Meet APHA’s Summer 2024 Interns
Four talented individuals joined APHA as Summer 2024 interns, gaining real-world experience about running a world-class equine breed association and producing the annual APHA World Championship Show. Working across various departments, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of the equine industry while immersed in the vibrant and historic atmosphere of APHA and the Fort Worth Stockyards.
The Summer 2024 Intern Team
Alison Chaney
Summer 2024 Editorial Focus
Alison Chaney hails from Grand Saline, Texas, and is currently a senior at Tarleton State University, where she majors in agricultural communications and will graduate in July 2024. She is eager to gain experience in the equine industry through her APHA internship.
Alison’s love for horses began with her grandfather’s horse, Sunshine, a bomb-proof veteran that taught her everything she knows about riding. Those early experiences with Sunshine instilled a lasting passion for horses. In addition to her equine interests, Alison enjoys reading, traveling, crocheting and discovering new coffee shops.
Drawn to the APHA internship for its unique combination of association experience and equine-industry exposure, Alison is excited to enhance her storytelling skills in a professional setting.
“I love writing and getting to tell stories,” Alison said.
Reagan Hoelscher
Summer 2024 Performance Focus
Reagan Hoelscher of Robstown, Texas, is a recent 2024 graduate of Texas A&M University majoring in animal science and pursuing an equine science certificate.
She has competed in 4-H, at the Texas Junior High Rodeo Association State Finals in barrels and poles, served as TJHRA Princess and competed at the APHA World Show’s horse judging competition. Now, she enjoys training young horses and teaching youth. In her free time, Reagan loves baking, crocheting, drawing, painting, candle making and leatherwork.
Reagan applied for the APHA internship to help more people, particularly Youth, discover opportunities within the equine industry. She was drawn to APHA’s collaborative and innovative spirit.
“I’m extremely grateful to have received this opportunity and am looking forward to the APHA World Championship Show,” Reagan said. “I hope to see y’all there.”
Emma Reijonen
Summer 2024 Marketing Focus
Hailing from Sugar Land, Texas, Emma is a recent 2024 University of Houston graduate with a major in digital media and a minor in applied innovations. She previously lived in California and New Jersey before settling in Texas, but Emma’s love for horses has been a constant throughout her life. In the saddle from age 5, Emma’s equestrian career began as a hunter/jumper which later turned into exploring the Western riding world. Emma now enjoys learning the ropes—literally—of breakaway and team roping with her horse.
Emma is excited to combine her love for marketing and horses as a part of the APHA team.
“People who have a true passion for horses will always find a way back to them, no matter where they are in life,” Emma said, “Once you get in that saddle, there’s no going back!”
JordanTaylor “JT” Danielecki
Summer 2024 Performance Focus
JordanTaylor “JT” Danielecki grew up in Springtown, Texas, and attends Oklahoma State University. As a dual major in animal science and agribusiness with a minor in marketing, she will graduate in Spring 2025.
JT has been involved in the equine community as a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and Stock Horse Association of Texas, and she competes with the OSU Ranch Horse Team. She enjoys showing in versatility ranch horse competitions. JT owns several Quarter Horses and a retired Paint mare, Lilrobyns Van Tyke, who ignited her passion for horses.
“One of the coolest things is that my journey in the equine industry began with a Paint Horse,” JT said. “Now, I have the opportunity to expand my knowledge through the organization she’s associated with.”
Motivated by a desire to gain event management experience, JT applied for the APHA internship to learn the inner workings of an equine organization. She hopes this hands-on experience will help her achieve her goal of owning and operating an event center for equine shows and events.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.