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Horse Country Release Day

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Horse Country – A World of Horses by Christine Meunier

Hi everyone!  Allow me a self plug today as it’s the release day of my novel Horse Country – A World of Horses!

There are different links for your hard copy version, eBook and Kindle editions – enjoy!

Purchase at Lulu.com:

Amazon Kindle:

For those who purchase a copy of Horse Country – A World of Horses today, I have some horse businesses that are offering discounts and giveaways!  Once you’ve purchased your copy, grab the receipt number and head on over to Horse Country Release to find out more!

““You know what I’ve decided mum? From now on, I’ll have them all call me Wes.”
“Wez?” her mother clarified.
”W. E. S – work experience slave. None of them could remember my name and I fear it’ll be the same for each of my placements,” she stated cheerfully.” – from Horse Country by Christine Meunier

Equine Digital Magazines

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Magazines can be Read on Many Devices

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

Living Fence Lines

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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?

A tree Windbreak Along a Fence Line

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

Riders 4 Helmets

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Helmets are Beneficial with Horses, not only when Riding

Helmet awareness day is fast approaching (June 22).

When you consider how unpredictable and dangerous (not intentionally) the equine animal can be, it’s no surprise that utilising a helmet whilst riding (and handling) horses is a good thing to advocate.

This is an OH&S rule where I teach horse studies. No matter how experienced a horse handler is, a helmet is beneficial to decrease risks of injury to the head.

There are many educational facilities, well known horse businesses and equestrian celebrities that are jumping on the advertising bandwagon.

If you take part in a horse club such as pony club or a breeds group, perhaps you’d like to consider how you can do your part to raise awareness with regards to wearing helmets.

For details internationally take a look at http://www.riders4helmets.com/.

“Use your head, not your spurs.” – author unknown

Profile On: Christine Meunier, Equine Studies Teacher

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Christine at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sales, 2009. Photo by Kathie Thomas

Well, I thought I’d ‘profile’ myself and introduce you to my current career – teaching horse studies at TAFE!

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Six days a week!

But that is because alongside my work of teaching about horses theoretically and practically, I am also:

  • studying an Equine Science Degree part time through Charles Sturt University;
  • I have my own horse to look after
  • I am often writing about horses for this blog, a novel I’m working on or other bits and pieces

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Absolutely! The horse industry in Australia is one of the largest employers and there are many people working and studying to work with horses, be it in the performance, breeding or racing industry.

I guess it depends on your idea of a liveable income, but it is more cost effective (and perhaps the hours are more appealing) to teach about horses with regards to someone gaining a qualification. A full time teacher who is contracted may earn around $30 an hour plus super annuation and holiday pay, whilst a sessional (casual teacher) may earn around $60 an hour without the benefits of holiday pay and sick leave.

A TAFE teacher needs to have their Certificate IV in Training and Education as a minimum, plus industry experience. You also need to have a qualification at least at the level to which you teach. For example, if you teach a horse breeding course at Certificate III level, you should have this qualification or one higher, such as a Certificate IV or Diploma.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Have your Certificate IV and definitely have industry experience. Having computer skills and good English skills will help with dealing with students, creating resources and marking assessment items.

Horse Country by Christine Meunier
Horse Country by Christine Meunier

Favourite horse memory?
Perhaps foaling down a filly at one of my first stud jobs. As soon as she was able to stand, she fell over into a water trough – it was cold climbing in there to get her out in the early hours of a spring morning!

Future goals?
To develop a career out of writing horses. Currently in a way I do this, as I’m involved in generating unit resources at the TAFE where I teach, but I’d love to become an equine author.

My first novel is due to be released July 1 and this will be available for sale in ebook and hard copy format via HorseCountryBook.com!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
You can do it anywhere around the world, except maybe Antarctica 😉

“Lessons From Your Horse: When you’re short tempered, let me teach you how to slog around the pasture for an hour before you catch me.” – Author unknown

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About Equus Education

You will find equine careers profiled on this blog and people interviewed who are making a career in the horse industry.  Equus Education aims to show others that horses can indeed be a sustainable career.

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