Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity
Program Requirements:
To be considered for Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a High School diploma or equivalent
Applicants also must have a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and preferably at least one year of hands-on equine experience, though the experience does not have to be with Thoroughbreds.
The program, though rewarding and educational, is very taxing both physically and mentally. Interns will work an average of 50 to 60 hours each week. This includes six days a week, some late evenings and weekends. Be advised that bad weather and holidays do not mean days off. A working farm operates 365 days a year!
Application and Selection Process:
Applications are accepted year round. To be considered for the Breeding and Foaling Season (January-June) applications must be received by November 14th. To be considered for the Yearling Sales and Auction Season (June-December) applications must be received on or before April 14th. The twelve (12) month internship application deadline dates are the same as the deadlines for the six (6) month season.
Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity applicants must fill out the application and return it with two (2) or three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants also have the option to include a cover letter and/or resume.
Candidates will also go through a screening process that may consist of phone interviews, in-person interviews, and panel interviews. We may also contact references that candidates supply. If you are an international candidate we do ask in lieu of the in-person interview that you either submit a video showing your horseman skills or be available to do an interview through webcam.
Candidates are selected based on their background, attitude, work history, references, their interest for a career in the industry, and their ability to commit to either the six (6) month or twelve (12) month internship period.
Candidates must possess the following qualities:
- Great Work Ethic
- Flexibility
- Honesty/Trustworthy
- Morality
- Presentation Skills
- Good Communication
- Excellent Attitude
- Dependable
- Loyalty
- Assertive yet tactful
- Open minded
- Willingness to learn
If accepted into Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity, applicants will be notified via a phone call and/or a letter in the mail. Candidates are usually selected 2 weeks after the applciation deadline. International applicants are encouraged to apply at least six (6) months in advance due to the length of time for the visa process.
Benefits of Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity:
- Interns are paid an hourly wage
- Furnished housing is provided
- Interns gain invaluable hands-on experience
- Uniforms are provided
- Interns are given the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the industry
- Interns will make contacts in the industry that will be vital in their future
What you can expect to learn:
Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity teaches through hands-on training in the Taylor Made Way. Because of the nature of the breed and the clientele to which we cater, Taylor Made is always on the cutting edge of new technology and innovations. Our interns can therefore expect to be receive the very best training available. During the internship interns may be exposed to:
- Manipulation of the mare’s estrus cycle
- Teasing the mare and interpreting her responses to determine her cycle
- Keeping records
- Foaling the mare
- Neonatal care
- Conformation analysis
- Evaluating the foals
- Weaning
- Raising a champion by feeding the individual with a purpose
- Various bandaging techniques
- Learning how to pick up on injuries and then treating them aggressively
- Evaluating the Yearling
- Grooming techniques (including pulling manes, picking and painting feet, etc.)
- Establishing the correct exercise routine for the individual
- How to show Yearlings
- An introduction and opportunity to work the sales
Interns in the six (6) month program may be exposed to some of the items on the list depending on the season they are accepted for.
The internship will include classroom instruction based on the textbook, “The Complete Guide To Breeding and Raising Racehorses” written by Joe Taylor as well as “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. Program instructors provide opportunities for guest speakers that may include veterinarians, farriers, equine acupuncturists, equine massage therapists, as well as other professionals in the industry. Reading assignments and quizzes are involved in the “classroom” portion of the internship. An occasional field trip helps to make learning fun and provides the intern with opportunities not available on the farm.
Length of Internship(s):
Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity offers either one of two six (6) month internships or a twelve (12) month internship which applicants can select based on their preference.
The first six (6) month internship will cover the Breeding and Foal Season. The second six (6) month internship will include the Yearling Sales and Auction Season. Some Yearling experience may be required in order to work in the Yearling Division. Either program can be selected by an intern candidate. Exact start date per intern will vary, but each intern must start within the month timeframe of the actual Season. For the Breeding & Foaling Season you must start between December 15th and January 15th. For the Sales Prep Season you must start between May 15th and June 15th.
The twelve(12) month internship will capture both six (6) month internships.
Twelve (12) month internship actual start dates are the same as the two entry periods for the six (6) month semester programs.
Housing:
Our housing accommodations are designed a small dorm style rooms and are not co-ed. Interns will have their own bedroom but may share the other rooms in their dwelling. The cost of housing is virtually free. A small fee (currently $2.00) will be deducted from the intern’s weekly paycheck. Please note: Taylor Made is not equipped to house couples or families.
Uniforms:
Uniforms are provided for interns. Uniforms include shirts and pants. Usually after the first week of employment, six days of uniforms are ordered for each intern. If the intern will be here during the winter months, a jacket will also be provided. Interns will be responsible to supply their own footwear, hats, and gloves to wear while working.
Evaluations:
Interns are evaluated on their performance in the barns, classes, assignments, attitude and care of their living quarters.
Graduation:
Since Taylor Made stands behind our graduates and want to see them succeed in the industry, only those that truly embody The Taylor Made Way graduate from our program. Following graduation and a successful evaluation of performance with a recommendation from a supervisor, Taylor Made may assist an intern with gaining employment in the area that s/he has chosen, however placement is not a guarantee.
Taylor Made seeks to recruit and train young leaders in the industry and seriously considers graduates for continued employment within the company if a position is available. Over the years, Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity graduates have gone on to become champion Trainers, Farm and Sales Agency owners, Farm Managers, Veterinarians, Bloodstock Agents, and Sales Company Representatives all over the world!
If you are interested in Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity, you can Click Here to begin the application process. Please complete the application and send it along with two (2) or three (3) letters of recommendation to either kbenj@taylormadesales.com, fax to 859-881-7036, or mail to Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity, 2765 Union Mill Road, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356.
Thank you for your interest in Taylor Made’s Unbridled Opportunity!