I absolutely love reading Global Horse Culture as it’s always interesting and different and often gives me ideas for blog posts.  The writer of this unique blog also has a rather unique equine related business.  Ona Kiser, Equine Videographer kindly took the time to answer some questions about this service she offers to clients.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out in Equine Videography? What is it exactly that you do?
I videotape horses for clients. Most of my work is shooting and editing sales videos or covering clinics. People who attend clinics often want a video of the lesson to study, especially if they are a preparing for competition.

Sometimes I do more creative projects, such as highlights from an event, mini-documentaries about a person’s favorite horse or a child’s weekend at a show, or other mementos.

Those are my favorite projects to work on, because of the creative part – telling a story based on the hours of footage I’ve shot, or setting the piece to music. I’ve also done some DVD series for trainers who want to reach a larger market. Those are complex but very fun to work on.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Between the care and training of my own horses, my video work, and my horse blog, probably 70%!

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
It could be possible, if you live in an area with a lot of high-end horse breeders, people showing competitively, etc. and you produce a good quality product.

It might be necessary to hire some support staff to really make it a full time business. I’ve always preferred working alone, and therefore I can’t cover larger events like shows, where there are things going on in more than one ring at a time. There are videographers who cover the big shows and have a truck with all the editing equipment right there, and a crew of half a dozen people shooting all day long, and you can pick up your DVD right on the spot.

I prefer to pursue the creative projects. They are expensive and time consuming, but so rewarding for me personally. I’ve been doing this for nearly 10 years, and it has always been a part time business.

What are the general steps taken to be able to provide such a service to clients?
You have to develop the skills to operate the camera well, and to edit well. There is significant investment in equipment. I use Sony DV cameras and Final Cut Pro on a Mac computer to do my work.

I also have microphones, tripods and other equipment for the shoots, and printer for labeling the DVDs.

I go through large quantities of DVDs, tapes and printer ink! I taught myself all of the shooting and editing skills. I studied film, I read books on editing and shooting aimed at the documentary filmmaker, and I went to many film festivals and seminars, looking at the way people frame the shots and tell stories.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this line of work?
If you think this interests you, get a small consumer DV camera and a simple app like iMovie for your computer, and start making little stories. Find things to tape in your neighborhood.

Watch wildlife documentaries and see how they film the animals from a distance and up close. Watch good quality movies or documentaries about horses, and see how the camera is being used. Read some books on editing and shooting, so you really understand how to use the camera and how to put together what you shoot.

When you have some good samples put together, then you can show them to people and try to drum up some business.

The video that got me my first job was a video of cows. A woman saw it and said she’d grown up with cows, and never seen anyone notice the interesting things cows do – the fact that I had that attention to movement and expression caught her eye, and she asked me to tape her new foal.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I love to ride, and if there’s one thing I’d love to learn it’s working cattle! That seems like a really challenging and interesting thing to do. I’m learning mounted games now, something I wish I’d learned as a kid. That’s a ton of fun, and also quite difficult, especially at my age!

Favourite horse memory?
Hmm. There are so many! I always have a soft spot for the first horse I ever took lessons on. Her name was Katie, and she was so kind and gentle, and I was a timid little kid. Of course, I also remember the time she kicked me, the time I fell off, and the time she ran away with me!!!

Future goals?
I am working on writing now. The blog has gotten me excited about doing some longer articles and even a book. I want to do more traveling, too, to continue learning about horse culture and equestrian sports in all parts of the world.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I love the “zen” quality of working with video. For me it’s like making a collage, except with moving pictures instead of still pictures. I am so focused when I shoot and when I edit. It’s a wonderful creative process, and a rather solitary pursuit, and I really enjoy it.

“To err is human, to whinney equine.” – Cheryl Farner

Tag: equine videography, global horse culture, ona kiser, equine related business, horse business, observation of horses

Fortissimo Freestyles was set up by the dressage rider and classically trained musician, Melissa Widdis.  After being shown her site by mum, I emailed to see if Melissa would be able to answer some questions about her amazing career choice.  The answers she kindly sent and you can find below.

For those of you attending Equitana over the next few days, you can find Melissa Widdis of Fortissimo Freestyles in the education area of Equitana at the showgrounds.

