Profile On: Christine Meunier, Equine Studies Teacher

Well, I thought I’d ‘profile’ myself and introduce you to my current career – teaching horse studies at TAFE!

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Six days a week!

But that is because alongside my work of teaching about horses theoretically and practically, I am also:

• studying an Equine Science Degree part time through Charles Sturt University;
• I have my own horse to look after
• I am often writing about horses for this blog, a novel I’m working on or other bits and pieces

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Absolutely! The horse industry in Australia is one of the largest employers and there are many people working and studying to work with horses, be it in the performance, breeding or racing industry.

I guess it depends on your idea of a liveable income, but it is more cost effective (and perhaps the hours are more appealing) to teach about horses with regards to someone gaining a qualification. A full time teacher who is contracted may earn around $30 an hour plus super annuation and holiday pay, whilst a sessional (casual teacher) may earn around $60 an hour without the benefits of holiday pay and sick leave.

A TAFE teacher needs to have their Certificate IV in Training and Education as a minimum, plus industry experience. You also need to have a qualification at least at the level to which you teach. For example, if you teach a horse breeding course at Certificate III level, you should have this qualification or one higher, such as a Certificate IV or Diploma.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Have your Certificate IV and definitely have industry experience. Having computer skills and good English skills will help with dealing with students, creating resources and marking assessment items.

Favourite horse memory?
Perhaps foaling down a filly at one of my first stud jobs. As soon as she was able to stand, she fell over into a water trough – it was cold climbing in there to get her out in the early hours of a spring morning!

Future goals?
To develop a career out of writing horses. Currently in a way I do this, as I’m involved in generating unit resources at the TAFE where I teach, but I’d love to become an equine author.

My first novel is due to be released July 1 and this will be available for sale in ebook and hard copy format via HorseCountryBook.com!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
You can do it anywhere around the world, except maybe Antarctica 😉

“Lessons From Your Horse: When you’re short tempered, let me teach you how to slog around the pasture for an hour before you catch me.” – Author unknown