As someone who really isn’t artistic, I’m amazed at what I find others doing with horse related things, or depicting how we see horses whether it be through photography, sculpting, painting, drawing, you name it.

One site that I’ve recently found is Wire Inspire and inspire it sure does! Artist Angela Hook took the time to answer some questions regarding her unique art.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start bringing horses into your wire artwork?
Yes, I have loved horses from day one… Typical horse-crazy girl. It was no surprise that the first thing I made when I was experimenting with wire was a horse! (here’s a photo of my first wire sculpture).

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Well, I board my horse, so I don’t see him every day… Maybe 3 or 4 times a week. My art studio is open to the public 5 days a week, and while I’m here I am surrounded by my artwork, which is primarily of an equine theme.

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
It is… I would not consider myself a “full time” equine artist, as I also do graphic design work, but there are many successful examples out there.

What are the general steps taken to be able to create and sell your own artwork?
There are many different options…I started by attending some Christmas craft shows with my work. Through that, I met other artists and learned of opportunities to sell my art through shops and galleries on consignment.

Over the years, I have been juried into larger art shows and begun selling online as well. This year I had my first solo show at the community art gallery. By constantly marketing yourself, you increase the awareness of your work and ensure collectors that you are serious about growing your reputation and value as an artist. Some artists choose to have agents or galleries represent their work, while I decided to build a gallery right at my house so that I can make my art available to guests who visit my studio.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing an artistic career relating to horses?
One of the internet communities that I belong to is the Equine Artists Guild and that might be a good place to start. Looking at all of the different styles and mediums out there and learning as much as you can about the industry.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
Anything, really! I’m very interested in the popularity of natural horsemanship these days and I’d like to learn all that I can about horse psychology.

Favourite horse memory?
Wow… There are so many. But a highlight for me as a teenager was when the Lipizzan Stallions stayed at our barn and we got to help bathe these amazing creatures the day before their show. It was the horse-lover’s equivalent of being back stage at a rock concert!

Future goals?
I have recently been working with equine photography and painting too… I would love to keep learning and practicing and using my creative skills to capture and share the beautiful spirit of the horse with others.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I think the best thing about a career in the arts is perhaps the flexibility. It may not be for everyone, but I really enjoy working at night. This allows me to spend time during the day riding!

“A horse is the projection of peoples’ dreams about themselves-strong, powerful, beautiful-and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.” – Pam Brown

tag: equine art, job benefits, graphic design, contemporary art

Founder of Diamond D Graphics, Susan Davis kindly answered some questions about the business she set up that uses her graphic design skills to turn out business cards, websites, stallion flyers, letterheads, logos, brochures, ad design and much more, all relating to horses.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out in graphic design?
I was born in love with horses and drew pictures of horses all the time. As an adult I have bred and raised American Paint Horses for 30 years. I went back to school at nights for graphic design in 1998 at the age of 43.

I had been working as a secretary up to that point in my life. My boss at the time died of liver cancer in 8 weeks and that spurred me to follow my passion of art and change my career. I also started Diamond D Graphics that same year. But I didn’t quit my secretary job and go full time with Diamond D Graphics until 2002.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Pretty much 24/7! ha ha. I live on a paint horse farm and raise paint horses plus my graphic design business is based around horses. The majority of my clients are horse businesses or related to the horse in some way, like cowboys or western artists.

As a graphic designer focused on equines, is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
Yes, you can make a living being an equine graphic designer. It’s a nitch market, but like any profession, there is a high amount of competition in the field. In 10 years of working on building my business I am just now to the point where I make enough to support my lifestyle of living on my horse ranch. So it does not happen quickly.

What are the general steps taken to be qualified to provide this service for a fee?
You have to know horses inside and out. I’ve grown up with horses, have shown horses and raised and sold foals all of my adult life. So I know what an ideal horse confirmation should look like in many breed types. Because of this, I know which pictures show off each horse to his best for marketing purposes.

My graphic design services are here to help my client market their horses and get results and that can only be done if I know how to show off their horses to their best ability. Including focusing and showing off that horse’s best attributes. If the horse has a fault in their confirmation, I know it and do not use pictures that show their faults, only pictures that show off their assets. I also have studied pedigrees of horses for 30 years and can talk to clients about their horse’s bloodlines and be knowledgeable about their breeding.

