Travel Archives : Page 3 of 15 : Equus Education

Horse Country, Kentucky

October 6, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I have a couple of Google Alerts that I get notified via email when people search a particular term. One such is horse country as this is the name of my debut novel. A recent alert for this term led me to check out an article about Horse Country, Kentucky.

It seems that there is one place you can go to experience Kentucky’s horse country. Perhaps you want to visit some thoroughbred studs in the heart of the Bluegrass. Or maybe you’re interested in visiting some nurseries and equine clinics. Perhaps, it’s all of the above! Whatever your desire, you can book in for tours to see each of these horse related places.

Horse Country, Kentucky

I love the tourism side of the horse industry. It helps people to explore, to dream and to learn about what’s on offer in the great equine industry. You may have a passion for racing, breeding, training or health care. Whatever it is, chances are you can be doing it as a career in the horse industry. In fact, on the Horse Country, Kentucky website there are 26 tours listed; some of these include:

Coolmore America
Claiborne Farm
WinStar Farm
Adena Springs
Godolphin at Jonabell (Darley stallions)
Gainseway Farm
Hallway Feeds
Taylor Made Farm
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

So! If you’re thinking of a visit to Kentucky’s Horse Country, be sure to check out this website to book a tour or two! And if you live in an area that is considered a horse capital, then maybe you could set up something to promote local horse businesses? Food for thought.

“When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: he trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes. ” – William Shakespeare

A Horse Camp Getaway for Equine Industry Professionals

September 29, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Recently at a church service I found out about Tree Tops. This is a camp that is provided to missionaries who need a break between outreach programs. They can come somewhere with their family and relax, connect as a group and not worry about having to prepare meals or do house chores. And all this is provided at a base cost so that it’s truly affordable. Those who provide this accommodation are providing it as a service – and a blessing! – to those who are ministering outside of their comfort zones. So why not something similar for horse industry people? A horse camp getaway for equine industry professionals, if you will.

If you Heard about a Horse Camp for Equine Industry Professionals, would you Consider it? | Equus Education

What’s the general idea? Some people work so much in the equine industry. They may be struggling to afford a break, even when the quiet season comes around as they work in an industry for love – not for good hours and pay.

This person could be a horse breeder or land owner, a stud hand or even someone who is working their way up in the equine performance world. Money can be tight, hours are long and the work is hard. But still, they do it with a goal in mind.

The Ultimate Horse Camp Getaway

What if there was one place they could go for a holiday that allowed them to still enjoy and appreciate horses, but not have to do any of the work? They can be fed, rest and go out riding / be around horses whilst on this holiday.

Is it your heart to provide a service to other people that are working so hard, but their efforts aren’t necessarily recognised? Could you provide accommodation, food and horses for them to enjoy at a small cost so they can take a break as time allows? I am sure an initiative like this could draw lots of sponsors from the horse industry – those who are making a generous living. What do you think?

Outback Governesses / Nannies

August 9, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I was recently flicking through a Big W catalogue. I noted a book that had a woman with a horse on the cover. It was titled Outback Governesses. Now call them what you will – a governess, nanny, carer – they often have similar roles. To look after children, tend to their needs, educate them and perhaps even entertain. And for those who live in rural areas – or for those where horse riding is a prestigious sport – horse care and riding may need to be added to the list! In comes the outback governess.

What if there was someone you could hire who alongside tending to your children’s physical and educational needs, could also fill the horse gap? They are capable riders and know a thing or two about horse care. Even better, they are able to safely supervise your child or children on their horses!

Outback Governesses

Definitely in rural Australia – the outback – such a person may be required. Many parents opt to bring in someone who can educate their children in the form of home schooling. And if said person is to look after the children when they have recreational time, then chances are they will need to know horses and riding them. This is especially true on properties where the children are old enough to carry out farm chores. Often these can include horse work.

