Photo of kids at horse camp making arts & crafts.
Image Credit: Erika Schmidt
The Institute of Applied Agriculture is full of intelligent, devoted, and hardworking students who strive to exceed all expectations. Erika Schmidt is a perfect example of one of these students.
During the summer, IAA students are to find an internship that allows them to get experience in the agriculture industry that interests them the most. With COVID-19 starting to rise in March, many students struggled to find an internship, but Schmidt succeeded and found an internship that she enjoyed.
It all started when Schmidt’s neighbor asked her if she would be interested in interning at Cedar Springs Farm with Connor Bouchelle over the summer. Schmidt said that she couldn’t pass up this opportunity to work on a horse farm and with children.
Cedar Springs farm is located in Cecil County, Maryland. The farm is run by Connor Bouchelle, who is in charge of horseback riding lessons, horse camps, and boarding. She enjoyed Schmidt’s presence at the farm, Bouchelle states, “Erika was always on time; she was extremely hard working and willing to help in any area that I needed her. She was kind to my animals and loving. She was great with my kids as well.”
This internship gave Schmidt the opportunity to teach children, work with horses, and gain knowledge about the equine industry. She spent hours at the barn feeding, bathing, helping with camps, and assisting riding lessons. Bouchelle says, “Erika helped most with caring for the animals. She did a large majority of the feeding on the farm when she was with us. She also helped so much during riding lessons.”
Reign, the horse pictured below, is the horse that Schmidt was able to help get used to people. This horse did not have experience with children, but she was able to work with the horse to make it suitable to use during lessons and camps. Schmidt said, “Reign used to be a stallion and a teaser horse. No one rode him so they broke him to make him ridable. I started to groom him, walking him, and getting him used to me. I hope to work with him under saddle when I get done with my studies.” This was a big accomplishment for Schmidt because she spent a lot of time working with Reign and seeing him improve was a memorable experience for her.
Throughout the summer, the farm held horse camps that taught children the basics of taking care of a horse and also offered lessons. She saw certain children struggle with being around horses but by the end of the camp, they became more confident around these beautiful animals. Being able to watch children step out of their comfort zone and grow the confidence to be around these large animals was one of Schmidt’s favorite things about this internship.
This internship taught Schmidt the importance of the Equine Industry and why children should have experience with horses. She enjoyed her time at Cedar Spring Farm and hopes to be able to use the skills she learned at her internship on her Uncle’s farm in Oregon. Where she hopes to take care of cattle and enjoy the Oregon views.
