So because of this blog, there should be no surprises that I’m a big fan of educating oneself.  This doesn’t however always have to relate to doing a course and getting a piece of paper (although I’m a little addicted to this one!).

December is the time of year where people often consider what they’ve achieved in the past twelve months and what they would like to achieve in the twelve months following.  It’s very easy to be optimistic coming into a New Year and it’s worthwhile making use of this optimism to propel you into the New Year.

What are your equine related goals for 2011?  Having recently read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, I plan to further invest in myself for 2011.  Robert talks of using money to invest in one’s knowledge bank.  This can often be in the way of a course and with the way the equine industry is going, having a piece of paper that certifies you know how to do particular tasks with horses can be of great benefit.

Consider for 2011 the things however that you could be doing to increase your knowledge base without spending too much.  Some suggestions:

• Volunteering with horses – this really is an awesome way to develop contacts, help out some absolutely beautiful people and gain experience!  And as someone who teaches – yes, when you’re applying for a horse course, we love to see that you’re so dedicated as to have volunteered for a length of time with an equine related organisation!
• Reading – this is a big one that is so easy to do – find a topic and start to learn about it!  I get excited when I have new assignments to do for uni that I know nothing about; I know I’m going to do a whole heap of learning!
  • Sign up at the local library and start at one end of their equine section and work your way through – set a goal to read one book a week, month or bimonthly depending on the time you have available
  • Make use of the internet and research online (making note to take all you read with a grain of salt; some are very informed writers; others think they are)
  • If able to control your spending, consider the likes of eBay – it is possible to find some absolute bargains on here in the way of horse books; just make sure you set yourself a spending limit and stick to it!

Whatever your plans for 2011 with regards to your own ‘equine education’, consider telling a mate or two that are likely to hold you accountable, ask after what you’ve been doing with regards to the goals and more importantly, encourage you!  Blessings for Christmas and the New Year, may this next one be more awesome than the last,

Chris

“No one can teach riding so well as a horse.” – C.S. Lewis

tag: equine education, horse goals, new years resolutions

I’ve had an awesome day today at a free Jane Myers event put on by the ever kind, Melbourne Water.  Did you know that they help with funding for those wanting to protect waterways on their property within a certain area?

The day was focused around horse property management and directed at those that own land in the Cardinia area that has water frontage.  Now, arguably I fit neither of those criteria, but it was free, around the corner from mum and dad’s and I didn’t want to miss out!

I’m very much glad that I didn’t miss the day – it afforded the chance to learn so many practical ways to improve a property and make use of it’s strengths while turning the weaknesses into positives, also.  As Robert Kiyosaki says, “your greatest assests are your mind and your time.”  Today was definitely a good investment for both areas.

For those of you not familiar with Jane or Stuart Myers, do yourself a favour and take a look at their Equiculture website.   The site is focused around being responsible horse owners and how taking a little effort to look after a property will result in the property looking after your horses.

Although in Australia, they do travel around, both being from the UK originally and their ideas can be applicable to many horse owners and horse property owners.

I think I have a half dozen ideas for new articles on account of today!  For those interested in this topic, Managing Horses on Small Properties by Jane Myers would be worth the investment.

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

tag: property design, property management, equine nutrition, pasture maintenance, pasture management, Jane Myers