This week’s letter is L. If you missed last week’s Friday Feature, take a look at Jockey.

For any person who owns or leases a horse, they know that land is needed on which to keep it.  There are many properties out there with owners who are willing to keep horses for a fee (agistment or grazing rites).

Unfortunately, much land used for stock isn’t managed to be best of it’s productive capability.

If land is managed well, it will be more productive for horses, safer (less weeds and other pests, more protection from trees and shrubs, etc) and will be able to hold a greater number of horses, thereby earning the owner more financially.

If you have an interest in land management for equines, consider learning:

• about soil science (as can be found in an agricultural degree)
• about composting or putting nutrients back into the soil
• what fodder sources are suitable to grow for horses
• how biodiversity can benefit a property
• about rotational or other forms of grazing/pasture management

For other posts that relate to this area of work on Equus-Blog, take a look at:

• Assessing Pasture Course
• Equine Land Management
• A Horse Themed Garden
• Pastures for Horses
• Planning and Planting
• Fodder for Thought

“You know you’re a horse person when you consider a golf course as a waste of good pasture land.” – Author unknown

This week’s letter is J. If you missed last week’s Friday Feature, take a look at Illustrators.

Many people who love riding fast horses dream of becoming a jockey later in life.  One great thing about this career choice is that you don’t have to wait until you’re over 18 to start it.  You do however need to develop a good riding seat and the ability to ride timed work.

A jockey will need to be able to:

• Keep their weight down (under 58 kilos is common in Australia)
• Work early mornings
• Ride large numbers of horses they may not have met before
• Follow direction from trainers
• Ride fast work
• Travel for work

If weight is an issue for the avid rider, there is always the option of exercise riding instead of riding in races.  Jumps jockeys can also carry more weight, but this requires the added skill of taking jumps safely at high speed.  If in Pony Club in Australia, look up your local Speed to Safety event to learn about riding timed work.

For other posts that relate to this profession on Equus-Blog, take a look at:

• Equine Workers Welfare
• Equine Goals and Dreams
• In the Saddle
• Profile On: Brooke Sweeney, Apprentice Jockey

“If you start getting nervous about getting hurt you will be….If you are worringing about the danger it’s time to give up.” – Jason Weaver (jockey)

This week’s letter is I.  If you missed last week’s Friday Feature, take a look at Hospitality (Horses).

Chances are if you like horses and books, you’ll have flicked through a Thelwell cartoon.  The illustrations in these short books really make it that much more appealing.

An illustrator who is good at their job may be able to find themselves work in the form of:

• Book covers
• Children’s books
• Magazines
• Business logos
• Cartoon books or columns in a newspaper

Obviously the ability to draw is necessary to pursue this line of work.  In today’s technological age, being able to get those images onto a computer, or even draw them on a computer can greatly benefit the way you promote your skills and provide this service to clients all around the world.

If you love to draw and are keen to look into this further, take a look at:

• Equine Illustrators

“Your horse probably won’t go too far without you if there is some tasty grass around – remember to keep some handy if you anticipate falling off.” – The Horse Illustrated Guide to English Riding

This week’s letter is H (I only currently have one equine related career that starts with G – Graphic Design). If you missed last week’s Friday Feature, take a look at Finances (Equine).

Everyone needs to eat.  If you can do so at a place that is horse themed in some way, all the better!  I have had a Christmas work break up at a Winery that used to be a horse stud and was decked out in some old stables – it was great!

I believe being able to provide hospitality with a horse related theme is only limited to the imagination.  A trail ride my husband and I went on last year had a 3 hour option that included lunch that was grown and cooked on the property where the horses were kept – a nice way to add to a horse ride!

A niche cafe in Melbourne or another major city that has horse mugs, saddles on frames as seats and horse themed food (carrot cake comes to mind) would also draw my attention 😉

If you have a desire to mix hospitality and horses, you may need:

• equines or horse themed items
• a facility that is horse related
• cooking skills/qualifications

If you have a passion for horses, food and entertaining, then maybe the idea of hospitality with a horsey theme is worth considering!  For some posts that relate to this topic on Equus-Blog, take a look at:

• Themes with Hospitality
• Horses and Hospitality

“Coffee, Chocolate, Cowboys… some things are just better rich.” – Author unknown