Degree: B.S. Agribusiness Management, Equine Studies minor with an emphasis in equine management, May 2023
Career: Rebecca is currently an Assistant Barn Manager and Lesson Assistant at Meadowbrook Stables in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She helps manage the approximately 50-head herd by working with the Barn Manager and other Assistant Barn Manager to maintain the herd’s nutritional program and treat horses as needed to keep the lesson program running smoothly. As a Lesson Assistant, she instructs young students in safe handling practices, stringent grooming techniques, and proper tacking and untacking of their lesson horses. Before starting at MBS, Rebecca was a Farm Hand at Green Woods Stables & RV Park in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Undergraduate research/Internships: Rebecca started her horse industry career by becoming the Event Management Intern for the WVU Equine Studies program, also helping train the next intern for the following year. She assisted with the planning and execution of the Mountaineer Open Horse Show series by learning the software used during shows and acting as Show Secretary, as well as inventing documents for future show use. She also helped with the set-up and tear-down of other events hosted at the JW Ruby Research Farm. While doing this, she worked with the other working students and gained valuable experience with the WVU teaching herd.
WVU Student Organizations: Rebecca was a member of multiple organizations during her time at WVU. First, being Treasurer for the Society for Conservation Biology. She also completed the Freshman Leadership Program (now First Year Leadership Academy) and returned as a sophomore to be a Peer Advisor for Leadership. West was also a member of WVU Block and Bridle and WVU Dairy Science Club, attending the Southeastern Regional Dairy Challenge as well as the National Dairy Challenge. However, her passion lied most with being WVU Collegiate Horsemen Association Treasurer, which pushed her to pursue Treasurer for the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association.
About Attending WVU: “When I first attended WVU, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I grew up. Once I learned that WVU had an Equine Studies program, I decided to jump head-first into it as I had always wanted to work with horses. I am forever thankful for everything I learned. I am also extremely lucky that as a military spouse, I have been able to find work within my desired career field.”