So this is an Australian based inititative, but I believe a timely message for anywhere in the world.  Here in Australia, National Skills Week runs from August 26 – September 1, 2013.  As it states on the website:

National Skills Week now in its third year will again set out to bring to life the positive messages, highlighting the talents, the skills, the career pathways and the value of apprentices and trainees across Australia to the wider public and employers. The week is dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning.

For me, the horse industry is an important one to stay up to date on skills, tools and education.

Often it is difficult to improve your education in the industry and fund this or continue to earn an income.  For those in Australia pursuing an equine trade, it may be worth keeping an eye on the Tafe Directors Australia website where details regarding scholarships for TAFE skills can be applied for.  Skills week showcases the importance of vocational skills and practical learning.

The site will detail educational facilities that are taking part by hosting events over the National Skills Week.  Check it out!

“Dressage riding comprises many skills, several of which are acquired by jumping and riding cross-country, or on trails.” – Charles de Kunffy

Thanks to reading over the ‘101 Ways to Make Money with Horses’ book that is available for free via Online Horse College I realised that one of the jobs listed, I haven’t delved into particularly well on this blog!

Nutrition is an incredibly important area of horse care that everyone should know about.

However, a general knowledge sometimes isn’t enough when it comes to managing horses that may have metabolic issues, dietary insufficiency or excess, or even making up the appropriate complete feed for your older horse, competition horse, hack or in foal broodmare.  This is where a nutritionist can be beneficial.

Generally these horse specialists will be employed in a particular nutrition company or business, such as Kentucky Equine Research, John Kohnke, Mitavite, etc.

Their role may involve:

• promoting particular feeds or supplements
• talking to horse businesses about pasture content and management
• informing horse owners about elements of nutrition

As far as I am aware, here in Australia recognised nutritionists tend to have an equine science degree, having studied biochemistry, animal and horse nutrition.  If you’re interested in pursuing this horse related career, why not check out horse courses that are available to increase your knowledge?

While you’re at it, if nutrition interests you, check out the other 4 posts that relate to nutrition and horses at the Vocation 100 page 🙂

“Horses comment on a car: ‘150 horsepower, big deal. I’d be impressed if it ran on hay.'”