Education Archives : Page 18 of 81 : Equus Education

Marcus Minds Weekend in June

May 31, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Good ole’ Facebook pointed out an event that was occurring near me recently. Because I know the college in question offers horse courses, I wandered over to have a look at their event. This then led me to their website. The event is titled Marcus Minds Weekend.

Now in all honesty, I would not consider this event ‘near’ me! It is over 3 hours drive away. But, it still may be of interest to some of you! Marcus Oldham College offer a Diploma of Horse Business Management. This is one that I looked into well over 15 years ago when considering study options. For those who love the idea of working on the land, they also have a course that focuses on Agribusiness.

Marcus Minds Weekend

On Friday the 23rd of June through to Sunday the 25th of June, Marcus Oldham College are running an event for prospective students. On this Marcus Minds weekend, the idea is that you come along and experience the facilities and see life from the eyes of a student.

I love the idea that those who are seeking out where to study, can experience what their life will be like if they enrol at a particular educational institution. I remember many years ago looking at this particular venue and being impressed. The cost of the course I was interested in however was well over $20,000. Even with a scholarship (that covered about half of this), it was going to be a steep investment. And one that at that time I couldn’t afford.

I have since heard wonderful things about the course and from students who have undertaken it. For those students who can afford this financial investment, it is worth looking into. Though I may be biased, thinking all horse courses are worth looking into! 😉

“Yet when books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them.” ― Walter Farley

Equine Authors: an Online Resource for (Would-be) Horse Book Authors

May 3, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Are you are horse fanatic? Do you have a story in you? Could you combine these two things and generate a fabulous horse story? Then you may be interested in this new site of Equus Education creator, Christine Meunier. If you are a horse book author or desire to be, you’ll want to check out Equine Authors.

This website has been established by equine authors, for current horse book authors and future equine authors. It contains a blog with articles that are helpful to establishing your presence online. Posts include:

Equine Authors Logo – the Online Resource for Horse Book Authors

Equine Authors – the Online Resource for Horse Book Authors

If you’re already an equine author – you can contribute a guest post! And of course, you may just learn something to benefit your career with current articles on the site. Guest posts are needed for Equine Authors in the form of how-to articles, highlighting great tools for horse book authors and other forms of advice about how to make it a viable career.

If you’re a horse book fan, be sure to bookmark this site. The equine author directory is added to regularly and will continue to grow. You may just pick up a new favourite horse book author!

This directory lists horse book authors, their websites and provides opportunities to purchase their books. Future plans for the site include adding how-to articles. Focus points will include adding books and author pages to Goodreads, Authorgraph, FictFact, Amazon; the list goes on.

People write about horses because they know and love them. An added bonus is that it can become a viable residual income earner. You only have to write the book once, but it can be sold many, many times over. Have you considered a career as an equine author?

Forageplus – Forage and Soil Analysis for Horse Environments

April 21, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Recently Equus Education received a new follower on Twitter – Forageplus. Curious, I had a look at their profile. Set in North Wales, it turns out that these guys focus on welsh horse supplements, forage and soil analysis as well as managing horse environments.

As it states on their website, the Forageplus team mission statement is:

“To promote whole horse health using the ideas of the leading horse educators around the world. To create value and make a difference to equines and their horse owners through good science and information that works.”

I love that we live in a time where science and education is being used to better horses lives as much as possible. Whether it’s to do with saddle fit and function as in equine ergonomics or better nutrition practices after studying the horse’s digestive system – it’s all good! We’re continuing to learn and better understand this great species. Consequently, we’re able to more effectively meet their needs and this will continue to improve.

Forageplus - Forage and Soil Analysis for Horse Environments — Forageplus – Forage and Soil Analysis for Horse Environments

If you explore the Forageplus website, you’ll see that they offer many services, including:

Soil analysis – what’s in the soil on your property affects the types and quality of grasses. This in turn affects your horse’s digestive system.
- Knowing what’s in the soil and what’s missing means that property owners can make adjustments that are better for the land and their horses.
Forage reports – this looks at the varying minerals in the forage you’re feeding your horse as well as the nutritional make up. It’s a great way to see what you’re really giving your beloved equine and what may be lacking.
- Everything needs to work in balance; too much of one thing can affect the right amounts of another.

It’s great to see another business that has a passion for horse nutrition and health. The website offers many products for horses as well as free articles relating to horse health and digestion. Why not check it out?

The Saddle Fitter and Saddle Ergonomist

April 19, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Perhaps like me you’re aware of people who work under the profession of saddle fitter. It wasn’t until recently that I became aware of the phrase equine ergonomist. As it turns out, there are actually three professions relating to saddles and horses that I had thought were one.

With a bit of help from Saddlefit4Life, here are some definitions. This can be especially helpful to those considering a career relating to saddle fit and horse function.

