What It Means to Become a Media Intern: From the 2025 Ann Haller Media Intern

By William Coon, of Ariatti Equestrian Center Pony Club Riding Center

This is the essay William Coon, H-B Horse Management, C-2 Eventing, of Ariatti Equestrian Center Pony Club Riding Center in the Midsouth Region, submitted about what being a media intern would mean to him when he applied for the Ann Haller Media Internship. William was chosen as the 2025 Ann Haller media intern. 

The Kentucky Three-Day has always been a favorite event of mine to watch, and in the past few years, I have been able to volunteer as a cross-country crossing guard. While gaining experience as a volunteer it also helped me appreciate the complexities of organizing such an event and energized me to do more.

The opportunity to be the 2025 Ann Haller media intern would allow me to get to know another part of the inner workings of an international event of this size and caliber. Since my freshman year, I have been part of the speech and debate team. I have focused on the broadcast and declamation categories of competition. Working as a media intern would be a great opportunity to utilize the skills I have learned and will give me the exposure and experience to what broadcast journalism could lead to as a career and what a life in broadcast journalist may be like.

In addition to my interest in broadcast journalism, I have been very active in the equestrian community.  I am a leader in the United States Pony Clubs, having  held the position of vice president of U.S. Pony Clubs Midsouth Youth Board until 2024. In this role, I organized the board meetings and coordinated fundraising events, including a competitors pizza party during the Midsouth Region Rally. 

This, as well as my H-B and C certifications have taught me that riding means more than just time in the saddle. I’m excited to get involved with the media and broadcast component of this competition.  I have experienced the less glamorous parts of horse trials, like feeding, preparing, and cleaning the horses before a competition, but it made me enjoy the competition even more. I would really appreciate this opportunity to see how all the aspects of equestrian life can be shared with spectators and fans, especially incorporating social media as another part of broadcast journalism to connect to the younger crowd.   

I am committed to being involved with the equestrian industry for the rest of my life. This internship will expose me to another facet of the industry, further expanding my knowledge and providing new opportunities. The equestrian industry has numerous roles that rely on and support each other, fostering growth—a remarkable aspect of this community. This network extends internationally, and I aim to broaden my horizons by engaging with communities worldwide.

I am currently exploring opportunities to attend university in England. Although I am uncertain about the specific role I want to pursue within this community, I believe this internship will help me gain further insight into the media industry and assist me in determining how best to leverage my abilities to contribute to and strengthen the equestrian community.

Further Reading

• Reflections on the USPC Ann Haller Internship at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event
• What It’s Like to be a Media Intern at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event
• What It Means to Have a Village Behind You in Pony Club