It truly is the age of ditial resources.  I’m having a ball with eBooks at the moment, having just created a Kindle version for my upcoming novel Horse Country.

But something that has recently caught my eye that I can enjoy on an iPad or other reading device, is the Stable Magazine.  This is an equine magazine that you can download and view for free on your reading device – how wonderful!

I love the look of this magazine and that it is so easy to access and read.  The graphics are great, the colours well designed and the information informative.  I truly believe information is power, it’s just a question of how you go about presenting it.

Well, if your passion and expertise is in the form of horse theory and graphics, have you considered taking part in writing for a horse magazine and designing graphics?  Or perhaps if you have experience in this area, have you considered constructing your own magazine?

I would presume that a lot of money that can be made from magazines is in the advertising that is featured throughout.  Of course, if you sell issues than this can generate income also.  The great thing about the Stable Magazine is that reader’s aren’t penalised financially.  Perhaps this makes advertising more appealing because anyone is able to access this resource and read it.  Food for thought 🙂

“Broke is when the saddle costs more than the horse.” – Found in a Horse Canada Magazine

So a friend Cait sent me an interesting link on Facebook the other day. It was about having live fences – plants that can be used as natural barriers.  Many will plant along a fence line, but perhaps planting as a fence line should be considered?

I loved this idea when I saw it in action in Ireland at the National Stud but haven’t given it a lot of thought since then, or even considered it’s benefits. To me, it had appeal because:

• of the look (who doesn’t like green?)
• the fact that it is a sturdy wind break
• and is highly visible

There are a lot of other benefits to having living fences however. I’ve been entertaining the idea of tagasaste hedges on my future property in between fence lines, but am now wondering if this in itself can be the fence.  Obviously growing plants can take time, they can die off and they can appeal to the tastebuds of the inhabitants of the paddock!

However, they can help out with the local eco system if indigenous plants are used, they may be more cost effective and can be regenerated through growing from seeds.

“Set your sights after the last fence.” – author unknown

So this is an Australian based inititative, but I believe a timely message for anywhere in the world.  Here in Australia, National Skills Week runs from August 26 – September 1, 2013.  As it states on the website:

National Skills Week now in its third year will again set out to bring to life the positive messages, highlighting the talents, the skills, the career pathways and the value of apprentices and trainees across Australia to the wider public and employers. The week is dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning.

For me, the horse industry is an important one to stay up to date on skills, tools and education.

Often it is difficult to improve your education in the industry and fund this or continue to earn an income.  For those in Australia pursuing an equine trade, it may be worth keeping an eye on the Tafe Directors Australia website where details regarding scholarships for TAFE skills can be applied for.  Skills week showcases the importance of vocational skills and practical learning.

The site will detail educational facilities that are taking part by hosting events over the National Skills Week.  Check it out!

“Dressage riding comprises many skills, several of which are acquired by jumping and riding cross-country, or on trails.” – Charles de Kunffy