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

Thanks to reading over the ‘101 Ways to Make Money with Horses’ book that is available for free via Online Horse College I realised that one of the jobs listed, I haven’t delved into particularly well on this blog!

Nutrition is an incredibly important area of horse care that everyone should know about.

However, a general knowledge sometimes isn’t enough when it comes to managing horses that may have metabolic issues, dietary insufficiency or excess, or even making up the appropriate complete feed for your older horse, competition horse, hack or in foal broodmare.  This is where a nutritionist can be beneficial.

Generally these horse specialists will be employed in a particular nutrition company or business, such as Kentucky Equine Research, John Kohnke, Mitavite, etc.

Their role may involve:

• promoting particular feeds or supplements
• talking to horse businesses about pasture content and management
• informing horse owners about elements of nutrition

As far as I am aware, here in Australia recognised nutritionists tend to have an equine science degree, having studied biochemistry, animal and horse nutrition.  If you’re interested in pursuing this horse related career, why not check out horse courses that are available to increase your knowledge?

While you’re at it, if nutrition interests you, check out the other 4 posts that relate to nutrition and horses at the Vocation 100 page 🙂

“Horses comment on a car: ‘150 horsepower, big deal. I’d be impressed if it ran on hay.'”

So I saw a post on Facebook regarding a free book on different equine careers – that got me in!  All it required was to go to the Online Horse College website and enter my name and email address to receive it.

So in doing so, I was able to gain a free booklet listing 101 varying horse careers (and gain some ideas for future blog posts!) and find out about an online source that offers courses relating to horses.  If either of these are of interest to you, I encourage you to take a look at the above link 🙂

The horse industry is one that is increasingly recognising qualifications and the time people invest in learning more about horses.  Whether studying for your general knowledge, to gain a job, to keep a job or to look better on paper for your clients, knowing about horse courses available to you online and off is worth it.

Don’t forget, I’m compiling a list of ‘courses for horses‘ around the world.  Why not see what you can study with regards to horses?

“When in doubt, ask a horse.” – author unknown

I was chatting with a friend over the weekend who is considering undertaking a farriery apprenticeship. This covers four years at Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE.

The thing that is required whilst undertaking an apprenticeship is that a farrier is willing to take the student on over this period of time whilst they’re gaining skills and a qualification. This particular friend has set up with her farrier where he’ll take her on for a 3 month trial prior to enrolling in the apprenticeship.

I think this is a great initiative as it allows potential future farriers to see what they think of farriery as a potential income earner before taking on a 4 year apprenticeship. Perhaps if you’re considering this as a career idea, you could look into a farrier that is willing to offer the same.

“All I need to know in life I leaned from my horse – new shoes are an absolute necessity every 6 weeks.” – Author Unknown