This week’s letter is F.  If you missed last week’s Friday Feature, take a look at Educator (Equine).

A farrier is involved in the trimming (and potentially shoeing) of horses, working to keep their feet in the best possible shape.

Their job will generally involve:

• handling many different horses
• trimming horse feet
• tacking on shoes
• corrective work on horse’s feet that affect their leg alignment
• lots of physical work
• travel

In Australia there are trimmers who aren’t qualified, those who are undertaking a course and others who are qualified – all the while tending to client’s horses.  If you’re interested in learning the tools of the trade and undertaking an apprenticeship, take a look at Courses for Horses.

If you’re considering this area as a potential equine career to pursue, you may be interested in the other posts on this blog:

• Doubling up to Create a Niche
• For the Farrier Focused
• The Neddy Wears Prada
• Then Press On
• Profile On: Emily Dux, Equine Hoof Practitioner
• Your Hands, Their Feet

“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” – Author unknown

Moving onto the next letter of the alphabet, it’s time to look at an equine career starting with C. If you missed last weeks, take a look at Friday Feature: Bloodstock Agent.

A coach for horse riding is someone who is able to:

• advise riders on how to improve their riding or
• manage their riding amongst other life events

This may involve fixing an issue with their timing whilst carrying out a task, their riding position or even how they go about asking a horse to carry out a movement.  In the manner of managing riding, it may involve setting goals – long and short term, and taking steps to work towards these goals.

When it comes to instructing horse riding, often a qualification is needed and most definitely, a working knowledge of horse riding and how horses respond to riding aids!

The following links may be of benefit if you’re interested in coaching as a career option:

• Equestrian Life Coaching
• Profile On: Lauren Gretgrix, Gretgrix Equestrian
• Sport Coaching and Instructing
• Jockey Coaching

“An instructor does not criticise you, but what you have been taught.” – Author unknown