Career Archives : Page 106 of 110 : Equus 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

Added Benefits

March 18, 2007 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I’m one of those people that jumps more at opportunities to work in an area I’m not familiar with but want to be, rather than looking for the security of decent pay, good hours, etc. For now, anyway.

However, other things that you can get out of a job are really worth looking into, especially if you’ve been in an industry for say twelve months, have gained some decent experience and are getting to know people in that industry.

For example, currently I’m working at two riding schools with the view to become qualified to teach. Technically, I entered the field blindly, knowing nothing about the rate of pay I should expect, hours or even where to look. I just chose schools that were close to home for convenience and sent out letters to see if any were looking for workers. Now, of the four letters I sent, I got two replies (50%, not a bad strikerate for job searching!) and took on both jobs as it was experience.

In hindsight I realise how blessed I am to have gotten the two positions and how one complements the other. All I really needed was a place to take me on, teach me how to teach others and hopefully help me out with getting a piece of paper to say I had done the study to be able to teach.

What I ended up with was one place where I was expected to do general stable duties and in return, got paid, got to view other’s teaching, I’m getting three riding lessons a week to improve my riding and also give me one on one with instructor’s teaching and I’ve got a place to keep my horse at no extra charge. Talk about benefits! At the other school, I am being paid to teach after being under training with other instructors and they are also providing the qualified assessors to mark off my capabilities and teach me so I can get the piece of paper I desire.

If you have been in a field awhile, I encourage you to find out from others why they are staying at a particular job. Do they get benefits?

I have friends in the stud industry who each get different benefits:
– One has literacy problems and on top of being paid to work with horses and working on a stud that could place her in four different countries around the world, they are paying for her to have classes to improve her literacy.
– Another works on a smaller stud where she is given access to all areas of stud work, gaining experience at anything and everything. She also gets a rather nice bonus around Christmas time each year.
– Where I work during the season I am provided with accomodation at no charge which means my only expenses are fuel and food (and I live at work, so there’s not too many travelling costs) and my horse is allowed to stay where I work also, an added bonus at no extra cost to me.

On a stud situation or a family run riding property that shows constantly, it is often common for accomodation to be provided. Why not consider adding this to your list of requirements when job hunting? It could save you a lot on rent, especially in an environment where the hours can be many and the rate low.

‘You Know You’re A Horse Person When… you pull a $17,000 horse trailer with a $1,000 pick-up truck. ‘

tag: job benefits

Time is Short, Use it.

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