American Horse Council Announces Summer 2026 Internship Opportunities

The American Horse Council (AHC) is a Washington-based advocacy organization that represents the equine industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies. AHC member organizations include breed registries, national and state equine associations, state horse councils, recreational associations, and organizations representing racetracks, equestrians, horse shows, veterinarians, farriers, rodeos, and other equine-related stakeholders.

The AHC is currently seeking student interns for the Summer 2026 (May 15 to August 15). All internships can be completed remotely, but opportunities are also available for students wishing to experience government affairs activities in person in Washington, D.C. All projects are supervised by AHC staff and are limited to 12-week terms. Students may choose to receive course credit or a financial stipend (up to $125 per week dependent on agreed upon project commitment). Project commitments typically range from 10-20 hours per week. The AHC is also able to accommodate thesis projects and other student lead research academic credit needs.

Students in AHC internships gain experience in the larger equine industry through exposure to association involvement in active government affairs and regulatory issues at the Federal level and introduction to the immense range of industry stakeholders. Interns are invited to attend virtual staff meetings to understand active and future AHC initiatives outside of their direct project as well as general association operations. Students do not need horse experience to apply.

Projects listed for student involvement are not necessarily comprehensive of all available opportunities. Students are encouraged to reach out to AHC if they have a related interest that is not specifically listed. This would include students interested in advocacy and political science, equine welfare, and other industry related topics.

Please submit the application; cover letter stating which project appeals to you and why; and a copy of your resume to Julie Broadway, AHC President, at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

Applications are due by May 1, 2026.

A copy of the application can be found here:https://horsecouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AHC-Internship-Application-Form.pdf

Available Internships for Summer 2026:

Animal Control Officers Directory – two interns needed

Creation of a directory of animal control officers (worked with NACA – National Animal Control Association) to help horse owners in need of assistance.

Equine Publications distribution list – two interns needed

Using the information collect by interns in summer 2025, categorize and tag publications based on their inclusion in the horse industry directory and by type in AHC member clicks database.

UHC Equine Resource Database Validating & Assessing Assistance Programs- 2 interns needed

The UHC maintains an online repository (UHCERD) that contains resources of all assistance programs available for horse owners. The contents of the database need to be validated and assessed regularly. Skills acquired include research and data management. Creating report of overall additions, changes and deletion such that the industry is aware of the level of change.

USDA Data Review – 1 intern needed

The AHC frequently uses many data points from publicly available USDA data sources as well as via FOIA requests. The sources of these data need to be reviewed and areas for improved data collecting and analysis identified. Skills acquired included navigating Federal agency databases, FOIA processes, meta data analysis and review. Intern will create a white paper detailing what the industry needs for agency data collection are.

Digital Fundraising Program Design for UHC & EWDC – one intern needed

This internship is designed for someone who wants hands-on experience at the intersection of digital marketing, fundraising strategy, and social impact. You’ll help the UHC/EWDC strengthen its online presence, engage supporters, and build the digital systems that power sustainable fundraising. It’s a chance to see how nonprofits turn mission into measurable action—and how digital tools make that possible.

Other Industry Internship opportunities

American Youth Horse Council – one intern needed

Seeking an intern to help identify and contact breed/discipline associations and other industry stakeholders that have youth resources and content to be included in the AHC/AHCY Youth resource Handbook. Skills acquired include database management, data integrity maintenance, and data entry.

Harness Horse Youth Foundation – one intern needed

Seeking an intern with graphic design experience (specifically Canva platform). Working with HHYF staff, intern would be responsible for layout/design of an activity book about Standardbreds and harness racing. Approximately 40 unique sections. Rough outline and content are complete. Position is remote. Hopefully completion date is October 31, 2026.

ZForms/Just Results Digital Transformation Project – one intern needed

Seeking highly motivated intern who can work 20-30 hours per week during the school year and full-time in the summer. A highly strategic area of focus for this internship is the automation of several key preproduction processes using a closed artificial intelligence (AI) environment. You will get in on the ground floor of a highly focused AI application that will help our company reduce time and costs from research to production.

About the American Horse Council

The American Horse Council is the trusted voice of the equine industry in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to advocate for the health and welfare of the horse, as well as the economic and legislative interests of the equine industry.