Have you always been interested in horses and how did Fortissimo Freestyles come about? Was it something you foresaw as an income possibility?
From the time I knew what a horse was I was interested in horses.

Fortissimo Freestyles came about through the black horse Aria who is on my web site. I was competing with him in a team event which required freestyles for each team member and as the only musician on the team I thought I’d have a go at it… then I was hooked.

I didn’t consider it as an income possibility. Not full time anyway.

How much of your day/week is hands on with horses?
Every day with my own horses and every day with clients horses but mainly through a video or dvd with clients.

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
It depends what you mean by “livable income”. I work full time but as my business is only in it’s infancy I have done a lot of work for free (especially this year with the Olympics and Equitana) so it’s hard to get a guage on what my actual income would be and what people are prepared to pay.

In Europe and the US, designers make a killing because people have to ride a freestyle to qualify whereas in Australia people have to qualify to ride a freestyle.

What are the general steps taken to be able to provide such a service to others for freestyle events? Is there a large demand for this type of work?
I help people design their choreography which they then film and send to me. We then select the music which I edit around the horses movements.

As far as demand it’s really an unknown quantity. I don’t think I have been in the business long enough to answer that but freestyles events are definitely increasing in popularity. As people are now becoming more savvy with technology a lot of people have a go at doing their own music.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this line of work?
You need excellent people skills and you need to be prepared to really put yourself out there. People in the dressage fraternity expect the best not just in relation to the final product but with customer service also.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
Yes I’d love to learn more about intuitive horseman/womanship so we can train in a more harmonious way rather than saying “do it or else.”

The more I can learn in any aspect relating to horses the better.

Favourite horse memory?
Sneaking out my bedroom window as a kid to ride my horse bareback in the moonlight… she was a very special horse!

Future goals?
To be the best in my industry and to get to PSG on my mare before she retires then ride her baby onto Grand Prix.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The endless pursuit for perfection… same as music really

“DRESSAGE, n.: the passionate pursuit of perfection by the obsessively imperfect.”

Tag: freestyle dressage, equine music, dressage test, fortissimo freestyles

Working for Kentucky Equine Research in Australia, Brooke Charteris came out to speak to some of my students a couple of months back.  Obviously enthusiastic about her role of informing others with regards to the nutrition and welfare of their horses, her advice was great and definitely worth storing for future use.

Recently she’s been representing KER at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and shortly after was in New Zealand for work.  When she found some time to spare she kindly answered some questions regarding her career choice.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you decide that the nutrition of these gorgeous animals was the area in which you wanted to focus? How did you pursue this interest?
Yes! I have loved horse since I was little. My parents had never been involved with horses, so they decided to send me to have riding lessons with I was 12. From then on I was addicted.

I became more interested in nutrition when I bought a TB, ex-racer, who had quite a few problems. I was in year 12, and after doing my own research, realised it was a fascinating area. I wanted to work with horses, but also knew getting a good sound education was important, so went to Melbourne Uni and studied Agricultural Science. I did work experience with Kentucky Equine Research, and never left! I completed my Honours thesis in Post Operative and Clinically Ill Equine Nutrition. This combined my love of horses, with my interest in science!

How much of your day/week is hands on with horses?
My day varies quite considerably! I always start the day early and work one of my horses, feed, change rugs and do all of those routine jobs! I then head into the office, check emails and go from there. Some days I’ll spend all day in an office, other days I’ll be traveling to visit stores and clients, consulting on farm, presenting lectures or assisting vets. There is no such thing as a normal day, or a boring one!!

After all that, if I am home, I then ride another horse (only in daylight savings) or just feed and rug. If I’m away, my wonderful parents help out! I work very long days!

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
Yes, but you do it for the love! I make a good living, and am comfortable, but I also teach (am an EFA NCAS Intro coach, becoming a level one) to help supplement my horses! As I have recently moved into a brand new house and saving for my wedding, a supportive partner is essential! I am away from home frequently, and as we all know horses aren’t cheap! BUT, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What are the general steps taken to be able to provide a nutritional service to others for their livestock?
I do a lot of my work with clients who have been seeking nutritional advice, especially those with ‘problem horses’. I will ask a range of questions, to get a feel for the horse, not only age, breed and weight, but about his general disposition and attitude.

