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  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Animal Science
Molly Mazza comes from an equine background, but her internship with the Horse Farm Improvement Program gave her new insights into horse farm management and honed her professionalism in ways she didn’t expect.

This summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Horse Farm Improvement Program (HFIP) through Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) in Livingston County, New York. The internship provided invaluable experience in horse farm management and extension services, and it aligned with my background in equine studies and my career aspirations in academia. This transformative experience allowed me to push beyond my comfort zone, reinvigorated my passion for studying animals and gave me practical insights into extension work.

The HFIP addresses a critical need in New York State's $8 billion equine industry, which currently lacks standardized certifications for operations. Thus, the program aims to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive assessments and recommendations across nine key categories: horse health, biosecurity, facilities, human safety, nutrition, pasture management, manure management, business management and environmental sustainability. These interrelated categories are designed to enhance horse welfare, business practices and sustainability methods. 

This transformative experience allowed me to push beyond my comfort zone, reinvigorated my passion for studying animals and gave me practical insights into extension work.

My typical day in the office involved creating informational materials, such as display poster boards, and completing assessment feedback forms. On fieldwork days, I conducted 45- to 60-minute on-farm assessments, which formed the core of our outreach efforts. Following each week's research and farm visits, I would post a blog update on the CCE Intern website.

Working Monday through Friday at the Livingston County CCE office, I assisted my field-based mentor, Kenneth Estes, agriculture program leader, in piloting the program throughout the Western and Finger Lakes region. My primary objectives were to enroll horse operations into the program and build a network of trust within the equine community. 

A major component of the program is the on-farm visit, which is structured to facilitate open dialogue between the CCE/HFIP representative and the farm manager. Prior to each visit, I would review the pre-visit questionnaire completed by the farm upon enrollment. This preparation allowed for more informed and productive on-site discussions. 

During the visits, I talked to farm managers about their operations’ strengths and areas for improvement. I then made a comprehensive evaluation of the facilities, which included taking measurements to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards, such as adequate stall sizes for horse comfort. The assessment covered seven of the nine program categories, with a particular focus on facilities. Farms had the option to request additional in-depth assessments in specific categories, allowing for a tailored approach to each operation's needs. 

One unexpected challenge was the initial hesitation of some farms to enroll in the program. Their concerns about potential judgment or regulatory consequences required clear communication about our role as facilitators of improvement rather than enforcers. 

Looking ahead, the HFIP has significant potential for growth. The long-term goal is to implement the program in CCE offices across New York State, creating a robust network of informed horse farm operators. There are also plans to develop a newsletter to facilitate ongoing communication and knowledge-sharing among program participants. 

I recommend continued efforts to expand the program's reach and to address the unique challenges of creating standards for equine operations, which occupy a middle ground between pets and livestock. The HFIP has the potential to close knowledge gaps, introduce innovative ideas and foster connections among operations across the state. 

The internship significantly expanded my knowledge of horse farm management practices, despite my equine background. I gained new insights into areas such as manure management and fire safety protocols, underscoring the comprehensive nature of effective farm operations.

The internship also honed my public communication skills. Living independently in a new environment and taking on professional responsibilities enhanced my self-reliance and adaptability. I grew up in 4-H in West Virginia and previously worked for West Virginia University Extension, and this internship experience with the HFIP further solidified my ambition to stay involved with Cooperative Extension throughout my career.

Molly Mazza ’26 is an Animal Science major.

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