Equine Internship — USA
Paid stud and stable training in breeding, foaling, yearling preparation and horse husbandry.
Program overview
Work on professional breeding and training operations through the full equine season. You will handle daily stable management, feeding and conditioning programs, breeding-shed and foaling support, yearling preparation for sales, and the health, farriery and veterinary routines behind high-value bloodstock. Placements are with vetted USA host employers, with Agrilivex managing matching, visa documentation and in-country support end to end.
Eligibility
- Diploma / degree in Veterinary, Animal Science or Agriculture — or solid practical horse experience
- Age 18–35 with a valid passport
- Conversational English — no IELTS required
- Confident handling horses safely; riding ability is a plus, not a requirement
- Comfortable with early starts and physically demanding stable work
Roles & Responsibilities
- Daily stable management, mucking out and turnout routines
- Feeding, conditioning and body-score monitoring
- Breeding shed support and mare cycle records
- Foaling watch and newborn foal care
- Yearling handling, breaking-in support and sales preparation
- Health checks, farriery scheduling and veterinary assistance
Skills You'll Learn
- Professional horse handling and low-stress techniques
- Equine breeding cycles and stud-farm workflow
- Foaling management and neonatal care
- Yearling preparation and sales presentation
- Equine nutrition, conditioning and lameness awareness
- Pasture, paddock and stable facility management
Benefits
- Legal US paycheque in USD every two weeks
- Housing provided or heavily subsidised
- US host mentor plus Agrilivex support all year
- DS-2019 sponsorship and J-1 documentation handled end-to-end
- Certificate of Completion from host + Agrilivex
- Alumni network across the US agriculture industry
Structured week-by-week training.
Salary
Host farms pay USD 12–16/hour with paid overtime after 40 hours. Monthly gross typically USD 2,200–3,000 depending on state, farm size and hours worked. Housing is provided or subsidised on nearly every placement, so most interns save the majority of their earnings.
Accommodation
Private or shared room in farm-owned housing, normally within walking distance of the workplace. Utilities and Wi-Fi are usually included, and many placements provide a farm vehicle for work use.
Work Schedule
Typical 5–6 day week of 40–48 hours plus paid overtime, with seasonal peaks. One full day off per week, plus agreed leave for travel within the US.
From application to arrival.
J-1 Trainee or Intern visa sponsored through a US-designated sponsor organisation. Agrilivex handles DS-2019 issuance, SEVIS fee, DS-160, embassy interview coaching and pre-departure orientation. No IELTS required — English is assessed in a live sponsor interview.
Documents required.
- Passport (minimum 18 months validity)
- Education certificates and transcripts
- Updated CV highlighting any equine or farm experience
- English proficiency proof (interview-based, no IELTS)
- Financial capacity documents for the visa
- Medical fitness certificate and police clearance
Frequently asked.
Do I need to be an experienced rider?
No. Confident, safe ground handling matters far more. Riding skills help for some roles but the majority of stud work is husbandry, breeding and preparation.
Do I need IELTS for the J-1 visa?
No. English is assessed through a live interview with the US sponsor — IELTS or TOEFL is not required.
How soon can I start the USA program?
Intakes run through the year around the equine season. From a complete application, most candidates depart within 3–4 months once matching, offer and visa steps are done.
Start your USA internship journey.
Submit your application — we'll match you with certified host farms and guide the visa end-to-end.
Apply Now