MMSC Internship Opportunities
The Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center offers THREE different Internship Positions for
both Spring and Fall semesters for current college students. To apply, students must be
college students, in good standing with their current University and have a dedicated
interest in learning.
Training Internship
The training intern works closely with director, Susanna Thomas and Educational
Programs Director, Melissa DeCarlo to learn what goes in to retraining an ex-Thoroughbred
Racehorse. They are given a specific horse to work with (at least until they are adopted) and they
learn everything from Natural Horsemanship to horse showing, depending on how long the horse
stays at the MMSC. They have the opportunity to learn various different training techniques and
work with smart, fabulous horses.
To apply for this position, please send us your resume and two references- 1 from a
previous trainer or coach and 1 from a college professor you have studied with (within the last
year). You will be expected to complete and interview and demonstration your riding ability.
Communications Internship
This position works closely with our director to learn what goes on to fundraise and let the
public know what we are doing. They are given complete control of our blog and twitter and
organization of our newsletter. Should they be competent riders, we give most communications
interns the chance to work with a horse as well! This way, they learn what they are writing about
first hand. Communications interns are also responsible for documenting all field trips and
happenings at the MMSC.
To apply for this position, please send us your resume, a writing sample and a letter of
recommendation from a college professor (within the last year) you have studied with.
Farm Management Internship
Our farm manager, Jerry Guinn, is the best person to learn farm management from. He
knows the ins and outs of everything from fixing waterers to caring for an injured horse. This
position works closely with him and will learn as much as they put in. The farm management
intern will learn the basics of farm care including machine and equipment management, paddock
and field “repair”, ring and barn care as well as budget and horse care. This is probably the most
labor-intensive position.
To apply for the Farm Management position, please send us your resume and two letters of
recommendation- 1 from a college professor you have worked with (within the last year) and 1
from the person of your choice.
All interns are required to be at the MMSC on Saturdays for Interactive Demonstrations. During
these, each intern is giving a speaking part, in which they tell the general public about
Thoroughbred’s. We have anywhere from 10-20 kids each Saturday wanting to learn about a
racehorse and when they get to grooming a horse, it is very hands on. In this case, each intern
must have safety and professionalism at the very fore-front of their minds.
Interns are also expected to attend all educational field trips, if their class schedule allows. They
are meant to be informative and introduce the students to people in the industry. We will take 3-5
field trips each semester, some of which have included the Churchill Downs Museum, Keeneland
behind the scenes, North American Racing Academy, KESMARC with Victor Torres, Woodford
Equine Hospital and many others.
Because we are a not for profit organization, there is no pay available for these positions and that
is why we only ask at least 6 hours during the week, not including Saturdays. However, since the
program started, the MMSC has been able to give small stipends after the interns graduate from
it. Stipend amounts depend on the amount of work and time one person puts into the program and
how hard they work.
All interns are expected to be at the MMSC when they are scheduled (we will work around
classes and previous engagements) and if they need to miss a day, for any reason, are expected to
tell us 24 hours in advance (certain things will be taken into consideration ie: stomach flu, etc).
Should an intern NOT inform the MMSC staff that they will not be there one day, it counts as an
unexcused absence. After the second unexcused absence, we will ask the intern to end his or her
time with us. The penalty for missing an Interactive Demonstration or Field Trip counts for two
unexcused absences unless previously arranged.
Interested?
Please contact:
Melissa DeCarlo
MMSC Educational Programs Director
4089 Ironworks Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 246-3080
mdecarlo@thoroughbredadoption.com
