APHA welcomes four Summer 2025 interns
By Laurel Cox
APHA is excited to have four talented Summer 2025 interns learning the ins and outs of association management. These young professionals are gaining real-world experience in what it takes to run one of the world’s largest equine breed associations. They also assisted in the production of the 2025 APHA World Championship Show and are gaining invaluable industry connections.
The Summer 2025 Interns
Ema Anderson
Accounting Focus
Hailing from Liberty Hill, Texas, Ema is a senior at Tarleton State University. She is studying agribusiness management and finance with the goal of becoming a financial consultant for agricultural producers.
Ema comes from a livestock background, and she is excited for the opportunity to learn more about the equine industry through her internship. She believes it is important to have a well-rounded understanding of each agricultural sector to offer the best financial advice.
She chose APHA’s internship for the chance to broaden her agricultural involvement while gaining real-world experience working with organizational finances.
“My favorite part of this internship has been that I have been able to meet so many people that I’ve created bonds with and also learned about the equine industry and fundamental business applications,” Ema said.
Emily Churchill
Competition Focus
Emily Churchill was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. A recent graduate of Texas A&M University, she received her bachelor’s degree in university studies leadership with minors in psychology and communication.
First riding horses for fun as a child, Emily later worked for Texas A&M’s equestrian team while she was a student. After graduating, she was the volunteer manager at an equine therapy center.
Emily chose her internship with APHA to learn more about the ins and outs of a breed association. She loves APHA’s mission to “promote, preserve and provide meaningful experiences with Paint Horses,” and she is grateful for the opportunity to work with the organization.
“My favorite part of the internship so far is having the opportunity to be a part of World Show and meeting so many awesome people!” Emily said.
Laurel Cox
Publications Focus
A native of the Volunteer State, Laurel Cox is from Bell Buckle, Tennessee. She currently attends the University of Tennessee–Knoxville as a junior studying animal science and journalism.
Horses continue to have a powerful impact on Laurel’s life. From the first horse she bought—a Paint named Poco—to the mare she has now and every horse in between, Laurel is grateful for their influence.
Laurel chose this internship to combine two of her greatest passions: horses and advocacy. She is excited for the opportunity to advocate for the Paint Horse breed through the Paint Horse Journal, Chrome and more.
“This internship has been such a blessing,” Laurel said. “The experience I have gained and the people I have met have made me a better advocate for the equine community, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given.”
Riley Pirkle
Competition Focus
Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Riley Pirkle is a recent graduate of North Central Texas College. She graduated with an associate of arts, and she is continuing her education at Tarleton State University to work toward a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication with a certificate in equine science.
Riley began riding horses when she was 8 years old. She quickly became involved in the equine community, including competing and serving in leadership roles at the state and national level. In college, she competed on the ranch horse and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association teams; she will ride on the Tarleton stock horse team as well.
As part of her internship, she hopes to help others fall more in love with Paint Horses.
“My favorite part of the internship has been being able to connect with individuals all throughout the equine industry,” Riley said. “I also really enjoyed helping with special events, such as the Youth & Amateur Banquet and Hall of Fame induction ceremony.”
Becoming an APHA Intern
If you are interested in interning with APHA, keep an eye on the Careers tab on apha.com, or apply at jobsofthewest.co when internship applications open in January 2026.
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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.