APHA is known for stellar interns who go on to big careers in and out of the equine industry, and this summer’s crop is no exception. Let us introduce these bright minds, and make sure to say hello to them at the AjPHA Youth World Championship Show, which takes place June 27–July 9 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Katie Kallevig
Hailing from Bloomington, Illinois, Katie Kallevig is the Summer 2016 Marketing/Sales intern. An agricultural communications student at Illinois State University, she graduates in May 2017. Katie is no stranger to APHA. Her first Paint Horse, Fleet Dream Girl, helped her achieve the title Novice Youth Rookie of the Year in 2007. She actively showed in Zone 5 as well as at National Reining Horse Association competitions. Her experiences with APHA have led her to pursue a career in the equine industry.
“In 2009, I was on Team USA and competed in the Youth World Games. We had the opportunity to tour APHA’s headquarters and learn more about the association,” Katie said. “Since then, I have thought it would be awesome to work for an association that had such a large impact on my life. I am really excited that I now have the opportunity to do that through this internship.”
Danielle Kemper
Danielle Kemper of Gilbert, Arizona, joins the APHA team as a Performance Department intern. She attends Kansas State University, where she is studying animal science with an emphasis in business. Part of the K-State equestrian team in horsemanship and reining , Danielle will graduate in December 2016. The horsewoman piloted Mr Jack Cool to a 2012 APHA world championship in Youth Western Riding 14–18 and finished that year as the No. 2 Youth 14–18 exhibitor. She also competed for Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Youth World Games and served as AjPHA vice president in 2010–2011.
“I have always been very involved with APHA as a Youth, but when I went to college I wasn’t able to show or be a part of APHA as much,” Danielle said. “APHA is what allowed me to find a riding career in college, so I knew it would help me find a path to my future career when I start ‘adulting.’”
Lauren Rufo
Lauren Rufo joins APHA as a Performance intern, as well. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, she is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in animal science with an emphasis in production. Lauren competed in APHA all-around competition as a Youth. Her family still owns Dontchaluvmyassets, one of her trusty all-around horses, and her mom is now showing him in the APHA Amateur Walk-Trot division.
Lauren served as the OSU Horsemen’s Association president during the 2015–2016 academic year. She also competed on the OSU Horse Judging Team, earning a Top 10 individual halter placing and a Top Five team placing at the American Quarter Horse Association World Show and Top Five team placings at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the National Reining Horse Association Futurity.
“I applied for this internship because I love APHA,” Lauren said.
Blanche Schaefer
Blanche Schaefer joins the Publications team for her summer internship. Originally from Vanderpool, Texas, Blanche is a 2016 graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in public relations and a minor in business. Blanche competed in 4-H horse shows as a youth and rode for the UT-Austin Equestrian Team in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competition. She’s currently working to expand her repertoire by competing in local open hunter/jumper shows while continuing to barrel race.
She attributes her Paint ranch horse “Amigo” with solidifying her love of horses growing up. Blanche reports that at nearly 32 years old, he is still as friendly and feisty as ever.
“I’ve wanted to apply for this internship since I stumbled upon it on the Internet in high school. It’s the perfect combination of my two main interests: horses and journalism,” Blanche said. “What better job is there than to write about what you love while learning from the best?”
Reagan Stevens
Also joining APHA for the summer of 2016 is Reagan Stevens, a high school volunteer for the American Paint Horse Foundation. A Fort Worth local, Reagan is a junior at Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas. She competes in the North Texas High School Rodeo Association in breakaway roping and enjoys dabbling in team roping, as well. A two-time state championship cheerleader, Reagan is also an AP art student.
“I decided to volunteer with the foundation this summer because I really wanted some experience in a real work environment,” Reagan said. “I jumped on the idea because it tied my love for horses into a real-life experience.”
APHA regularly offers internship opportunities for college-age students in various departments; to learn more about these opportunities, email [email protected].
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[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.