• Charles Sturt University student accepted to highly sought after international equine research internship
• Kentucky Equine Research a global leader in equine nutrition
• Opportunity to bring practical research experience back to Charles Sturt University’s equine science program

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) Bachelor of Equine Sciencestudent Adelaide Kovac has been accepted into the prestigious and highly competitive Kentucky Equine Research internship program.

The 12-month internship programis open to four people annually and is conducted in the Kentucky Equine Research headquarters in the United States. The centre is considered an industry leader in equine nutrition and exercise physiology research across a wide range of equestrian disciplines. 

Ms Kovac said the internship is a highly sought after program and was surprised and thrilled to be accepted. 

“To be considered for the internship I had to have already undertaken equine studies and at least five years working with horses,” Ms Kovac said. 

Over the 12 months of the internship Ms Kovac said she will be involved in equine research and attending nutrition conferences in Kentucky and Florida as well as attending the Kentucky Derby and the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event. 

Ms Kovac said the internship was an exciting opportunity to blend her passion for research and managing horses on the centre’s farm. 

“The internship program covers all aspects of equine nutrition and monitoring horse health and fitness but I will also be doing day-to-day applied management of the horses on the farm,” Ms Kovac said. 

Charles Sturt Associate Professor in Equine Science Hayley Randle said Adelaide was a great ambassador for the Bachelor of Equine Science.

“Adelaide is passionate about horses and will be a strong ambassador for the Charles Sturt University Equine Science courses.”  

“As well as being a keen competitor in eventing, she is always keen to put the latest theory into practice and having the opportunity to work with KER is a perfect next step before coming back to us for the next step in her higher education studies.”

“With only four internships offered each year, selecting an Australian shows the world respects what we are doing and that we are pulling our weight internationally in terms of research and industry relevance,” Associate Professor Randle said.  

Kentucky Equine Research already employ several Charles Sturt graduates in Australia.

Ms Kovac will move to the United States at the end of June to commence the internship. 

Following the internship Ms Kovac said she will return to Charles Sturt to complete an Honours project.