Blog : Equus Education

Unique Opportunity – Level One Instructing

April 7, 2007 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Got some mail from the Equestrian Federation of Australia the other day for those enrolled in their Level 1. Now I’ve been really slack and not read over it yet but thought I’d post an ad that came with it. This is the sort of situation that I’d take up if I wasn’t doing seasonal work! Maybe those interested in competing/teaching should consider possibilities like this:

Provided with shared accommodation and pool on 26 acre Equestrian based property; paddock agistment for 1 horse; 3 lessons a week; attendance at workshops for Introductory/Level One Coach trainees – conducted by resident Coach Educator – all for the price of a normal rental.

Other possibilities include – transport to local competitions; educated horses to learn on; experience in coaching, grooming at shows, etc; help in work placement.

ALL available on flexible part time basis (for those of you in full/part time employment or studying).

Candidates NEED – no previous experience in industry; just keen to learn and a love of horses. Where could you go wrong? Location – Hawkesbury, NSW, Australia.

Contact – Sally-Ann Barbera horswise@acay.com.au (not sure if this should be horsEwise@acay.com.au – but copied from Ad I received).

“You Know You’re A Horse Person When… trying to calm down a baby, you start crooning ‘Whoa, now, easy.'”

tag: instructing, coaching

Equine Photography

April 3, 2007 by Christine Meunier 3 Comments

When I think horse photos, the main name that comes to mind for me is Bob Langrish. Every year for the past decade or more I have been given a horse calendar as part of a Christmas present and every year, the photos have been by this photographer.

Have just stumbled across another who has some brilliant works – Robert Vavra.

Horse Photography is another avenue that could be explored as a possible career relating to horses. I’m not aware of a particular course relating to learning how to specifically photograph horses; but am sure there are many animal or live subject courses focusing on photographing moving creatures.

If you’re already taking shots, perhaps you haven’t considered the possibility of having these published, and why not do so online? There are sites out there that take in people’s photos and publish them in catalogs/books that are sold online. They can also be publicised on popular sites and possibly provide a payment for photos that are published.

One site I know of that publishes ‘rural’ photos and stories is Ridnersnreapers.com. Check it out.

Have you considered horse magazines; sending in pictures where appropriate or taking photos for people that are wanting to sell their horses? Visit horse events to practice and become known as a photographer. Events like competitions, races, rodeos, pony clubs, sale days.

If there is a passion there and you’re proving to have some skill, pursue it! Bob Langrish “is a totally self-taught photographer”. Who’s to say you can’t achieve the same?

“Horses leave hoofprints on your heart.”

tag: self education

Time is Short, Use it.

April 1, 2007 by Christine Meunier 1 Comment

I was chatting with a few of the girls down at horseriding over the past week and realised a few things that could help those pursuing a lifetime of horses.

Taking Advantage of Hemispheres:
One is doing year twelve with the aim to become an Equine Vet. She commented on how the study is long (5 years) and the pay not so appealing initially. Looking at the midterm (say 10 years out of highschool – which moves quicker than you realise!) it is possible to make your input of 5 years at uni and the first few years out turn into a job you love, decent income and still some time to enjoy yourself!

On the studs I frequent there’s a vet that works the breeding season here in Australia. In their mid to late twenties they haven’t been out of study all that long, but in a short time (because they KNOW where they want to specialise), they have taken advantage of the two hemispheres. Our breeding season (August 1 – December 31st) they spend in Australia before soaring over to Ireland for the stud season there.

Effecitvely, they’re getting twice the amount of hands on in the peak of the season in comparison to those who stay home during the quieter time of the year for a reproductive vet. Result – one who has commented on having too much money and too much time! Not that I would ever complain about that!:)

Riding Schools in Your Area:
Another I was chatting with is quite a bit younger and eager to start working in a riding school as this is where she’d spend all her time if permitted. If you discover your passion at a young age, pursue it! It’ll put you largely in front of those who are still deciding in their later years of highschool/uni.

It is possible in Australia from the age of 13 to be a ‘helper’ at riding schools that need the extra pair of hands. They take on the horse crazy (often) girls and over the weekend have them help to tack up ponies, assist others learning about horses, pick up yards, feed horses, etc. Some, mundane tasks indeed, but why not at a young age learn about the good and bad jobs so you can ascertain if that industry is for you?

If considering this field, look into the riding schools in your area and give them a call if old enough to see what you can do to help and most importantly, learn.

“If you look back over mans path to victory, you will see it is lined with the bones of horses.”

tag: self education

Qualifications Needed to Own a Horse Stud

March 31, 2007 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

So I don’t believe there’s any rule about this one… one of my bosses bought a stud after managing his own mechanic shop. Another grew up on the property and took over after his dad. I think anyone with the money or interest can manage this one; whether or not they have any pieces of paper to say they know a thing or two about horses.

Just thought I’d put a piece up here cause it’s a topic or phrase that was searched upon and resulted in someone visiting this blog.

The above is exactly what I want to do with my life – own my own horse property and breed horses (plus lots of other things!). Currently I have three pieces of paper – all pretty much in the same area. Certificate II in Horse Studies (12 month course gained at 17 years of age); Diploma of Horse Studies (2 year course gained at 20 years of age) and a Certificate of Merit from the Irish National Stud (6 month course gained at 21 years of age).

I don’t believe any of these are NEEDED to own or run a horse stud. However, I believe ALL have brought me to the stage where if I had the funds at this very moment, I’d happily consider myself capable of running a horse property; focusing on breeding.

If your desire is to run your own horse place; I encourage you to look into doing a course, expecially if you haven’t been brought up with horses. It’s an awesome way to get experience and a piece of paper; to gain friends in the industry for life and to learn of important contacts in that same industry.

There’s no particular course that is the essential one to help you do so; but if you’re considering studying, think about doing a course that is at least 12 months, moreso 2 years or more and is at least at Diploma level. These courses are generally ‘management’ courses; designed for people with this level of work in mind. Another thought – make sure it covers that which to wish to focus on; find something a little more specific rather than general if you have a specific goal in mind.

“Poverty is another word for owning a horse…”

tag: horse stud

Unique Opportunity – Level One Instructing

Equine Photography

Time is Short, Use it.

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