Blog : Equus Education

Thoroughbred Stud Work in the Southern Hemisphere

June 10, 2011 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

The breeding season is fast approaching down under and with it, jobs are popping up for those interested in working with stallions, broodmares and foals.

Some of the latest jobs advertised at EquusConnect (http://www.equusconnect.com.au/) include positions at the big studs Darley Australia and Coolmore Australia as well as Rich Hill in New Zealand.

Don’t forget, with the likes of Darley and Coolmore that are set up in varying countries around the world – the US, UK, Australia and Dubai, a foot in the door at one property may provide opportunity to visit the other properties and work your way around the world!

“All I need to know in life I learned from my horse – leather and chains can make anyone look studly.”

tag: horse stud, australia, thoroughbred stud season, New Zealand, seasonal work

Generating an Equine Related Income through Writing and Photography

June 5, 2011 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I know I’ve touched on both of these possibilities before, but just wanted to remind people that they have options to use their skills, combined with their love of horses to start to generate some pocket money.

It’ll take a lot more work to generate an income through the likes of writing articles for magazines, online sites such as Suite101 or other such avenues, but it is possible to start today, building up a profile for yourself as a writer and generating a small amount of money in the process. Do it for the experience and love of writing, rather than the anticipation of funds and you can’t go wrong.

The same goes with photography. There are so many stock photo sites out there that will take photos (under specific guidelines) and put them for sale on the site. Every time someone wants to use your photo, they can purchase it and you make a small amount of money. This is a great way to start up a portfolio in the photography world and generate an increasing residual income.

In both areas, I believe it’s a question of skill as well as being a numbers game. The more you have written or the more photos on display, the more likely someone will find something they like resulting in funds for you!

‘Every day you don’t invest is another day’s interest you haven’t made.’

Those Who Follow the Crowd Get Lost In It

June 4, 2011 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

It’s been a ridiculously long time since I posted! Don’t you love when life gets in the way? Things have been great but incredibly busy – sorry for a lack of posting.

I’ve been studying for exams of late and reading up on a psychological test by Solomon Asch, which proves how people can cave to peer pressure or give up on ideas because the majority think it isn’t possible. Ever done that?

Coming up to the end of the financial year, you may be reassessing goals and priorities and what you want to do with your horse future. Perhaps a business idea or career change is emerging… and why not?

Not all dreams and goals come to pass once they’ve been decided. Many may take years. Whatever it is that you’re hoping to achieve, consider what steps you can take today to see them start to come to fruition. And don’t worry about what the majority say – in fact, as good as it is to get the opinion of others, sometimes it’s safer to share dreams only with those who will encourage and help you to achieve them.

It’s often those in the minority who have made the most incredible changes to society – and for the better. William Wilberforce is an excellent example. Don’t forget: those who follow the crowd get lost in it.

‘Against the grain should be a way of life,’ Nickleback

Chancey of the Maury River – Equine Novel

June 4, 2011 by Christine Meunier 1 Comment

Chancey of the Maury River by Gigi Amateau I should be receiving a copy of Chancey in the mail shortly, to read and review. Keep a look out for a review of this children’s horse novel by author Gigi Amateu…

If you’re an author and would like your horse book reviewed, feel free to drop me a line (darquette_@hotmail.com). I’m always looking for more books that will be suitable for my expanding children’s equine library!

“On the night that Chancey is born, a “fire star” races across the sky, a signal that a great horse has entered the world…” – Gigi Amateau

Tags: horse story, equine book review, equine author, horse library, Gigi Amateau

Profile On: Michelle Goodrick, Equine Massage Therapy

January 19, 2011 by Christine Meunier 2 Comments

For an end of year dinner for the Certificate II in Horse Studies students we had two guest speakers to encourage the students about different career paths that they could undertake with horses. Michelle Goodrick was one of these, being a nurse that also practices equine massage therapy and went with the Paralympic team to assist both horses and riders with regards to their physical wellbeing. Michelle kindly answered some questions about her professions.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out in horse and rider massage therpay? What is it exactly that you do?
I have loved horses since I can remember and have been riding since I was 7 years old. I became a nurse when I left school and also a relaxation massage therapist. After years of full time nursing I decided to add equine massage to my list of qualifications so I could maintain my horses and friends. I studied with an American lady by the name of Margie McKalister who was from South Carolina.

In 2007 I decided that there was a lot more to learn about massage so I went and studied full time at the Melbourne Institute of Massage therapy and graduated with the Diploma of Remedial Massage specialising in Sports. I am currently working part time as a nurse and part time as a remedial massage therapist. Plus I treat horses on a casual basis.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I probably spend at least 1.5hrs with my own horses everyday plus I treat horse riders for problems associated with their riding or work on a regular basis.

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
I believe in time you could perhaps make a steady income from massage but like all new businesses it takes time to build clientele so I am really lucky to have nursing.

What are the general steps taken to be able to provide such a service to clients?
A course such as a Diploma of Remedial Massage or equivalent and an Equine Massage Course. Lots of hands on experience in human and equine touch to get a feel for variables within muscles and structures. Time and patience and some money behind you to get started.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this line of work?
If the health industry is of great interest to you and you have a passion for massage and helping people then definitely give it a go. You need to be physically fit and strong with good posture and core strength. All of these can be improved also once you are in the profession. Being at the right place at the right time!! Thats how I became involved with the Paralympic dressage time.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I would love to learn more about yoga for riders and suppling/strengthening for horses.

Favourite horse memory?
I have so many that are so different from one another. There are fantastic competition memories but there are also great achievement memories from massage and treating riders and having such a wonderful positive response. Working at the Beijing Paralympic games; breeding and being involved with the birth of a new foal; breaking in and training my arab as a teenager with success and the list goes on and on!!!!

Future goals?
To advance my riding knowledge and skill in dressage and competing EA once my mare moves out of adult riding levels.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Being happy to get up and go to work each day because it is my choice and I love what I do. And people and horses love what I do also!!

“When in doubt, ask a horse.”

tag: equine massage, course, training, education

Thoroughbred Stud Work in the Southern Hemisphere

Generating an Equine Related Income through Writing and Photography

Those Who Follow the Crowd Get Lost In It

Chancey of the Maury River – Equine Novel

Profile On: Michelle Goodrick, Equine Massage Therapy

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