Blog : Equus Education

The Wooden Pony by Angharad Thompson Rees

November 6, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

The sixth book in the Magical Adventures and Pony Tales short stories for children is titled the Wooden Pony. In this story, young Thomas longs for fields of green that to him depict freedom. Although he loves watching his father work in his carpentry shop, he struggles with envy. The beautiful toys, instruments and other items are carefully crafted and then sold to someone else.

The Wooden Pony by Angharad Thompson Rees

Thomas has no doubt it will be the same for the wooden horse that his father is making. As the pony starts to take shape, he also comes to life. Thomas is amazed to find he has a new friend – a talking wooden pony! As he grows closer to the pony, his father continues to work on him. Eyes are added so he can see; legs are carved so he can move.

And as he continues to take shape, Thomas’ friendship deepens and he is able to enjoy doing more with the pony. But he is aware that his time of friendship is running out. As Thomas describes the world around them to the pony, the topic of ownership comes up. The pony is saddened to find that he will be sold and owned by someone else. Thomas is devastated.

The Wooden Pony is a delightful story of magic and deep friendship. As Thomas’ friendship deepens, he learns more about the pony. This leads him to naming the pony. Once his name is carved onto the hindquarters, Thomas knows that he will be complete. Although he dreads this day, he can’t help but name the pony for the freedom they both desire. Little does Thomas know that his hearts desire is that of his parents, too. This is a short, delightful read with a wonderful ending.

Author – Angharad Thompson Rees
Fiction – children
In my library – as an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

The Farm Army and Equine Volunteer Work

November 3, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I often listen to Vision Radio and hear an advert that looks for agricultural volunteers. The Farm Army has been created to help Australian farmers in many varying capacities. The idea is that people with skills, enthusiasm and time can come along and help out on farms in areas that they may be able to do so.

A contract fencer for example may be able to volunteer some time to help a particular farmer to setup a new fence line. Someone who knows how to check and feed stock can farm sit for a week whilst the farm owners have some time off. It’s hay season and extra pairs of hands to stack bales of hay in exchange for a meal are welcomed. A knowledgeable horse person is needed to feed stock and keep an eye on pregnant mares. I love this concept! So why not something similar that relates to equine volunteer work?

The Farm Army and Equine Volunteer Work

Firstly, there are some available jobs on Farm Army that do involve horses. So if you’re an Aussie or thinking of visiting Australia for a spell, why not have a look at their website? You can even sign up for notifications!

Secondly, any place where you can build up horse experience and skills can be great for your resume! Plus volunteering to be available is a networking opportunity that can also land you paid work in time. So if you are in Australia, make note of this site for potential holidays/chances to do something horsey!

And if you’re not, consider the concept and how it may be applied in your local area. What if there was a website that focused on horse properties that needed volunteers? This could be in exchange for a meal and somewhere to sleep. Sounds pretty appealing to me! Perhaps you’re the person to setup such an initiative!

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4 Horse Careers that Need Maths

November 1, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Perhaps you have a passion for horses and you’re struggling with a mathematical subject at school. You question how this topic is relevant to your future career with horses. Or maybe you love maths and you want to be able to use it with your passion for horses.

You can do so to generate a viable career. Let’s consider some horse careers that need maths for you to be successful in them.

Nutritionists – when it comes to determining what to feed horses there are many math skills required. Working out the perfect feed for a class of horse – say broodmares that are pregnant – means knowing the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio balance in feeds.
Various percentages of vitamins, minerals and protein are also needed. And then of course, knowing how many kilograms of this balanced feed to give to horses based on their body weight is necessary. There is a lot of measuring involved in developing appropriate feeds and then measuring these out for horses.
Equine nurses – these people are often involved in administering various medications to sick and recovering horses. Knowing how to measure out medicines in millilitres is important. Also, how to mix up medicines in set amounts of water, how to create the right amount of formula for orphan foals over hourly or bihourly basis are all examples of needing to use maths.
Measurements, weights and timetables all involve making use of maths to care for horses.

