarleton students will graduate with the applied knowledge, practical skills, and professional readiness the equine industry demands. Our commitment is to support students in and out of the classroom, guiding them to toward successful careers, and contributing to the ongoing advancements in the equine profession.

Tarleton State’s Equine Internship Program is dedicated to providing students with high-quality, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers in the equine industry. To ensure the integrity, safety, and educational value of each internship placement, Tarleton State maintains a structured partnership with host employers and student interns. The Tarleton State Equine Program responsibilities include the following:

  • Develop and maintain clear internship policies and procedures.
  • Ensure internships meet educational objectives and align with program learning outcomes.
  • Maintain accurate records of placements, evaluations, and student participation.
  • Provide orientation and training on professional conduct, workplace expectations, and safety.
  • Offer career readiness resources, such as resume reviews, interview preparation, and goal-setting workshops.
  • Verify that placements provide meaningful learning experiences, not just routine or clerical work.
  • Develop learning objectives and outcomes for the internship course or component.
  • Require students to complete reflective assignments, journals, or reports connecting experience to coursework.
  • Conduct midterm and final evaluations with students and site supervisors.
  • Ensure that students receive appropriate academic credit based on documented learning and performance.
  • Monitor student progress and intervene if issues arise at the internship site.
  • Screen and approve internship sites to ensure safe, ethical, and educational environments.
  • Provide guidelines and expectations for site supervisors, including mentoring responsibilities.
  • Maintain communication channels between the university, students, and host organizations.
  • Conduct site visits or virtual check-ins as needed to evaluate the experience quality.
  • Ensure liability and insurance coverage for students and the institution as required.
  • Address and document any safety or misconduct incidents that occur during placements.

For more information, contact: Paxton Turner