This October, I traded the familiar campus life for the dusty energy of Winnemucca, Nevada, where the World Ranch Horse Association (WRHA) held its annual World Show. From October 1–5, the Winnemucca arenas pulsed with early-morning arena drags and the smell of leather and coffee. In the middle of it all, I had the chance to represent Midway University as an intern, an opportunity that would push me, teach me, and immerse me in the heart of the ranch horse community.
For a full week, fellow intern Alli Kratzer (Equine Business & Sales and Marketing Communications major, Class of 2027) and I stepped behind the scenes of a major equine event, learning what it takes to keep competitors and fans connected.
Covering Classes and Capturing the Action
Our main responsibility was maintaining the WRHA’s social media coverage which was no small task with 119 classes unfolding around you. From ranch cutting to ranch pleasure, we hustled from arena rails to editing platforms, marking out placings while dust still floated in the air from the last exhibitor’s run. Riders, trainers, families, and fans across the country depended on our updates to follow their friends, their horses, and their hopes.
But the results were only part of the story. What mattered just as much were the people behind those placings. We made it our mission to share the personalities, the quirks, and the quiet triumphs that define the ranch horse world. With a microphone in hand, we asked exhibitors everything from serious questions about their personal journeys to lighthearted ones like, “What is the least cowboy thing about you?”
One interview, though, left an unforgettable mark. A mother and daughter alongside a youth rider from their barn were both showing the same golden palomino. Over the course of the week, that remarkable horse racked up more than ten world championship titles.
Alli still talks about that moment:
“When we interviewed the mom, she got really emotional and you could see how special the horse is to her. This was very special, and I enjoyed meeting and talking to her all week.”
It was a reminder that behind every perfect pattern and polished buckle is a story years in the making.
A Split-Team Approach: Media and Awards
While I focused on digital content, Alli also took on one of the most pivotal responsibilities of the event: awards. She ensured each place, from fifth all the way to the World Champion title, was organized and presented with the professionalism the competitors deserved.
Handing someone their first world championship buckle or title plaque is not something you forget. Alli saw the emotion up close:
“It was such a cool experience awarding world champion titles. For a lot of these people, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it was really cool to get to witness it. It was special when they got emotional over winning because I got to see just how much effort they had put in to get to that point.”
Her role reminded both of us that even in a high-stakes show, the awards table was the place where dreams become real.
Building Skills for the Future
This internship wasn’t just a resume line; it was an on-your-feet crash course in equine media and event management. As double majors in Equine Business and Sales and Marketing Communications, both of us stepped into roles that aligned with our career goals.
For Alli, who plans to pursue a career in equine marketing and social media, the WRHA World Show offered a real-world proving ground:
“I want to do some sort of social media marketing once I graduate, specifically in the equine industry. This pertained to my goals because I got to help run social media, interview people, and make different videos to promote the show. This was a great opportunity to get an idea of what it may be like running social media at an equine company.”
For me, the fast pace taught me how to uncover meaningful stories on tight deadlines, where everything moves fast and emotions run high. I learned that if you step into an arena with a smile and a microphone, chances are someone will share something real with you.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
The WRHA World Show wasn’t just an internship; it was a defining experience that deepened my passion for the equine industry and showed me what my future could look like. I’m grateful to WRHA for welcoming us behind the scenes, to the competitors who trusted us with their stories, and to Midway University for creating opportunities that turn classroom lessons into career momentum.