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.