Customers like that I know their horse’s bloodlines and are familiar with the spelling of those horse’s names. Knowing horse “talk” with words as simple as “broodmare” are important to my customers. I have to know the horse business inside and out.

Then of course I have to be artistic and have the knowledge of the computer software to create beautiful works of art using horse photography and my own creative skills. I have spent years perfecting my artistic ability using Adobe Photoshop software. I also am constantly learning new techniques with ongoing study and training of the software.

One more thing that is important is to have people skills and be positive. I have an outgoing personality so it is easy for me to visit with customers about their marketing goals and always with a positive outlook.

To own your own business, no matter what that business might be, you have to have passion. Passion is what drives you to suit up and show up to run your business every day. Owning your own business is a 24/7/365 a day deal. You need this to be successful in running a business.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing graphic design?
Get a good education in graphic design. Practice your computer skills constantly. Get a job working as a graphic designer for a company first.

I worked for an advertising company for a year before going full time at home with my business. I learned alot at that job which gave me the confidence to go home and be a full time graphic designer. Plus you see if you like the job. Working for a company is great too. You get a regular paycheck. You won’t have a regular paycheck with your own business.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I’m learning how to throw a rope right now. That is new for me. I work with so many cowboy entertainers, I thought it would be fun to try a new skill. My favorite activity though is trail riding on my paint mare Jewels. This is my mental relaxation time and I love this more than anything.

Favourite horse memory?
That is a tough question. I am a competitor and love to show my horses. I won a World Championship title back in 1982 at the Pinto World Show with my yearling halter gelding. That was a memory. I showed a yearling pinto stallion in 2006 to the #1 Amateur Halter Horse in the Nation. Another great memory.

I raised both of these horses, so that makes it extra special. I also raised my #1 Paint Broodmare Spoiled Fancy who just in the last two years is on the Leading Dam’s List for Paint Broodmares and that put myself on the Leading Breeders List for Paint Horses. That’s a huge accomplishment. And one I never thought I would attain! But really the best memory of all is whenever I’m riding on my mare Jewels on a wooded trail somewhere enjoying my horse and the beauty of nature.

Future goals?
Showing my new 2008 buckskin overo paint stud colt next year. He’s beautiful. Keep growing my graphic design business. I just recently hired an office manager and another web designer. So my business is growing.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The people I get to meet showing my horses and working with my graphic design clients. I have graphic design customers all across the United States and Canada. I travel as much as I can to meet my customers in person. My #1 customer is Singer/Songwriter Michael Martin Murphey, and through working for him, I get to meet famous movie stars and entertainers. I’m racking up lots of cool memories working for him.

“The horse is a creature who sacrifices his own being to exist through the will of another…he is the noble conquest of man.” – Buffon

tag: photography, equine art, graphic design, horse magazines

Mathew Flynn of D-C Freeze Branding Services kindly took the time to answer some questions regarding this career choice.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out in branding?
I grew up in the thoroughbred industry and my wife and I bought the branding business around 6 years ago.

How much of your day/week is hands on with horses?
5 to 7 days a week

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
There is only enough work for 1 full time person doing what I do in each state. I have a casual job for the last 6 months of the year.

What are the general steps taken to be able to provide this service to others for their livestock?
Anyone can buy the equipment and do a few horses and say they can brand no matter what comes out. To get consistent quality under some very trying conditions takes a LOT of experience.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing branding as an occupation?
There is only one main full time brander in NSW, SA and VIC so the potential for another in that state is almost impossible. There is not enough work to make a living for more than that. There are some who do a little as well as other work but not full time.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I enjoy watching top horse people do their thing whatever that may be.

Favourite horse memory?
First horse I bought with my own money. He is still sitting out the back at 25 yrs old.

Future goals?
To be able to play better golf.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I get to see some very good horses and good horse people.

“Wherever man has left his footprint in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization we will find the hoofprint of the horse beside it.” – John Trotwood Moore

tag: horse stud, australia, horse breeds, horse identification, seasonal work, branding

Coming for many avenues relating to horses, Ty Granger was a few years back recommended to create a saddle for the American Movie ‘Ghost Rider’, due for release in 2006. Having started building saddles for himself in 1988, he has acquired a wealth of knowledge and kindly took the time to answer some questions regarding this profession.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start creating custom saddles?
I started riding 33 years ago and started competing in Rodeos when I was 16. I started doing some leather work when I was about 12 and continued until I was good enough to do repair work for a local Saddler. This turned into a fulltime job and I learned to make saddles in the shop in Dayboro working for Geoff Hutson.

