BEF MAREC Internship

Each year BEF and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MAREC), jointly hold a competition for UK undergraduate students, the lucky winner of which receives a three month summer internship at the MAREC in the USA.


2016 Winners - Zoe Greenwood and Michelle Hand

Michelle Hand, one of the two 2016 competition winners, was a final year student studying a BSc Hons in Equine Science at Reaseheath College at the time she applied for the competition. She was selected on the basis of her paper discussing overpopulation and indiscriminate breeding in the UK, along with her successful interview at the BEF headquarters at Abbey Park in Warwickshire and online interview with those from the MAREC in the USA. The second of the two winners, Zoe Greenwood, also a BSc Equine Science student at Reaseheath submitted her application titled ‘How Improved Knowledge of Equine Helminths and their Resistance Could Improve the Health and Welfare of Juvenile Horses’. Click here to view Michelle's report on her internship. Click here to view Zoe's report on her internship.

Says Michelle: “the internship was a fantastic opportunity to explore multiple routes of progression in the equine industry and I am currently taking a gap year to consider the wide range of career routes now available. This summer has been filled with new experiences, many of which were empowering as a student; encouraging me to look into postgraduate courses that I had previously discounted due to low self-confidence. The entire experience was incredibly exciting and one that will undoubtedly improve my ability to compete with other candidates for jobs and further study. I’m so thankful that I had this opportunity, and to do so alongside such wonderful people, in such a beautiful part of the world. It was truly an amazing summer and one that I will never forget”.

Says Zoe: “being on the internship was the greatest experience of my life, it was even better getting to go with my close friend Michelle. I have gained so many skills that will enhance my CV for the future such as the practical skills needed for Master’s and PhD research projects. It has given me food for thought in terms of what I might want to do in the future because of the varying scientific and practical experience I have gained. It not only gave me these advantages but it also gave me much more confidence as a person through travelling to another country by myself and meeting new people. Overall, I got to see some fantastic sights at the same time as learning and participating in really fascinating research projects, this is something I will always remember and am extremely thankful for”.

Click here for a Media Release providing details of Zoe and Michelle's win and announcing the 2017 competition.


2014 Winner - Charlotte Woolley

Picture courtesy of Charlotte Woolley

Charlotte was a final year student studying a BSc in Equine Science at Reaseheath College at the time when she applied for the competition. She was selected on the basis of her paper considering the welfare impact of equine obesity and the strength of her live online interview which was conducted between the BEF headquarters at Abbey Park in Warwickshire and the MAREC in the USA. Click here to view Charlotte's report on her internship.

She says the experience gave her “the confidence and many of the scientific skills“ needed to begin an MSc in Animal Science at the University of Edinburgh, where she is currently studying. It also inspired her to take some time out before beginning her MSc to go travelling. She says “winning this internship is something I will never forget. I made lifelong friends, saw many beautiful sights whilst travelling and learnt an incredible amount. It opened many doors for me in my career and I will always be grateful for having such an amazing experience“. Charlotte had her name published as a result of some of the research she undertook whilst at the MARE centre, which she says was a great experience and gives her a huge advantage when applying for jobs and postgraduate courses.


2013 Winner - Georgie Scarlett

Picture courtesy of www.WNCPhoto.com

Georgie, a final year BSc Equine Studies student from the University of Portsmouth, Sparsholt College, was selected on the basis of her paper investigating the control of equine welfare matters in Ireland and the strength of her live online interview which was conducted between the BEF headquarters in Warwickshire and the MAREC in the USA. Click here to view Georgie's report on her internship.

Back in the UK Georgie reported, “My time at the MAREC was amazing! I learnt so much especially with regard to the breeding aspect of the equine industry. My favourite part of the experience was taking one of the foals to Dressage at Lexington and presenting many of the foals at inspection. The experience was quite easily life changing, I learnt not only more about the equine industry and equine management but also about myself! It was an incredible three months with great people and fantastic horses!”

Click here for a Media Release providing details of Georgie's win and announcing the 2014 competition.


2012 Winner - James Rayner

Picture courtesy of www.picsofyou.com

Picture courtesy of Annie Laib

James, a final year BSc Equine Sports Science student from the University of Lincoln, was selected on the basis of his paper titled The Development of the Horse Sector in the United Kingdom and the strength of his online interview which was conducted between the BEF headquarters in Warwickshire and the MAREC in the USA. Click here to view James' report on his internship.

Upon his return to the UK James commented, “I enjoyed every day of my time at the MAREC. I did so many great things including showing the youngstock in-hand, getting involved in research projects, taking part in lectures given by Dr Splan and Dr Porr, and attending gradings. One of the best things was being able to put the theory I had learned during my degree into practice ... I loved my time in America!”

Click here for a Media Release providing details of James' win and announcing the 2013 competition.


2011 Winner - Shannon Willmott

Picture courtesy of www.picsofyou.com

Shannon, who can be seen here, holding the mare in the picture, was a second year BSc Equine Science student from the University of Lincoln when she won the 2011 summer internship. She was selected on the basis of her paper on Nitrate and Nitrite Poisoning in Horses and its Possible Growing Welfare Risk to the UK, and the strength of her online interview which was conducted between the BEF headquarters in Warwickshire and MAREC, Virginia Tech in the USA. Click here to view Shannon's report on her internship.

Said Shannon, “there were so many highlights in my trip, from helping with foaling, to learning to AI mares, to preparing and presenting horses for showing”. Shannon added “the most rewarding part was being given the responsibility of looking after a research project to measure progesterone and cytokine levels in mares. I have also made some great friends amongst the other students at Virginia Tech. I’m only sorry it’s over!”

Click here for a Media Release providing details of Shannon's win and announcing the 2012 competition.


Click here to see more photos from both the BEF MAREC Internship 2011, 2012 & 2013 Competitions.


2017 Internship Documentation

Click here for full details on this fantastic opportunity.
Click here to download an Application Form.
Click here to download a Reference Form.

To be kept informed about the next Internship competition keep checking this page, and “like” the BEFRED Facebook page, where information will be posted as soon as it is available.