From there I will ask what the owner would like to get out of this service (is it help with a problem, more cost effective, or some people just want to be sure they are doing the best for their horse!)

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this line of work?
Be passionate about horses and love talking to people. As my days can be long, you must love what you do! Have a solid background, and an interest in science is always helpful too. Make sure you have sound knowledge of all areas of horsemanship, as you will be required to assist getting young horses onto scales, and need to be hands on. Public speaking is handy also!

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I am currently completing my EFA NCAS level one at the moment. I read as much as I can, on all horse topics and am continually trying to improve myself as an instructor, equine nutrition advisor and rider. Working with horses, I learn new things all the time, and think I’ll always learn whilst I work with these amazing animals.

Favourite horse memory?
Oh, there are so many of them. My TB, Cal has given me a life time of memories, some good, some bad and some that make me laugh and cry at the same time!

I think my favourite memory with him would be coming second and sixth at a big dressage day. He had been so naughty leading up to it, and was one of the few times I actually got him on the float (we have since fixed that issue!), but on the day he was perfect and I was so proud of us! My new mare is just amazing too. She has giving me the most amazing rides. I am continually amazed how kind and forgiving she is, with time she will give me some super memories too!

Future goals?
Professionally, to keep doing what I’m doing! I love nutrition and lecturing, and I love being able to share my knowledge with people and help them to improve their horses health and in some cases welfare too, it can be very rewarding work! Long term however, I would like to establish my own teaching business. I would like to incorporate all I have learnt, regarding nutrition, physiology, behaviour and training principles to help others achieve their riding goals (however, I’m a long way off this!)

Personally, I would like to keep training and competing my horses well into old age! I am hoping to train and compete my mare at Grand Prix, but that too is a long term goal! Nothing ever happens quickly in the horse world! For now, I want to keep enjoying riding and training. I love having the time with my horses and can’t see myself without a horse!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Working with the animal that I love! Not many people are as lucky as me and can turn their passion into a career. I enjoy meeting like-minded people, and assisting them to reach their next goal, fix a problem or just improve their horses diet.

“You know you love your horse when your mouth waters at the sight of a wagon-full of hay.”

Tag: equine education, horse health, equine nutrition, kentucky equine research, horse diet, equine management, horse studies, equine growth

Relive a sport that is 900 years old: jousting.  Founders of the American Jousting Federation, the Ravenswood School of Jousting is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico.  Karl Anderson, the owner of the school kindly took the time to answer some questions regarding the school and jousting.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did your interest in jousting begin?
I have always loved horses, and all animals for that matter. I became interested in jousting around 2000, but the opportunity to actually start a school did not happen until 2005 when I was living in Washington.

How much of your day/week is hands on with horses?
I try to spend at least 2 or 3 days each week working with horses.

As a business offering the service of teaching jousting to others, is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
Perhaps someday that might be possible, but at the present it seems to be seasonal, and therefore, part-time. I think as more people find out about our school, we may very well develop a waiting list for students. One of my goals is to develop an on-site living situation with chuck wagon meals, which would make it easier for students to travel from longer distances for an all-inclusive package (tuition, boarding, and meals). As for a “liveable income” — I think it is possible — with enough marketing, good horses, and good staff.

What are some of the necessities for running such an operation? Was it difficult to set up?
Sound horses, good staff, and liability insurance are all essential to such an operation. And of course, a passion for it is key as well. You have to love what you do — no matter what it is — in order to make it an enjoyable experience for others. If you get burned out, it will show in your teaching.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this horse related discipline? Are there opportunities to compete?
I would encourage anyone who is interested to take our courses. But that is only the beginning. Practice has to continue, both for rider and horse. An excellent place for someone to compete is at the World Jousting Finals, held each year in Estes Park, Colorado. They offer a handsome purse for that competition, which is broken down into Heavy (full) Armor Class, and Light Armor Class. We hope to one day establish a competitive event in New Mexico as well.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I am always up for learning more about horses. As animals, they are each as different as people are, so getting to know each horse on an individual basis (i.e. their disposition, character, loves, and fears) is something I enjoy. Endurance riding is something I am interested in trying.