How much of your day/week is horse related?
I ride pretty well every day, we have a roping arena and cattle and 9 horses to keep in competitive condition.

In the saddlery field, is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
I have been a full time saddlemaker for the last 7 years and we live quite comfortably.

What are the general steps taken provide this product/service?
Our saddles are custom made for each of my clients. This starts with a tree that we build from wood and then cover it in rawhide all made to suit the needs of the customer. The saddle is made for the finest leather imported from the USA and then finished with custom silver trim which we also make and engrave.

Any advice for those interested in running a similar business?
I believe that you should have an understanding of what a horse and rider need to compete at their best. You also need to have pride in the work that you do and be able to put a good finish to your product.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I would like to try driving, I have a little buggy that I have been rebuilding and would like to train a couple of horses to pull it.

Favourite horse memory?
I trained my first rope horse when I was 16 and it went on to break the Australasian record for Breakaway Roping with the young lady who bought him from me. That made me feel pretty good.

Future goals?
I hope that I can continue to improve my workmanship and keep on enjoying my work.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The best thing about my work is I get paid to do something that I love and I get to play cowboys every day.

“No hour of life was lost spent in the saddle.”

tag: horse business, leather work, saddlery, saddlemaker, leather repairs

I have just now read the answers to these questions before posting this and am amazed and inspired by what Anastasia Burke has been through, achieved and how she encourages others. Based on her words here, I’d encourage you to look into getting her book Hoofprints: A Goal Setting Journal for Young Riders. Below are her answers regarding writing about horses and making a career of it.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start writing about them?
In my online young adult novel, which you can see for free at www.boxofstarsanastasiaburke.blogspot.com, my main character spends the better part of a chapter describing what it means to be a “horse girl,” a somewhat derisive terms used by non-riders to refer to kids who ride. And I’m proud to say I am now–and have been since age six–a horse girl. You can be a horse girl even if you’re 80, as long as you live and breathe and dream horses! I got into my work as a freelance writer and author a bit by accident when I lost my eyesight. At the time, I was training horses and teaching riding; I lost my vision – literally, within the blink of an eye – due to a rare auto-immune disease that affects only the eyes. This was in 1997.

I majored in writing at college but never used it. Part of my vision rehabilitation included taking classes in computers. At that time, I was offered a chance to take a creative writing class.

The third assignment involved creating a news profile and I ended up writing about one of my young riding students, who had qualified for Pony Club nationals. The local newspaper bought the story and that was the beginning! I ended up writing a weekly horse column for them for three years.

From there, I began proposing articles to other regional magazines, and soon, I sold my first piece to Practical Horseman, which has the largest circulation of any equestrian magazine in the U.S.

I’ve been writing for PH for about six years now, and last year published my book, Hoofprints: A Goal Setting Journal for Young Riders. (Available at Amazon.com)

Writing has been a godsend for me; it gave me a new career after my eyesight loss prevented me from teaching any longer. And it allowed me to combine two things I love – horses and the written word.

Some people think that losing your eyesight is about the worst thing that could ever happen, but because of vision loss, I found writing again. I feel very, very lucky.

How much of your day/week is hands on with horses?
Our horses are right outside our door, so I start out every day feeding, cleaning, grooming, and just hanging out with “the kids.” I ride about three to four times a week, and conduct goal setting workshops and one-on-one classes about three hours a week on average.

The rest of the time, I am writing about horses, either for my two blogs, or for Practical Horseman, or some other publication. I am interviewing trainers, and other industry professionals, as well. So I would say I’m pretty immersed.

Regarding horses, as a writer, is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
If you learn how to write a compelling and informative article and then amass a lot of knowledge about horses, you can definitely work full-time in equestrian writing.

There are so many possibilities – besides writing, you can be an editor, a layout person, a fact-checker, or a staff writer.

Or you can be like me, a freelancer who writes on lots of different topics relating to horsemanship. Just to give you an example, last year, I wrote about keeping your knees healthy for riding, about how to apply sunscreen properly so all those hours at the barn don’t turn you into an old wrinkle before your time, and how to preserve equestrian lands. I also write about finding your spiritual center through riding, and rounded it all out with several articles on how to set goals for your riding year.

