Internships at Special Equestrians
For more than 40 years, our mission has been to harness the healing power of horses to improve the lives of children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. As an intern at Special Equestrians, you will become part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing innovative equine-assisted services that create meaningful change. Whether your passion lies in healthcare, education, human services, marketing and business, or equine management, we offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in the lives of others.
Our internship program is designed to provide practical learning experiences, professional mentorship, and exposure to the many ways equine-assisted services support growth, healing, and personal achievement. Interns work alongside experienced professionals and gain valuable insight into both direct service delivery and nonprofit operations.
No Horse Experience? No Problem!
You do not need previous horse experience to intern at Special Equestrians. Many of our interns come from healthcare, education, psychology, social work, marketing, and nonprofit backgrounds and have little or no experience with horses when they begin.
That said, horses are at the heart of everything we do. Interns must be comfortable being around large animals and working in a barn environment. Our barns and arenas are not climate controlled, so you'll experience the changing seasons right alongside our horses. If it's hot outside, it's probably warm in the barn. If it's cold outside, you'll want to dress accordingly!
We believe the best interns bring curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. We'll help you gain the horse knowledge you need while you focus on developing skills in your chosen field.
Areas of Study
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy students gain experience observing and supporting adaptive, client-centered interventions that promote participation, independence, sensory regulation, motor development, and functional life skills through equine-assisted activities.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
OTA students have opportunities to learn about therapeutic activity adaptation, client engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration while observing how movement and interaction with horses can support therapeutic goals.
Nonprofit Management
Students interested in nonprofit leadership gain exposure to fundraising, donor relations, volunteer management, program development, strategic planning, community partnerships, and the day-to-day operations of a mission-driven organization.
Marketing
Marketing interns help share the stories that inspire our community. Opportunities may include content creation, social media management, event promotion, photography, videography, public relations, fundraising campaigns, and brand development.
Equine Science
Equine Science students gain hands-on experience in horse care, stable management, equine behavior, conditioning, nutrition, and the unique role horses play in therapeutic and educational programming.
Education
Education majors learn how adaptive teaching strategies and experiential learning can be used to support diverse learners. Interns may assist with lesson planning, participant engagement, social skills programming, and educational activities that promote personal growth and achievement.
Social Work
Social Work students gain experience observing person-centered services, community-based programming, advocacy, and the role of equine-assisted services in supporting emotional wellness, resilience, social connection, and recovery.
Psychology
Psychology students have the opportunity to observe how equine-assisted services can support emotional regulation, self-confidence, relationship building, communication skills, and overall mental health. Interns gain valuable insight into human behavior, therapeutic relationships, and experiential approaches to wellness.
Join Our Team
An internship at Special Equestrians is more than a learning experience—it's an opportunity to be part of a community where horses help people discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve goals they never thought possible.
We welcome students who are passionate about service, learning, and making a meaningful impact. We invite you to explore how your field of study can intersect with the healing power of horses.