Well over the weekend just past I’ve been lining up work on a horse property where the owner will allow me one day a week off to stud. I’m due to start for the new year and have been seeking agistment in the same area.
Finding the perfect house to buy would have topped the weekend off and in the future being accepted into the course I’ve applied for would be the icing on the cake.
I’m sure I’ve already been one to push or advocate the idea of gaining a qualification while working, but I thought I’d run this one by those who might be interested in the idea of equine nursing. Perhaps you haven’t considered getting a qualification because you can’t afford to not be working.
The certificate III in equine nursing that I’ve applied for accepts applicants on the proviso that they are employed either in a veterinary practice that treats horses or a horse stud where a lot of the practical and theoretical knowledge can be put to the test.
I was interested in going into teaching full time next year but with a position not being available in the country town where I am moving to, stud work was all the more appealing when it became obvious that I could do further study alongside this and gain another piece of paper.
The second year of the 18 month course focuses on radiography or x-ray imaging as well as horses under anaesthetic which is an area I am interested in but have little knowledge of.
Currently doing temp work in a hospital and one day a week in a riding school, I needed to line up suitable work to be able to apply for the course.
As one who loves to write, it didn’t take much to put together a letter outlining my search for work and interest in studying one day a week for a particular horse course. Add a resume with relevant experience; send it off to suitable properties (my chosen recipients were based on location) and hope for a positive response.
A lot of the time in the horse industry it’s about who you know, not what you know. Don’t let that stop you from putting out feelers and asking though. Worst case scenario there’s no one that can cater to your request. Best case scenario – too many job offers!
Perhaps equine nursing isn’t your interest. Maybe instructing is. Consider achieving your Level 1 in instructing through the EFA or AHRC or perhaps a certificate III in coaching… alongside work. Most riding schools would be happy to take on someone who they can later use as an instructor.
Never mind teaching, I want to be a farrier! Sound familiar? Apprenticeships are a great way to achieve a qualification while also working and gaining practical experience. This is the common protocol for those wanting to work with horses’ feet.
There are a number or horse related jobs that offer training and qualifications alongside work. It’s just a question of finding out where, when and how.
“What the colt learns in youth he continues in old age.” – French Proverb
Tag: Level 1, EFA, instructing, farriery, job, apprenticeship, certificate III, equine nursing, self education
***Know that you want a career with horses but not sure what exactly? Check out the Vocation 100 page for a growing list of possible vocations with horses and relating posts.***
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