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 two resident veterinarians, our intern will gain hands on experience in all facets of the equine industry from breeding and foaling to developing and caring for the young sport horse.
The primary focus will be on Sport Horse reproduction including artificial insemination with fresh and frozen semen, stallion collection for cooled semen transport, and facilitated advanced reproductive techniques. The farm breeds approximately 50-60 mares/year and foals 40-50 foals/year. The Reproduction Center has a lab that performs embryo transfer and follicle aspirations for ICSI on site.
The intern will assist with herd health and preventive routine care on approximately 300 resident horses boarded at Spy Coast Farm. This will include neonatal examinations and care, lameness evaluations, diagnostic imaging including radiographs and ultrasound, routine dental examinations, castrations, and emergency services as needed.
Interns will have the opportunity to work with referral cases in our state-of-the art Rehabilitation and Fitness Center and interact with referring veterinarians. The intern will be taught to use therapeutic and treatment modalities including Cold Water Spa, Aqua-Treadmill, dry treadmill, Regenerative Laser Therapy, PEMF, Cold Laser, Equinosis Lameness Locator, and Shockwave therapy. They will also have the opportunity to observe alternative therapies including Acupuncture and Chiropractic treatments.
Spy Coast Farm offers commercial import quarantine services for mares and stallions for Contagious Equine Metritis and USDA export quarantine services. Interns will have the opportunity to work with various breeds of imported horses from all over the world.
The Spy Coast Farm Equine Education Center is a world class teaching facility built specifically for the equine industry. Students and interns have the opportunity to participate and attend numerous continuing education lectures including AAEP 360 seminars, International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP) Modules, University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research, and many other equine professionals.
One third of the time will be spent working on a Thoroughbred farm in Midway, KY. The farm breeds approximately 100 mares/year and foals 40-50 foals/year and is located within 5 miles of top stallion breeding sheds including WinStar, Three Chimneys, and Ashford Stud. The intern will assist with breeding, neonatal care, preventative and routine care, lameness evaluations, radiographs, and emergency services as needed. There will be opportunities to assist at Thoroughbred Sales including Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland Sales.
The intern will also have opportunities to visit and observe cases at nearby referral hospitals and shadow referring veterinarians on site.
Applicants must be a graduate from an accredited veterinary degree program, pass the NAVLE exam, and complete a 1-2 week externship with Spy Coast Farm.
Please submit a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and at least one letter of recommendation with the application.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle for transportation.
