This one’s for the stockmen and women out there!  I received it as a notification as part of my equine science degree.  It’s titled the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge.

What is it?  There is a 2013 $1500 study/training scholarship on offer. Things to note:

• Applications close April 7th, 2013
• It’s open to 16 – 20 year olds
• Applicants should be residing in the Greater Hunter or New England North West Regions
• Applicants must have started or be starting a course or apprenticeship in line with horses, cattle or other Agricultural pursuits

There is a lot more information provided at the Scholarship Entry Page.  The winner will be announced early May at the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge and Bush Festival in Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia.

It can be difficult for young adults to break into the agricultural industry skilled and qualified.  This is perhaps even moreso true this year due to funding changes with the government affecting TAFE costs.  Scholarships like this can be a major leg up!

“I took to the life of a cowboy like a horse takes to oats.” – Clinton McCoy

One of our students this year is studying two courses. Curious about her second course, I asked and was informed that it was an acupuncture course with Alan Moffat.

A search online brought the result of the Equine Acupuncture Training School.  They offer:

• Equine Therapeutic Acupuncture  Course (1 year Diploma)

There are also resources detailed online with regards to accupressure and acupuncture including books, charts, videos and articles.  For those interested in this side of equine learning, it may be worth checking out 🙂

Links regarding bowen therpay and photonics are also provided, introducing horse learners to other alternative therapies that are available.

“Amazingly fast, incredibly strong, tirelessly proud, fantastically gentle, he is a huge dark beast that touches the hearts of all who meet him.” – Anna Sewell

There are many products yet to be made for the equine world.  Many are being perfected, whilst others are currently being researched to see if they are a viable idea.

Do you have an idea of a product or service that could make things easier for equine carers or the horses themselves?  Perhaps you’d like to take a look at this article from September last year, Shining new light on equine innovation.  (Just ignore the incorrect spelling of Coolmore).

Dr. Murphy of Ireland created a product Equilume that has the potential to greatly contribute to the thoroughbred breeding world.  A few things are stated in the article:

• “Globally, thoroughbred breeding is a multi-billion dollar industry spread across five Continents; a product that promises to enhance its breeding programmes has significant commercial potential. The estimated market value worldwide for a product such as the light mask is in excess of €60 million.”
• “The Equilume mask was successfully trialed on a large scale in the US earlier this year and considerable interest has already been shown in the product by a number of breeders around the world. Dr Murphy is hoping to have the mask made in Ireland and in full-scale production by 2013.”

How exciting to be a part of designing a product that has such a large potential market!   And this is possible because of the size of the horse industry worldwide.

Equilume gained interest through the Enterprise Ireland ‘One to Watch’ award.  Do you know of initiative’s in which you can get your idea known and gain backing funding?  Perhaps it’s worth a search online!

A product that caught my interest back in 2011 was an Eco Rocker – a rocking horse that is easily recycled.

This although horse related, is a product that perhaps more appeals to parents and those who consume products for children.  There is a lot of potential for growth in equine related creations.

Do you have an idea?  It could be one that down the track you will be educating others about the benefits of – who knows? 🙂

“And God took a handful of southerly wind, blew His breath over it and created the horse.” – Bedouin Legend

For those that are familiar with the Friesian breed, they may be familiar with the Keuring process of the stud book.  For any Friesian to be in the stud book, they need to be assessed based on conformation and movement, and down the track if used for breeding, their progeny will be assessed to see if they’re passing on desirable qualities.  If not, this may affect their eligibility in the stud book!

Keuring doesn’t happen every often in Australia (less than once a year).  It is occurring this month!  You can find out details on the Australian and New Zealand Friesian Horse Society website.  As it states on the website, Keuring is occuring (pardon the pun) around Australia and is open to the public!

“All keuring locations are open to the public and are the central location for Friesian Horse inspections in that state or island.

• 17 March – keuring WA – State Equestrian Centre, Brigadoon
• 19 March – keuring SA – Mallala Equestrian Centre, Mallala
• 21 March – keuring Tasmania – Wallbrook Friesian Stud, North Motton
• 23-24 March – keuring Victoria, Juravon Equestrian Centre, Melton
• 26 March – keuring New Zealand South Island, Motukarara Racecourse, Canterbury
• 27 March – keuring New Zealand North Island, Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge, Hamilton
• 30-31 March – keuring Queensland, State Equestrian Centre, Caboolture
• 2 April – keuring NSW, Sydney Polo Club, Richmond

The KFPS jury team is Louise Hompe, KFPS inspector and Luciel Ellens, judge.  General keuring inquiries can be directed to Wendy Fisher, ANZFHS secretary.”

For those in the Victoria vicinity that have this weekend free, perhaps you may like to check out the event at JurAvon Park.  Remember, any horse event is an opportunity to learn and network!

“A Horse, A Horse, My Kingdom for a horse.”