Favourite horse memory?
I think my favorite horse memory is when I rode Freya, a 17.2 hand Percheron mare, in a parade on the Oregon coast during their 4th of July Jubilee Parade. When I was being positioned in the parade (#5 spot), I learned there were going to be 2 Scottish Bagpipers right in front of me, and there was a 40-foot fire truck 2 entries behind me — that was going to be blaring its horn and sirens throughout the event.
As I was sitting on her, waiting for the parade to begin, a lady walked up to inform me — out of courtesy –that she was unloading 4 llamas from a trailer about 20 feet from where we were. When the llamas came out of the trailer, Freya simply ignored them. Then during the parade, as the bagpipers finished each piece, she whinnied! The fire truck’s noise didn’t matter to her at all. She was a big hit, and I was really proud of her. It was her first parade ever, and she passed with flying colors!

Future goals?
The current issue of RENAISSANCE MAGAZINE features a story about our school. I think this will hopefully establish that waiting list for students we have envisioned and hoped for. Other future magazines articles will also help, I am sure. Getting the word out is what it’s all about, along with providing a safe experience that students will truly enjoy.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I think the best thing about doing this is seeing the reactions that students have to simply accomplishing it, and the pride they have in their horse, or in the horse they are using for the class, and how the horse takes them through it all.
For a lot of people, trail riding becomes “old hat” — and they want something new and different to do with their horse. Jousting certainly offers that, and Ravenswood School of Jousting is an excellent place to do it!

“Feeling down? Saddle up, Its the only cure.”

tag: jousting, equestrian event, horseriding, equine association, renaissance fair

A horse lover since childhood, JoAnn S. Dawson lives with her husband Ted and their two sons on a horse farm in Maryland, where they operate a bed & breakfast and offer riding lessons, carriage rides, horse shows and a summer camp. She teaches Equine Science at a local college and is an actress and animal wrangler for film and television. Originally self-published, the Lucky Foot Stable series was a finalist for three national book awards.

Have you always been interested in horses and what are you currently doing work wise that relates to them?
I’ve loved horses since age 6 when my dad brought home a pony and told me to go round up the cows.  That was learning by doing!  Currently I own a riding stable and B&B, and lease another barn for trail rides.  (45 horses altogether)

We do lessons, pony rides, horse-drawn carriages, hayrides, summer camp, and trail rides.  My husband and I also teach equine courses at the nearby college and wrangle horses and other animals for film and TV.  I am an actress, member of SAG and AFTRA, and have had principal roles in film and TV.

How much of your day/week is hands on with horses?
I am hands-on with the horses every day for at least a couple of hours.

What are the general steps taken to get published as an author?
I began by self-publishing and worked very hard to get my books out on the market, then my series was picked up by Sourcebooks, after which I wrote a fourth book.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing writing about their love of horses and turning it into an income?
Horses are an endless source of inspiration and stories and are well loved by many people.  Animal stories in general, if well told, are always appealing to a large audience.  The love of horses comes easy; the writing ability is a gift.  I would suggest writing down your experiences with horses, turning them into a workable manuscript and getting honest opinions before looking for a publisher.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I always wanted to foxhunt, I’ll get around to it someday!

Favourite horse memory?
My favorite horse “story” concerns my own horse, Painted Warrior.  I bought him at an auction when I was eight months pregnant with my third son.  I was not planning on buying  a horse that day but I saw him standing in the aisle (he had broken loose from his lead rope) and it was love at first sight.  I later found out how difficult his behavior was because he had been abused.  He was not mean at all, but distrustful, head shy, terrified, impossible to catch in the field, etc…
After years of patient care and training, he is now the best horse on the planet (in my opinion!)  He is 26 years old but still giving riding lessons, jumping 2’6”, doing trail rides, and acting like he’s 10.   It’s been a miracle to see him develop.

Future goals?
My future goals are to continue in the horse business and write more books!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The best thing about this profession is working with a variety of different horses, being my own boss, meeting fascinating people through the B&B, working outside, and running a popular and well-respected business.

“A dog may be man’s best friend…But the horse wrote history.”

tag: equine novel, horse writing, horse book, bed and breakfast, horse courses, carriage rides