Blog : Equus Education

Free Nutrition Short Course

October 15, 2014 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

CAFRE continue to embrace educational technology by delivering online equine courses to people across the country and around the world.

The new equine nutrition course will begin on Wednesday 22nd October and participants must enrol by 16th October.

This new course is free and will cover clinical equine nutrition including common nutritional related illnesses, the role of supplements in managing equine health and new advances in equine nutrition.

The course will run over three weeks and will include online lectures, tests and discussion forums, all of which will be accessed through the internet.

To book your place on the course, email rachel.annan@dardni.gov.uk by 16th October 2014.

Blog Action Day 2014: Inequality and Horses

October 14, 2014 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I try to participate in Blog Action Day each year to raise awareness on a particular topic that is being blogged about by many others all around the world. Because Equus-Blog is equine education focused, I like to put a horse related spin on the topic if I can.

There is much inequality in the horse world:

consider wages in the racing industry or thoroughbred breeding industry (usually minimum wage or higher) with the competition industry (often little money or ‘perks’ offered such as getting to ride quality horses or live on site and work incredibly long hours with little financial gain)
horses that don’t perform well are often considered invaluable and sold for meat or given away so that they don’t cost the previous owner
some particular disciplines in the equestrian world are considered higher in worth over others

Now this may appear a cynical or negative spin, and I love the horse industry, its variation and all it has to offer – so don’t misread me on this post! I just thought I’d point out that there are some prejudices or inequalities that can be found in it.

However, you can also find some incredible rewards – financial, networking, skills based, travel related and so much more. And that is a reason that I love the equine industry, to a fault.

How do you feel inequality affects the horse industry? I’d love your feedback!

The Road to Balinor by Mary Stanton

October 11, 2014 by Christine Meunier 1 Comment

The first book in the Unicorns of Balinor series didn’t take me long to devour. Based around thirteen year old Arianna, Ari awakes from an accident that she can’t remember, to find that her most recent memory isn’t the only thing missing. Not familiar with the people who claim to be her foster parents and not remembering any of her past, the young teen has no idea that she is royalty from another world, not a resident of earth.

Although not much makes sense, Ari recognises her close bond with her horse Chase. A desperate attempt to save the stallion from the hands of others could result in the loss of Ari and Chase’s future happiness in their true home.

Mary Stanford has written the start to this series very well. The characters and environment in which they live are well described and the reader finds they are eager to know what will happen next, hoping things will work out for the confused young Arianna.

Just as the story is building to a hopefully happy resolution, book number one comes to an end! I’ll have to secure the second in the series as I’m dying to know what will happen to Arianna, Chase and the characters she’s come to be involved with.

Author – Mary Stanton
http://www.marystanton.com/
Fiction – children, adventure
In my library – Yes! I have a few in this series but must track down book two!
Want it? Get it now at Amazon.

“Happiness is… believing in unicorns.” – Author unknown

Profile On: Kerry Burke, Essence Equine International

October 11, 2014 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
My business is 7 days a week. In between dealing with current clients I am always looking for business opportunities with new clients. I am the Australasian Licencee for Essence Equine International.I am involved in the supplement (Stem Cell Nutrition) industry for elite performance animal athletes.

What is it exactly that you do?
I identify trainers with thoroughbreds with high ability that have challenges. This can be identifiable challenges or not identifiable challenges. For example, a horse while competing, may not be performing at its best. It may be respiratory issues, recovery, hoof problems or even attitudinal issues. I discuss these issues with the trainer and provide a 100% natural solution for these issues.

Welcome to the world of Stem Cell supplements. The health, nutritional and sporting supplement industry for both human and animal industry is worth billions of dollars each year. While most of that is attributed to sports drinks, protein powders and general health supplements such as fish oil and multivitamins the next dominant force in the market is going to be Stem Cell Nutrition. I am privileged to have this opportunity.

1st Place – Bet on a Rode, K.J and L.J Burke

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
The short answer is yes. I have a Business Degree and almost 40 years experience in the racing industry.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
I first started by providing my horses with this product some 16 years ago. The trainer was charged with providing me with his observational notes. From there the industry has boomed. I am proud to say that I am at the forefront of the industry in Australasia.

Favourite horse memory?
Without a doubt winning a “Black Type” race over the Spring Carnival in Melbourne. This horse was the first horse on our supplement in 1998. I’ll never forget it.

Future goals?
To continue to develop the business by spreading the word on Stem Cell Nutrition.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Experiencing the thrill of of identifying an opportunity and watching it succeed.

“Bread may feed my body, but my horse feeds my soul.” – Author unknown

Equine Superannuation

October 9, 2014 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

My local Christian radio station Vision fm has an advert currently that is promoting a superannuation company that invests super funds in ethical companies. The focal point is that Christians may be interested in having their super money invested in areas that will make a positive impact for others, rather than have it be used by another super company that is only focused on making a profit for themselves.

This got me to thinking about superannuation for those in the equine industry. Well, this ad and the recent change that has allowed jockeys to be eligible for super.

As someone who is an advocate for the equine industry, I would love to know that my superannuation that is being put aside and invested to earn me a return for my future retirement, is being used in a way that will benefit the equine industry as a whole. How is that possible?

Well, what if there was a superannuation company for members of the equine industry that invested its funds in equine related businesses that resulted in a return? Stable hands, stud hands, equestrians, jockeys, trainers, breeders, vets and the like could know that their employers are paying the typical 9% (or more) into a company that offers a return alongside investing in the equine industry.

The horse industry and racing in particular provides so much income to the Australian economy, and yet there are areas that are strongly lacking in funds. Equine education comes to mind immediately. Having a place to invest in one’s own super whilst also helping to ensure the future of the equine industry would be of appeal to me and many other equine workers, I’m sure.

Now if you have a passion for money, people’s future and the equine industry, perhaps setting up a superannuation company that invests in these things may be the niche market that sparks a flame in you. If there’s already someone out there doing this, I’d love to hear about it!

“Lessons From Your Horse… When you feel superior, let me teach you that mostly, you’re the maid service.” – Author unknown

Free Nutrition Short Course

Blog Action Day 2014: Inequality and Horses

The Road to Balinor by Mary Stanton

Profile On: Kerry Burke, Essence Equine International

Equine Superannuation

Equus Education Store at TeachersPayTeachers

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