Ranch News • April 18, 2024 | | |
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Meet the 2024 Spring Breeding/Foaling Interns
at the Four Sixes Ranch!
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About the 6666 Ranch Internship Program
•• Hands-On Learning at its Finest ••
The Four Sixes Ranch internship experience is just that — an experience that will last a lifetime. One of the most demanding internship programs around, spring breeding/foaling internships include overnight foaling shifts and 90+ hour weeks. But every single hour of this paid internship allows students to explore career opportunities in every aspect of equine reproduction.
"What people say will happen 1 in 10,000 times, or people might see once in a lifetime, you will see once a year out here just with the volume of horses we have come through this facility. You get exposed to a lot," says 6666 Ranch Stallion Manager Eric Van Reet.
The 6666 Ranch currently stands more than 30 stallions for both on-site and cooled transported semen, and breeds around 1,800+ mares annually — and interns are in the middle of the action. This 6666 Ranch is also a Select Breeders Services (SBS) affiliate lab for stallion freezing and breeds many mares throughout the season with frozen semen. Embryo transfer (fresh and vitrified transfers) is yet another service we routinely perform.
Breeding/Foaling interns are on the ranch from January 1 - June 30. This spring's class consists of eight interns from five different states. You can read more about our extraordinary interns below.
If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for the Breeding/Foaling Attendant Internship, the application deadline for the Spring of 2025 is August 31, 2024.
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Top Row, Left to Right: Sara Holland, Broc Kieschnick, Molly Garretson, Amber Witt
Bottom Row, Left to Right: Aubrie Brown, Niquole Knapp, Emma McNabb, Ashleigh Maxey
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Sara Holland - Montana State University
Sara Holland is originally from Midland, Texas, and plans to attend Montana State University (MSU) as a freshman in the fall. Homeschooled during her high school career, Holland has had the opportunity to explore career opportunities in Wyoming, California, and Texas so far. An avid outdoorswoman, Holland has a passion for animals and was drawn to the Four Sixes Ranch for its rich history and success in the equine industry.
“The ranch's history speaks volumes, reflecting a commitment to excellence and a passion for breeding top-notch horses,” Holland said.
Holland will study animal science at MSU and plans to graduate in 2027.
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Broc Kieschnick - Texas A&M University
Broc Kieschnick, a recent Texas A&M University (TAMU) graduate, is looking to expand his knowledge of equine reproduction through the Four Sixes Ranch internship program. Kieschnick grew up in Vernon, Texas, and likes to spend time with his family. This hard-working intern became an Aggie alumnus in December 2023 and has applied to veterinary school.
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Molly Garretson - Texas Tech University
Molly Garretson, from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, recently graduated from Texas Tech University with her bachelor’s degree in animal science. Molly’s friends and family would describe her as kind, empathetic and enthusiastic. Her hobbies include reading, crocheting, drawing, and hiking. Molly is interested in equine reproduction and embryology and wanted to learn from the expert vets at the Four Sixes Ranch before going to vet school.
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Amber Witt - Iowa State University
Amber Witt graduated from Iowa State University (ISU) in May 2023 with her bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a pre-vet concentration. Originally from Ames, Iowa, Witt has experience in the equine veterinary industry, including two years of experience under a board-certified surgeon.
She chose the Four Sixes Ranch internship to broaden her experience in equine reproduction. This strong-willed and driven ISU graduate loves anything fitness-related, from outside activities to CrossFit and making sourdough bread.
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Aubrie Brown - Lamar Community College
Aubrie Brown grew up on a cow/calf operation in the Rocky Mountains. The Gunnison, Colorado native is attending Lamar Community College (LCC) and double majoring in Horse Training and Management, and Equine Business and Management. Brown is an accomplished horsewoman; she competed as a heeler, breakaway roper, and barrel racer at LCC for the rodeo team and was a member of the ranch horse team.
In her free time, this hard-working, spiritually strong cowgirl likes trap shooting, starting colts, and embroidery. Graduating this spring, Brown is considering vet school and hopes to learn as much as possible about equine reproduction during her time at the Four Sixes Ranch.
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Niquole Knapp - West Texas A&M University
With farming and ranching roots in Rocky Ford, Colorado, Niquole Knapp chose the Four Sixes Ranch internship to expand her equine reproduction knowledge, as she has solely focused on beef cattle until now. An avid reader in her free time, Knapp graduated from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) last December with her bachelor’s degree.
The oldest of seven siblings, Knapp enjoys spending time with her family when she can. This determined and task-oriented intern plans to start her master’s program at WTAMU in the fall with an emphasis in reproductive physiology.
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Emma McNabb - West Texas A&M University
Brentwood, California native Emma McNabb studies animal science at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). She chose to apply to the Four Sixes Ranch internship program for practical experience in equine reproduction and the chance to experience the 6666 Ranch facilities.
An optimist at heart, McNabb competes in reining aboard her mare Shines Red Girl. McNabb loves to spend time with her family at home and is expected to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in May of 2025.
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Ashleigh Maxey - Colorado State University
Ashleigh Maxey graduated from Colorado State University in May of 2023 with her bachelor’s degree in equine science. The Mesa, Arizona native comes to Guthrie, Texas, with thoroughbred experience from the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
She chose the Four Sixes Ranch internship to gain knowledge in the ranch horse industry and foaling out mares. This quiet and helpful intern likes baking and drawing with charcoal in her free time. She is passionate about equine sports medicine and alternative therapies for horses.
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