Beth works in the area of equinepharmacognosy. She was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions about her profession.
How much of your day/week is related to horses?
The majority of my day is related to horses. Whether it be my own, working with clients’ horses, preparing remedies or planning for future lectures and demonstrations.
What is it exactly that you do?
I work with horses using Applied Zoopharmacognosy (self medication). Zoopharmacognosy is the practice in which wild animals self medicate using an evolutionary adaptation in which their innate instinct enables them to communicate and relate with medicinal plants within their environment, to bring about health and well being.
Unfortunately domestication and captive environments has restricted the opportunity for animals to use their instinctive knowledge to select nature’s medicines. Applied Zoopharmacognosy takes this practice into domestic and captive environments by allowing the animal to self select plant extracts that have been offered whilst always allowing the animal to walk away from a remedy when not needed. Animals with the same symptoms may choose to select a different remedy which is why this approach highlights the fact that this is individualized medicine.
In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
With time and effort I do believe it is possible to be a full time professional in this career. With successful cases, recommendations from clients often bring in new work. Promoting the subject through lectures and demonstrations also has provided new opportunities.
What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Enrolling with the Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy. Then learning the science behind animal self medication and building up a portfolio of case studies are the first steps to be taken.
Favourite horse memory?
My favourite memory is the journey I took with my own horse using Applied Zoopharmacognosy and seeing the results with his recovery. I was so fascinated by the subject I then went on to train at the academy. If it wasn’t for my horse Thomas I may not have ended up where I am today.
Future goals?
My future goals are to be able to provide a service whereby clients are able to bring their animals to where I am based. I would also like to take my work overseas and to expand to working with other species of animals.
Best thing about your sport/profession?
The best thing about my profession is seeing the results of the animals recovery. It is so rewarding.
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