Come Learn with Us!
Spy Coast Farm Educational Opportunities
Spy Coast Farm is a private facility that specializes in the breeding and development of top-quality performance horses on 800 acres in Lexington, KY adjacent to the Kentucky Horse Park. Under the direct mentorship of 2 resident veterinarians, students will gain hands-on experience in all facets of equine veterinary medicine from breeding and foaling to sports medicine and lameness.
With over 300 horses on the property year-round, students will gain experience and knowledge in herd health and preventative care, sport horse reproduction, young horse training and development, as well as lameness and the therapies that coincide. We offer import quarantine services for mares and stallions for Contagious Equine Metritis and USDA export quarantine services. Students will have the opportunity to work with referral cases in our state-of-the-art Rehabilitation and Fitness Center and become versed in the use of various treatment modalities including cold water salt spa, aqua-treadmill, dry treadmill, RLT laser, PEMF, cold laser, Equinosis Lameness Locator, and shockwave.
Internship/Externship Experience
Spy Coast Farm is looking for hard-working, motivated, and passionate individuals. We believe in learning through hands-on work experience combined with mentorship and access to educational materials. Our goal is to aid in the growth of the Sport Horse industry by offering this. Positions are limited and applications are reviewed upon submission. Each internship is designed to be an immersive learning experience within each department. Applicants must be fully committed to a 6 day work week. Please do not schedule family vacations or any kind of trip during your internship period.
**On farm housing is offered to all students. There is a strict no pet policy. Students will need their own vehicle or mode of transportation to get around the farm**
Undergraduate Program Options
1 to 3 month
Prospective students may request which division that would best benefit their vocational and/or educational needs - Reproduction Center, Young Horse Development Center, Rehabilitation and Fitness Center. Student placement will depend upon season and availability within their desired department (e.g. breeding and foaling is seasonal from February to July). This program option will include goal setting and monitoring, off campus experiences (depending on division), and hands-on work experience.
6 month
Students will be focused on 1 to 2 divisions, however learning opportunities across the farm are available and they will be able to experience all facets and divisions of the farm. This program option will include goal setting and monitoring, off campus experiences, lunch and learn meetings with staff, and hands-on work experience.
12 month
Students selected for the full year option will rotate through each division. This program option will include goal setting and monitoring, off campus experiences, lunch and learn meetings with staff, and hands-on work experience. Students will have the opportunity to participate in research projects currently being conducted at Spy Coast Farm.
Veterinary Student Opportunities
Veterinary Externship
Students will work directly with our two resident veterinarians across all divisions of the farm. They will also have the opportunity to work with Thoroughbreds at Burleson Farm in Midway, KY. Applications must be in good standing at an accredited veterinary school and on the path to graduating with a veterinary medical degree.
Veterinary Internship
Spy Coast Farm accepts only one veterinary intern each year. One third of the internship is spent with Dr. Modesty Burleson at Spy Coast Farm focused on sport horse reproduction including mares, yearlings, 2YOs, stallions, and CEM quarantine. One third is spent with Dr. Modesty Burleson at Burleson Farms focused on Thoroughbred breeding, foaling, sales work, and preventative medicine. The final third of the internship is spent with Dr. Julie Vargas focusing on sports medicine and lameness including chiropractic and acupuncture.
Applicants must be a graduate from an accredited veterinary degree program, pass the NAVLE exam, carry a valid driver's license, and have their own vehicle. The internship is a 12 month duration starting in June of each year. Private living accommodations are provided onsite at Spy Coast Farm.
Internship Divisions
Reproduction Center
Students will work during the breeding season and assist Dr. Modesty Burleson with breeding mares, collecting stallions, preventative medicine, emergencies, and neonatal care. Students will also work in our CEM Quarantine Center to learn policies and procedures. Students are advised to stay in close proximity to the farm in the evenings to attend foalings.
Young Horse Development Center
Students will work closely with management and trainers to understand the process of starting a young horse. Students will have the opportunity to observe and assist with lunging, long-lining, jump chute training, and grooming and tacking. Depending on the time of the year, interns may also attend shows in Lexington and possibly in other locations such as Tryon, NC.
**Please note that this IS NOT a riding internship.**
Equine Rehabilitation and Fitness Center
Students will work with Dr. Julie Vargas and staff to learn about the various treatment modalities in the Rehab Center. The facility includes water treadmills, a cold saltwater leg spa, whole body vibration therapy, regenerative lasers, and other equipment.
How do I apply?
Internship positions are filled throughout the year with the deadlines listed below to apply for longer term experiences. Date ranges are flexible. For shorter term experiences for internships and vet externships, you may apply at any time, but are encouraged to apply well in advance.
Applications must include:
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Completed Application (click here for application)
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Cover Letter
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Resume or Curriculum Vitae
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One Letter of Recommendation
Please send all inquiries and applications to education@spycoastfarm.com