4 Horse Careers that Need Maths | Equus Education

Veterinarians also need to know about medicine administration. On top of this, they need to be aware of the daily cycles of mares and stallions. To know how to measure follicles and other masses on ultrasounds and also how to weigh animals and interpret graphs and tables.
Horse business finances – many horse businesses hire someone who is financially savvy to handle this side of their business. How wonderful to have a horse person who is also in the know on mathematical procedures!
Like how to balance books, organise payroll and manage tax details! These all require mathematical skills and knowledge.

Whether it’s measuring out supplements, feeds or medications, determining pay for equine staff, determining a mare’s due date or when she should next be bred, maths plays a vital role in horse care and management. You can’t overvalue this skill!

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The Desert Pony by Angharad Thompson Rees

October 30, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

What I really love about the books by Angharad Thompson Rees is the imagination involved – as well as the horses! She writes in a beautifully descriptive way that I am sure children will love. This is true of previous books I have read by her. It is also true of The Desert Pony, a short story for young horse fans.

The Desert Pony by Angharad Thompson Rees

Young Hannan lives a lonely life. As the only son of his parents, his life takes a devastating turn when his mother becomes ill. In search of a cure, his parents leave seeking a mystical lake in the middle of the desert. Hannan is left in the care of his grandmother. Sadly, she in time passes on, leaving the young boy all alone – except for the goats that he tends to.

His life moves in cycles of travelling with his goats, seeking good grazing. When they are fat enough he sells them at market, buys some more goats – and grain to feed them alongside the grass – and off he goes to do it all again. A chance meeting with a strange old man suddenly turns the direction of Hannan’s life. The young boy finds himself on an unplanned adventure, without goats but now in possession of a rather unusual pony.

And it is this unusual pony – and his unique sense of humour and incredible talents – that help Hannan to seek that which he has lost: his beloved parents. The Desert Pony is a wonderfully imaginative tale. Angharad Thompson Rees has woven in some delightful riddles into the story and a touch of humour. The theme of focusing on the thing you want most, rather than trying to have it all is a good one for young – and older readers alike – to learn. This is another short tale in the Magical Adventures and Pony Tales series that is highly recommended.

Author – Angharad Thompson Rees
Fiction – children
In my library – as an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

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International Society for Equitation Science

October 27, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I’m rapt to be able to catch up with a friend next month as she’s visiting Australia. She lives in France and we met whilst studying at the Irish National Stud! Now many years later she is attending the Equitation Science Conference. This is held by the International Society for Equitation Science. It will be in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales from November 22 – 25 of 2017.

I thought I would head along to the ISES website to find out a little more about this non profit.

As it says on their about page:

“The idea of founding a society devoted to Equitation Science had first been raised during discussions at the Havemeyer Foundation Workshop on Horse Behavior and Welfare in Iceland in 2002. The following year, a satellite meeting on horse welfare was held at the International Society for Applied Ethology Congress in Italy. In 2004, the first workshop, solely devoted to Equitation Science was held at the Veterinary School of the University of Edinburgh.

As a direct result of the growing interest in Equitation Science, the 1st symposium was launched at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC) in 2005, where 8 peer-reviewed scientific papers were presented. The 2nd Equitation Science symposium (2006) was hosted by the Veterinary Faculty of Milano (Italy) with 16 peer-reviewed papers, 11 posters and practical demonstrations held at the Stable Rosenthal (Carpiano).

In August 2007, the 3rd symposium took place at Michigan State University, USA. This was a historic event for ISES as the Society was founded and the first general meeting held. The Symposia were then transformed to conferences.

The 4th conference, ISES Dublin 2008, took place at the Royal Dublin Society (Ireland), attracting 100 peer-reviewed scientific abstracts.

The following 5th conference at Sydney University in Australia tackled some highly topical issues. Including the sustainability of horse sports and the concept of ethical equitation, including contributions from 200 delegates representing 15 countries.”

The science behind how we use horses, communicate with them and respond to their welfare needs is an interesting one. As horses come into higher demand for entertainment and sports, it’s an area that I am sure will grow. Interested as a practitioner in your particular field? You can sign up for membership and benefit from future research projects and conferences. There are even research funding opportunities and student travel grants available – cool!

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The Wooden Pony by Angharad Thompson Rees

The Farm Army and Equine Volunteer Work

The Farm Army and Equine Volunteer Work

4 Horse Careers that Need Maths

The Desert Pony by Angharad Thompson Rees

International Society for Equitation Science

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