.:EQUUS:.

I stumbled across the site of Tena Bastian, author and clinician and contacted her to see if she’d be able to answer some questions with regards to her published works that are advertised on the site.  She willingly obliged, giving a bit more of an insight into the possibilities that can arise from writing works regarding horses.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start writing and getting books published? Do you do anything else with horses that generates an income?
When I was a child, a tornado destroyed our house and my dad took us to a riding stable to distract us from the chaos. That is when I met my first horse and have loved them ever since. I have always written stories and poetry for as long as I can remember. The Foal Is The Goal was published in 2005. That was my first real “hit”.
I have shown, we breed and ship semen and artificially inseminate, I present seminars and clinics on horses.

How much of your day/week relates to horses?
Most of it. We also own a dog boarding kennel so my time is split between those two things and writing.

Are you self published or did you go through a publisher? Do you think that whether your horse book is fiction or non fiction bears on how easy it is to get published?
I have two publishers, nothing self published yet. I have five fiction novels that I have written. They are horse related. Non fiction is easier to get published.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing writing about their love of horses and turning it into an income?
It is a tough economy and they say to write about what you know so get to know all you can about the subject.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
Everything as the opportunity presents itself. Nothing in particular comes to mind.

Favourite horse memory?
Foals being born in the early morning. Walking outside and noticing that the sun has come up. Going team penning with a gelding named Teddy. You can access Teddy’s story for free. An audio version is available on my website at www.tenabastian.com on the books page.

Future goals?
Surviving the economy. Working more with a gelding named Hootie come spring.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
It’s all good. Concentrating on the horses and less on the politics.

“To many, the words love, hope and dreams are synonymous with horses.”

tag: equine novel, horse writing, horse book, horse non fiction, horse fiction, tena bastian

I got an email not too long ago alerting me to the fact that someone had left a comment on the post, Hippotherapy.  That someone just happened to be an Occupational Therapist who has been involved in Hippotherapy for the past couple of years.  Barbara Smith kindly took the time to answer some questions regarding this unique form of therapy with horses.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out in Hippotherapy? What is it exactly that you do?
I have always liked horses but did not have a lot of exposure to them since I grew up in New York City. I have been an occupational therapist for over 30 years mostly working in schools. Three years ago I went to a presentation by Temple Grandin.
She is a well known lecturer in the therapy field and talks about how her autism helps her to understand an animal’s perspective. She has a Ph.D. in Animal Science and designs cattle equipment.
I was inspired by her to learn about hippotherapy since I love being outdoors, getting exercise and working with children on the autism spectrum.
I use the horse as a treatment tool to work on goals such as increasing balance, strength, communication and motor skills. I love to design activities that help them process sensory information and use their hands during functional activities.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I only work two days a week at the hippotherapy farm. I also do home-care work where I help elderly people with low vision. In addition, I am finishing up revisions to a book about how parents can help their children to develop hand skills. It will be published by Therapro, Inc.
Of course, maintaining a website, two blogs and Youtube videos about my work is another job. But I find these projects fun and rewarding.

In this field of occupational therapy is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
Absolutely. Salaries vary according to work setting and what part of the country or world you live in but an occupational therapist can earn $40,000- $80,000 dollars a year.
I believe that the highest salaries are in long term care and hospital settings. I have been working in pediatrics where the salaries are on the lower end of the scale (in the U.S.).

What are the general steps taken to be able to provide such a service to clients?
Occupational therapists need to earn a Master’s Degree and also take a test to become a registered therapist. We then apply for state licensure and national certification.
Information is available at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA.ORG).
Since I chose to work in the hippotherapy setting, I decided to earn additional certification by taking courses at the American Hippotherapy Association. Some jobs require this, others do not. There is a great deal of information and resources about hippotherapy on my web site: Horseot.com

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this line of work?
If you have a horse background it will be much easier to go into one of the professions that involve working with horses and people with disabilities.
Therapeutic riding instructors also work with disabled individuals teaching them riding skills. However, only physical, occupational and speech therapists do hippotherapy - that is doing therapy using the horse as a treatment tool to achieve therapeutic goals.
Someone interested in this line of work would have to attend a university program and continue with further training to learn about hippotherapy. But I want to add, that the thing I love the most about switching to this line of work is that the families and children are so appreciative and happy. I used to work in the schools where all parties were frustrated with the child’s struggles to succeed academically.
If a child simply sits on top of the moving horse - he or she is working hard and will be working toward goals while having fun.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I have taken lessons to learn how to ride and vault. I want to do this again in the warmer weather. I know that the more I understand about horses and how it feels to ride and do different movements, the better I can deliver my services. It is also a lot of fun to learn these new skills at my age (over fifty years).

Favourite horse memory?
I briefly cantered. I find it challenging enough to trot but was very proud of myself when I got the horse to canter and didn’t fall off.

Future goals?
I am looking forward to having my current book project completed and then marketing. I love to write articles and give presentations, so marketing will be fun.
I feel that my book will help parents to choose the activities and toys that will help their children to learn. As a result of this early stimulation children will develop the hand and visual perceptual skills they need to read and write.
I have joined Toastmaster’s International this year. This organization helps its members to learn public speaking skills. Its a lot of fun and I plan on earning many blue ribbons!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I enjoy thinking of creative ways to help children learn and I love to make something of value out of nothing.
I have written a whole book about designing therapeutic activities out of recycling items such as plastic laundry bottles. The book is called The Recycling Occupational Therapist published by Pro-ed. Inc.

“Where would a rider be without a horse?”

Tag: hippotherapy, physical therapy, equine therapy, riding for the disabled, occupational therapy

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

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