When studying my Certificate II in Horse Studies in 2001, we were instructed to make a list of as many horse related careers as possible.  Vocation 100 partly came to fruition because it was mentioned to us that previous years had managed to list over 100 different jobs that relate to horses.

We were to then consider one of these possibilities in groups and look into what was required to be able to carry out such a job – experience needed, did it require qualifications, etc.

A stable hand or strapper was the position our group was to focus on.  For one who really hadn’t had much to do with racing, I was surprised to find that a lot of positions within the racing industry required having a license, a stable hand no exception to this rule.

A strapper is responsible for grooming and attending to a particular racehorse or horses.  Tasks can include mucking boxes, grooming horses, feeding, tacking up for exercise, swimming and walking as well as attending race days carrying out similar duties.

It’s the strapper that you will see leading a horse around the mounting yard before a race and dealing with and cooling down after the race has been run.

There are often part time and full time positions available within harness racing stables as well as flat racing or jumps stables.  Although to be a strapper for a horse at the races requires a license, it is possible to get into this position and learn on the job although some horse experience would be highly beneficial.  A lot of employers apply for and cover the costs of these licenses for staff so they can strap at race meetings.

Work as a strapper can lead to higher positions in the industry and are a good way to get your foot in the door and eyes opened to what the racing industry has to offer.  Formal training beforehand or alongside on the job learning could include the Certificate III in Racing (Advanced Stablehand).

Australia has more racecourses than any other country in the world but horses are such that you can work almost anywhere with them.  Consider overseas work – UK, France, Hong Kong, Dubai, New Zealand or the US to name a few possibilities.

http://www.justracing.com.au/index.php?news_page=1&artid=2020&catid=52

“Each leg in it’s gallop seems to stream with a rush of speed as though from a bucket of water poured o’er the field.” – Arabian Poet

Tag: strapper, stablehand, horse racing, horse qualification, certificate III, advanced stablehand

What the? You may ask.  And that was my response initially, too!  Think 80’s, think legwarmers and now think… horses?

Focused on the values of keeping a horse’s legs warm before or after a work out, they were first designed when the founder of Whinny Warmers adopted an over the knee, arthritic mare that struggled to move.

Now there are Whinny Warmers for those winter days and Summer Whinnys to keep your horse’s legs cool and protected.

This American made product when sold helps other animal rescue and care efforts with a portion of the money from each purchase being donated to benefit other horses or other animal rescue operations.

“I often need to trim the hooves of horses that are in their golden years. Having to flex the horse’s leg can cause some discomfort for stiff or arthritic horses. I have found that if the horse is wearing these socks for horses they provide added insulation and warmth to the carpal joint (knee) and supportive ligaments and tendons and allow me to move the leg with less discomfort.” Rob Nichols, certified farrier, American Farrier’s Association.

The sizes are soon to be in Warmblood/Thoroughbred, pony and mini sizes.  Personally I could see the value in such as these for foals who are crook that need to be kept warm.  It’s often the extremities that we struggle to keep warm when they’re unwell.

Perhaps you weren’t a fan of legwarmers for yourself – or not around during that phase – you may just be about to witness one sweep through the horse world though.

“If God had intended man to walk, he would have given him four legs. Instead, he gave him two-one to put on either side of a horse.” – Montana Rancher

Tag: whinny warmers, horse clothes, horse business

Good thing I’m cutting down on jobs next year!  I went to my third Christmas party last Sunday and still have another work one next weekend.  I’m very glad that I went to this particular party though as it was housed at the ex horse stud turned winery, Box Stallion Winery.

The stables that used to house Thoroughbreds are now set up as individual stalls housing all sorts of cooking and dining implements.  The breezeway is actually where tables and chairs are set up and you can dine.

Looking around there’s horseshoes on each box, old saddles draped over surfaces and other odds and ends that add to the equine atmosphere.  The place is gorgeous and the food was excellent, too!

While in Ireland and South Africa I ended up eating at a couple of places that really played on the nautical theme with anchors and other odds and ends, particular colouring and beach and sailing photos about the room to really add to the feel.

Well why not with horses?  You don’t need to have a winery and a set of stables to dress things up. My boss on one of the horse studs I worked at had his laundry room covered in horse magazine articles and photos from ground to ceiling and it looked absolutely awesome.

Or what about a collection of horse mugs that customers get served with, competition ribbons used as curtains or draped over seats, trophies on display and old bridles hanging on the walls?

How great would it be if your local coffee shop had a horsey theme and on those cold rainy days where you may not be able to muck around outside, you could go in, order a hot chocolate and snuggle up on a comfy chair (or a hay bale) with one of the many horse books or magazines that are available to read?

Hmmm, think I might be talking myself into this idea!  I’ll have to add a cafe to my growing library.

“That hoss wasn’t built to tread the earth, He took natural to the air, And every time he went aloft, He tried to leave me there.” – Tribute to an Unmanageable Horse

Tag: horse theme, coffee shop, horse business, horse stud, winery