Each year, APHA helps exceptional students get their foot in the door to the equine community through its internship program. Join us in welcoming the summer 2021 intern team! They will have the opportunity to expand their equine industry knowledge, gain real-world experience and help execute the APHA World Championship Show coming up June 25 through July 11, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Cara Wylie
Originally from Burleson, Texas, Cara Wylie currently resides in College Station where she attends Texas A&M University. She is set to graduate in the fall of 2022 with a degree in animal science.
From a young age, Cara’s grandfather instilled a love of horse racing in her. The two were regulars at Lone Star Park, and still enjoy attending races together when they can. From there, Cara caught the horse bug and hasn’t looked back. At 14, she got her first horse—a Quarter Horse gelding named Cricket, who she credits with helping her learn the value of patience, hard work and determination. In high school, she enjoyed barrel racing with Cricket and some of her other past horses. Her post-graduation goal is to work in the equine industry.
“Since I do not currently know which aspect of the industry I am wanting to pursue, I am grateful for the opportunity to gain more knowledge and learn from one of the largest equine organizations in the industry,” said Cara.
Isabel Schween
Isabel Schween comes to Fort Worth from Gilroy, California. She is an incoming senior at Texas A&M University as a political science major and business minor, and is a member of A&M’s NCEA Division 1 Equestrian Team.
Isabel became involved with horses when she got her first Paint mare, A Winning Melody (“Melody”), and started showing in the all-around at local events. She now actively shows on the AQHA circuit with her Quarter Horse, The Bourne Legacy (“Fitty”). Her favorite event to compete in is horsemanship because of the level of precision and careful execution it requires.
“I have been involved in the equine industry for as long as I can remember,” said Isabel. “I am looking forward to applying the background knowledge I possess to an organization I am passionate about.”
Elizabeth (“Lizzy”) Baucom
Elizabeth (“Lizzy”) Baucom joins us this summer from Odessa, Texas. She is currently a senior at Texas A&M where she studies animal science and is pursuing an equine certificate.
Lizzy got involved in horses early on when her mom loaned her a Quarter Horse mare named Unique Star JLS (“Jackie”). She has enjoyed riding and showing Jackie since the age of 12 and credits her with fueling her passion for horses and the horse industry. She also grew up riding her Appaloosa gelding named CA Sonny Print (“Sonny”).
Lizzy wants to carry what she learns during her internship into a career somewhere within the equine industry.
“I’m looking forward to my time at APHA,” said Lizzy. “It will be a fantastic opportunity to gain insight and understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on at the association level.”
Abigail Slaubaugh
Abigail Slaubaugh hails from Sarasota, Florida. She attends the University of Florida where she is the co-captain of the dressage team and is studying agricultural education and communications. She will graduate in the spring of 2022.
Abigail has a long history with horses, as she has shown on the hunter jumper circuit and been an active member in the 4-H Youth Development Horse Program for ten years. Her 1998 off-the-track thoroughbred Runnin Cameron (“Coal”) has had the most impact on her. She was able to rehabilitate him from being a couple of hundred pounds underweight with a torn ligament to now able to show and learn the ropes of the hunter jumper ring. He now has a forever retirement home at Abigail’s family ranch in Sarasota. She also enjoys her Paint Horse Versas Eternal Zip (“Lacey”) and her Quarter Horse Artful Moves (“Art”).
“I felt applying for the APHA internship program would be a great way to advocate for an incredible breed of horse, while still being able to work with them,” said Abigail. “I’m excited to be here!”
Emma Edwards
Emma Edwards joined the internship program in February 2021 and stays on to continue her projects into the summer. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Emma graduated from Texas Christian University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in sociology, and is currently working towards her master’s degree in communication studies.
Emma has always wanted to pursue a career in the equine industry, and has been passionate about it since she got her first Paint Horse at age 10. She continues to show and currently rides on the AQHA circuit. During her time at TCU, she was also a member of the university’s Division 1 Equestrian Team.
“I have really enjoyed my time with APHA, and have learned so many real-world marketing skills that I have been able to apply to my studies and will carry with me for the rest of my career,” said Emma. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to grow as a member of the equine industry, and can’t wait to meet members face to face at the upcoming World Show!”
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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 in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves, and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.