How much of your day/week is related to horses?
100%. I am a horse trainer. I also have a blog that is based on the horse community (www.fatbaldcowboy.com), and am working on a web and mobile app called Equine Assistant that’s designed to link a horse’s people. More information on it can be found at www.equineassistant.com and via our IndieGoGo campaign.
What is it exactly that you do?
My wife (Pam) and I own and operate P&H Horse & Cattle Co. We train and show Arabians, Half-Arabians and Quarter Horses in the Reining, Western Pleasure and Hunter divisions. I also hold an Arabian Judges card as well as Wisconsin 4H and WSCA Judging cards.
In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes it is. Although, with the amount of time we need to invest it often seems as if we get paid below minimum wage.
What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
My recommendation is to get an education in business and then work for a reputable trainer in the breed and discipline you wish to compete. You should plan on 3-5 years of apprenticeship to gain enough knowledge to earn a living. The gaining knowledge part never stops though. You need to learn every day about the horse.
Favourite horse memory?
This may sound strange considering the success both Pam and I have had in the show ring, but my favorite memories are of watching our clients ride a young horse we trained for the first time. We start a lot of horses and many of our clients purchase young, untrained horses. The first time they get on and can do what we have trained is a great feeling. My proudest moments are when they don’t need us anymore.
Future goals?
I want the horse world to “Get Broke.” So many horses are discipline specific, and that is all they can do. Watching a horse compete in Western Pleasure, then in reining and trail, and then go home and go on a 15 mile trail ride is great. I want to help that happen for as many people as possible.
Best thing about your sport/profession?
Training horses is never boring because it is always changing. New horse, new clients. But I think the satisfaction of helping a horse and rider combination get together and accomplish something is the best part.
“A cowboy is a man with guts and a horse.” – Will James
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[…] I was excited to be approached by Christine Munier … as she puts it, “a horse crazy and travel obsessed Australian.” She is a writer, blogger, and owns and manages a riding school in Australia. She highlighted me earlier this week and I thought I’d share it with you here. Be sure to check her out at Equus-Blog.com […]