This is no doubt a niche area where the skills need to focus on education and care of children. But there would be many properties – or wealthy parents that have children with ponies – that could make use of someone who also has horse skills and knowledge. For those who are keen to do some travelling, this type of job may be appealing! Why not aim to be an outback governess for a spell?

The Horse Drawn Tram

July 5, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I was recently chatting with a friend who is off on a holiday. They’ll be in the area of the horse drawn tram! It seems that in Victor Harbor, South Australia, there is a tram that is pulled by a draught horse, across a bridge to a particular nature reserve. In fact, this is the main way to get there!

What a unique idea! I am originally from South Australia and hadn’t realised this was about, although we often frequented Victor Harbor. My mother informs me it’s been around for ages and she remembers it as a girl. My father indicated for awhile it was pulled by a tractor to take people across. Perhaps this was why I didn’t pay attention to it as a young girl? I am sure the horse would have gained my interest!

The Horse Drawn Tram

You can travel along the causeway from seaside Victor Harbor over to Granite Island in the only horse-drawn tramway in Australia. I love this! You can check out the website for prices. I was surprised to note that you can even pay for an annual membership, which gives you unlimited free rides! As it says on their website:

“The tram travels across the 630 metre causeway throughout the day taking passengers to picturesque Granite Island. Approximately 100,000 visitors annually enjoy this experience. It has carried more than 2 million passengers since 1986.
Commencing in 1894 by the South Australian Railways, the service attracts visitors from all parts of the globe. Whether it is the experience of travelling on heritage transport, travelling across the sea, going to the Island and experiencing the nature walks, the opportunity of seeing marine life in their environment or the joy of meeting one of our Clydesdales, the tram caters for all.”

You can find out all about the history of the tramway on their site, too! And be sure to check out membership details 🙂

The Muleteer as a Horse Career

June 28, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

So recently I’ve had the opportunity to consider another in the equine species – the mule. Or more specifically, the role of the muleteer. This was on account of the Equine Spirit by C S Purdy. It was followed up by reading Brown Sunrise of Sawdust Valley by Marguerite Henry which will be reviewed in the future.

For those who are unaware, a mule is a foal that results from a horse and a donkey being bred. More specifically, the female is a horse (mare) and the male is a donkey (jack).

Something that fascinates me is that a mule is infertile. You cannot breed two mules and gain a baby mule. This is because donkeys have an extra set of chromosomes to the horse and so the resulting mule ends up with one chromosome not being paired. Interesting!

Mules have a lot of appeal to those who own them and handle them. They can be quite large, depending on the horse influence. Mules are sturdy, surefooted and hard workers. They also keep well, unlike some breeds of horse that require a lot to stay in good condition.

The Muleteer

Whilst reading Marguerite Henry’s novel about Brown Sunrise, reference was made to one of the gentlemen being a muleteer. I’m not sure I’ve read this word before! I assumed it related to the care of a mule, but I thought I’d do a little investigating. A muleteer can simply be described as “one who drives mules.”

A definition that I feel is a little more comprehensive details:

“A muleteer, or more informally a muleskinner is a person who transports goods using pack animals, especially mules. In South America, muleskinners transport coffee, maize (corn), cork, wheat and myriad other items. They remain common in the Paisa Region of Colombia. In California, muleteers work out of pack stations. In Europe, there are still muleteers in the south of Portugal and the southwest of Spain, in the cork producing area. Their role is now limited to transporting the cork with their mules, out of the Mediterranean oak forest to more accessible routes, where modern means of transport are available.”

Perhaps you have an interest in training and working with the equine species. But maybe donkeys and mules appeal to you more. Or the idea of working with pack horses in general! Being a muleteer could provide you with the chance to train, travel and get a lot of exercise!

Horse Country, Kentucky

Horse Country, Kentucky

A Horse Camp Getaway for Equine Industry Professionals

The Ultimate Horse Camp Getaway

Outback Governesses / Nannies

Outback Governesses

The Horse Drawn Tram

The Horse Drawn Tram

The Muleteer as a Horse Career

The Muleteer

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