BY TAMMY A. GANTT
OCALA, FL—Rebecca Ramirez joined the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for a spring internship in the membership, events and sales department in January. She focused on learning to write member spotlights, hosting tours, creating event flyers and assisted with public outreach at a career fair and at the FTBOA booth at the Ocala Breeder Sales. Ramirez compiled extensive statistics for champions featured in the FTBOA yearbook which debuts at the FTBOA Gala annually.
“This internship has given me the opportunity to gain firsthand experience and learn about the Florida Thoroughbred industry and make great friendships and connections among the industry partners and members,” Ramirez said.
She attended charity committee meetings learning about silent auctions, fundraising and guest relations. In addition, she attended two Ocala Florida Public Relations Association development meetings to learn how to network within the community, how to integrate AI into work processes to increase efficiency, and learn to use public relations strategies and tactics to create successful political or other PR campaigns.
“Growing up in Ocala, I feel that first introduction we have with a horse here is like a rite of passage,” Ramierz said. “There is a sort of feeling, knowledge and respect that we learn then and can carry it forward throughout our lives. At least that is how I see it.
“Overall, I have had an amazing and engaging experience here and I feel like this internship has increased my knowledge, confidence, and has brought me out of my shell a lot.”
Ramirez is a student at the College of Central Florida in business and organizational management with a specialization in equine management. She is planning to graduate with a B.A.S. degree in December 2026. She has an A.A. in animal science from CF. She is a member of the CF Equine Club where she enjoys volunteering and connecting with other members.
Ramirez’s hobbies are reading enjoyable books or series, traveling to new places, photography, listening to music and being around family.
Her goal upon graduation is to pursue a career in marketing and sales management, as well as public relations, particularly within the equine industry.
“[I met] my first horse at age five or six at school when a beautiful, deep brown horse with a white stripe walked out of a trailer led by a cowboy,” she said. “Seeing the horse amped me up as I strategically began thinking how I could be first in line to pet this horse. From this moment, my equine life has come full circle where I can now share with others about the equine world around me.”
Return to the February 25 issue of Wire to Wire