You have to know how to write, first and foremost, so study up and take classes. If you already know how to write but would like to explore freelancing, I can recommend Peter Bowerman’s The Well-Fed Writer, a great book that can tell you all the ins and outs of freelancing.

What are the general steps taken to become recognised as an equine writer?
As I said above, the most important quality you need is great writing. And good knowledge about your topic. If you have never published, then start writing for anything you can -church newsletters, your local horse club’s newsletter, and any smaller regional publications. Also, check web logs (blogs) – many horse blogs are hungry for “guest’ writers. None of these pay, but it gives you “clips,” published pieces that you send in to an editor to prove that you can write.

Next, come up with some ideas on articles and start writing proposal letters, known as “queries.” Writing a great query to a magazine to propose your idea is an art form in itself. I recommend you get a book on the topic. One I can recommend is Queries that Rock. A book such as this can really help you understand what an editor is looking for.

The more you get published, the more you will get published. I’ll add to that, I’ve had my share of rejection letters right alongside my many successes. So just as you do when trying to master that sitting trot – stick with it.

And if you get a job, make sure you turn in your article on time, with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Editors hate writers who make their job more difficult.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing writing, especially pertaining to horses?
Read, read, read. Read articles in the kinds of publications you would like to work for. Analyze what you think is good, and what you think doesn’t work. Keep a notebook of ideas – every time I go into the barn, something pops into my head. I thought of the knee article because my own knees hurt like heck and I wanted to know what I could do about it. I thought of the sunscreen article because I’m constantly trying to find new ways to protect myself while still enjoying hours in the sun with my horse.

By the same token, I can also write about the benefits of riding for a national fitness magazine. Or I can write about riding in different countries for a travel magazine.

Really, the possibilities are endless. With magazines and the web, there are no limits.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
My life with horses has been constantly evolving over the last decade since I first lost my vision. At the time, I was 100% sightless, so I didn’t ever think I’d get on a horse again! Although I’m still completely blind in my left eye, I have about 40% vision in my right – so I’m back in the saddle.

However, since jumping is probably too dangerous for me, my eventing and hunter/jumper days are behind me. But now, I’m learning to do distance riding, also known as endurance. It’s totally new to me and I’m learning so many new things. For example, in dressage, it’s all about having contact with the horse. But in endurance, you try hard to ride on a lose rein and trust the horse to find his right path. As my trainer, Nathalie Guion, says, “Endurance riding is a journey of trust.” I couldn’t say it any better.

Favourite horse memory?
Can I give you two? The first one is when my parents gave me my first horse at Christmas. I was shocked. Overjoyed. I ran all over our neighborhood, scremaing, “I got a horse! I got a horse!” Everyone within a five-mile radius heard me, I’m sure.

My second memory, and the one that helped me overcome the challenges of vision loss, was when I was competing in the Olympic screening trials. There was one fence on the x-country course that I was certain I would perish on. The night before, I couldn’t sleep. I could only think about that fence. Mid-course, I realized that I had better change my thinking – focus on what my coach had told me, focus on my strong, athletic horse – or I would, in fact, get hurt.

We took the fence beautifully and finished in fourth place for the day.

That lesson – that you need to focus your thinking on what you can do, not what you can’t – really helped me overcome the anger, frustration, and depression that hit me when I lost my sight.

Horses have truly taught me that I can meet any challenge. I just have to stay balanced, focused, and moving forward.

Future goals?
I plan to finish training my young Standardbred mare, Cori. Ha! That will be the rest of my life, but I am trying to move her up another level in her dressage and also strengthen her for some 50-mile rides this summer.

And with writing, my biggest goal is to continue putting up one chapter a week on my young adult blog and continue to provide great blog writing.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I get to blend my love and knowledge of horses with my passion for the pen. I get to work at home, with my horses outside the office window, and my schedule is my own. I get to write, not for just one magazine, but for as many as I like.

“His is a power enhanced by pride, A courage heightened by challenge, His is a swiftness intensified by strength, A majesty magnified by grace, His is a timeless beauty touched with gentleness, A spirit that calls our hearts to dream.”

tag: endurance riding, horse books, writing, horse goals, equine library, horse magazines