Have you always been interested in horses?
My history is steeped in horses, from the days when my grandfather ploughed his paddocks with a work horse!  I have been interested in the majestic creature since this time seeing the versatility of the horse from work, sport and pleasure.

I spent my childhood riding with friends having great adventures and on school holidays I would work at a trail riding ranch.  My teenage and adult days were devoted to working cattle on horse back which lead me to working in the NT on a cattle station which was a real highlight in my life.

I later started the sport of breakaway roping which is just so much fun and rewarding.

What is it exactly that you do?
I am the owner and manager of North East Horse Rug Repairs, this is a business I created a few years ago, mainly because I could see a big void in the industry.

I found there is nothing more annoying than finding that perfect fitting rug for my horse, and then when it became damaged finding a person that could restore it back to its original fit.  So I now repair rugs, make new rugs and accessories to create the perfect package.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I would hate to add up the hours devoted to horses, however I can tell you that my day starts with feeding, removing rugs, then off to the work shed to repair rugs, then back to the paddock to re rug, feed and if time allows have a quick ride, but having two young children has limited my time to ride.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earn a reliable income?
Yes it is possible to create a reliable income, however this does not come without great dedication,the horse industry is very particular and want to see quality work for their money, professional service and reliability, it is not a profession for someone who is not prepared to give 100%

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
The first thing I would advise is anyone considering going into business is that you do a small business course.

You would then need to have some knowledge of horse anatomy so you understand when cutting a pattern what to allow for, a knowledge of the use of an industrial sewing machine and lots of patience for the time unpicking and restitching repair work.

Favourite horse memory?
Although I have had many happy memories of working & riding horses I would have to say winning my first rodeo was a real buzz, and training my own rope horse.

Future goals?
I want to build my business into a profitable and reliable service and have the ability to work from home long term.

Best thing about your profession?
I love watching those before and after shows such as the Block and its the same when people bring rugs into me which are very damaged and then looking at them after I’ve repaired them and their back to a usable rug, it’s rewarding.

“Look back at our struggle for freedom, trace our present day’s strength to its source; and you’ll find that our pathway to glory, is strewn with the bones of the horse.” – Author unknown

Price McNaughton is taking part in a book tour over the month of April to get her new equine novel out there.  She has been kind enough to answer questions regarding writing horses as a career.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out in the industry? What is it exactly that you do?
I’ve been interested in horses since I can remember. I majored in Horse Science in college and then ended up moving to Lexington and working with racehorses. After a move home to try my hand at barrel racing, I was involved in a serious riding accident.

While I still ride and hope to one day barrel race again, I began focusing on writing while healing from my accident. Now, I write mysteries and I have just finished Murder is Ugly, the first in a series featuring Jinx Delaney and her horse, Ranger.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
When I travel and work with horses at seasonal jobs, it varies. On a day to day basis as a writer, I interact with my own horses. I guess you could say that I go from working with other people’s horses as a job to working with my own for pleasure while writing.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes, I believe so. While I am not at that level yet and am supplementing my income with other jobs and opportunities, I can easily see this turning into my full time profession with a liveable income.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Read! It’s a must. Also, you must begin writing as much as possible. After you have finished your book, you will have to decide if you want to self-publish, indie-publish, or try to be traditionally published. Research each and decide which one is for you and then go from there.

Favourite horse memory?
The first time I rode my adopted American Mustang, Dillinger. I trained him myself and I was the first one on his back. Love him!

Future goals?
To continue writing and build my audience. I also want to turn a few of my stories/books into plays.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Reader feedback. Hearing from a fan can make your day! Also, the flexibility to pursue anything and everything that interests me in the name of research for a book.

“When in doubt, ask a horse.”