The Equine Ergonomist is not trained to actually adjust a saddle at this stage. They however are acting as advocates of the horse with an unbiased analysis of the situation to supervise the proper adjustments made.
Saddle Fitters have traditionally been trained either through ‘ad hoc’ apprenticeships working with professional fitters. Or at various ‘schools’ in North America, certification through the Society of Master Saddlers in England or through the Qualified Saddle Fitter process in the US. For most saddle fitters, saddle fitting consists of reflocking. Or in cases where the flocking has been changed to air panels, they will be able to adjust the air levels to change the fit. There is usually no requirement for ongoing professional development and re-certification.
Saddle Ergonomists have been highly trained in all subjects in the philosophy of Saddlefit 4 Life ® global network of equine professionals working together. This is to protect horse and rider from long term back damage resulting from poor saddle fit. Certified Saddle Ergonomists have studied human and equine anatomy and biomechanics in depth. They are skilled in both static and dynamic fit for onsite adjustments. Also, they are able to measure both horse and rider and offer solutions in saddles that will work for both.They will be able to diagnose and evaluate fit issues and make suggestions for solutions.
Saddle ergonomists are unbiased, not working with any one company. They have the ability to make decisions to determine the best solution for horse and rider knowing what the market offers. Certified Saddle Ergonomists are to be considered the pinnacle of holistic saddle fit experts. Working with a Certified Saddle Ergonomist will ensure that you have a highly trained, well-connected individual. Their education is based on current scientific findings. They aim to care for you as well as your horse’s comfort and well-being.

Equine Ergonomsts, Saddle Fitters and Saddle Ergonomists

Feeling better informed? If you have an interest in saddle fit and horse performance now you know of three possibilities. This can help you to better decide on where you would like to focus your energy.

Profile On: Alexa Frye, Regional Client Services Manager, Schleese Saddlery

April 14, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I am happy to be able to say that the vast majority of my week, both professional and personal, is related to horses. When I’m not traveling to barns for my job as a Regional Client Services Manager for Schleese Saddlery, I am working from home and spending most of my free time riding my own horse.

Alexa Frye, Regional Client Services Manager, Schleese Saddlery

What is it exactly that you do?
I am a Regional Client Services Manager for Schleese Saddlery. I travel to different territories on regularly scheduled Saddle Fit Clinics. We provide saddle fitting services to new clients seeking an optimally fitting saddle for horse and rider and to our existing clients in need of routine saddle fitting adjustments.

My primary role is to create and maintain lasting relationships with our new and existing clients and with equine professionals to promote Schleese Saddlery and our saddle fit philosophy of pain free riding for horse and rider. I travel with a teammate who is a Certified Saddle Fit Technician, and together we provide thorough assessment, education, and offer solutions to saddle fit needs.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes! We work hard and love what we do, and we are fortunate to be able to make a sustainable income doing something that is really a lot of fun.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Saddlefit4Life is a non-profit organization that provides education and certification in the assessment of saddle fit for horse and rider. I encourage anyone interested in assessing and fitting saddles to research Saddlefit4Life, the fitting philosophy, and upcoming courses and events. Saddlefit4Life offers a range of educational opportunities from introductory seminars to intensive courses for those interested in learning more about pain free saddle fit.

Favourite horse memory?
It’s safe to say that most of my favorite memories are horse related! Personally, my favorite memory with my own horse was showing our fourth level freestyle test that we prepared. The whole process of choreographing the test and arranging the music with a wonderful clinician, to schooling the test and finally culminating the experience in showing the test was a wonderful goal that we achieved together.

I also have many wonderful work related horse memories. One that particularly sticks out in my mind is when we were consulted on a horse that refused to move forward in his current saddle. The saddle was restricting his shoulder movement and literally blocking him from moving forward. We identified the problems and provided him with a well-fitting saddle. The immediate, drastic difference in the horse under saddle was incredible. He became a completely different animal; moving forward freely, happily and relaxed. I am lucky to have many other memories just like this in my job.

Alexa Frye Riding

Future goals?
My goals focus on continuing to promote pain free saddle fit for horse and rider. I look forward to continuing to provide educational opportunities to Equine Universities, groups and events to reach those in the equestrian community that are in search of safe and comfortable saddle fit.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The best thing about my profession is that it allows me to spend every day in the barn with horses. I can’t imagine a better place to spend my time! We get to provide helpful, integral, important information and solutions to riders who want their horses to be happy, healthy and also comfortable in their saddles. We have the opportunity to watch our clients and their horses grow and progress in their training together and to be a witness to their journeys.

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Marcus Minds Weekend in June

Marcus Minds Weekend

Equine Authors: an Online Resource for (Would-be) Horse Book Authors

Equine Authors – the Online Resource for Horse Book Authors

Forageplus – Forage and Soil Analysis for Horse Environments

The Saddle Fitter and Saddle Ergonomist

Equine Ergonomsts, Saddle Fitters and Saddle Ergonomists

Profile On: Alexa Frye, Regional Client Services Manager, Schleese Saddlery

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