GOLD COAST HORSE -jobs
 

www.equinestaff.com.au

The jobs available in the horse industry are many and varied. You may be surprised to find out just how many there are. Gold Coast Horse has embarked on the task of identifying the most common jobs to profile. As is the website, this is a work in progress and we will be adding to it each week as more job profiles are completed. We hope you enjoy reading about what your future may hold ! Any many thinks to Equine Staff - your link to equine recruitment - for help in getting this project started :-). EQUINE FEED AND NUTRITION SPECIALIST Equine feed and nutrition specialists are like human nutrition specialists. They understand the nutritional needs of all types of horses from all disciplines and during all phases of life from pregnant and lactating mares to elderly horses. They have the knowledge to analyze the specific needs of the horse depending on its’ breed, workload, living standards and current condition and then design a feeding program to suit. Equine Feed Specialists work with horse trainers, veterinarians, stable staff and individuals. Feed specialists may also be involved in the scientific development of new types of horse feeds. An Equine Feed Specialist would most likely have a degree in Animal Science. HORSE TRAINER A horse trainer is responsible for the training of horses in various ways from teaching ground manners, to breaking in young horses, to developing them in further specialist disciplines, to working with horses with behavioral issues, to trick training horses for film and television. In a large stable, a trainer will work with a number of horses concurrently and may need the use of several assistants . Or the trainer may work with one horse at a time and even go on location to visit horse owners who need training assistance. There is no specific horse training education path. Most horse trainers have learned through years of direct experience. There are however, a number who have completed degrees in Vet. Science and even higher education. STABLE HAND Stablehands usually work within an agistment or training facility and perform many and varied tasks. They may be responsible for the everyday care, feeding and grooming of horses. Stablehands are required to recognize the conditions of lameness, common ailments, injuries and infections and to give basic first aid, medication and other treatments. The cleaning and maintenance of stables, tack and training equipment is also usually a requirement. Stablehands may also be required to accompany horses to race meetings, gymkhanas and other equestrian events and also be asked to exercise horses as required. The path to becoming a stable hand can be through formal education at a tertiary institution such as TAFE and/or through first hand experience. STABLE SUPERVISOR/MANAGER The role of the stable manager is a busy one. He/she is responsible for the day to day running of the stables including, but not limited to: overseeing staff, managing feed supplies, supervising the maintenance of stables, equipment and plant, staff training, managing veterinary requirements, scheduling farrier visits, liaising with clients etc. The Stable Manager must have a high degree of organizational skills and the ability to communicate well as they are responsible for both the staff and the horses in their care. Veterinary and management schooling are desirable, but not entirely necessary as a person may make their way into the position of Stable Manager through first gaining much experience as a Stable Hand. JOCKEY Jockeys are athletes who combine their competitive drive with the love of the horse. As well as riding in horse races, jockeys may be required to ride track-work in the early mornings, prepare themselves physically for race rides, and be involved in horse training. The benefits can be high for leading jockeys as they receive riding fees, a percentage of the prize money and a public profile. A jockey may work internationally and if successful will be in demand by trainers. A jockey must be highly motivated and committed as this is a very demanding job. In Australia jockeys are also required to be small weighing around 50kg. In Queensland a jockey apprenticeship includes 4 years as a licensed apprentice rider. During that time the jockey must progress and complete the required qualification Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey). This qualification commences as soon the apprentice starts and includes stablehand and track rider training. FARRIER A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of a horse's hoof and the placing of shoes to the horse's foot. A farrier couples blacksmith's skills (fabricating, adapting, and adjusting metal shoes) with aspects of veterinary medicine (knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lower limb) to address the care of the horse's feet. A farriers’ routine work is primarily hoof trimming and shoeing. Additional tasks for the farrier include dealing with injured and/or diseased hooves and application of special shoes for racing, training or "cosmetic" purposes. Horses with certain diseases or injuries may need remedial procedures for their hooves, or need special shoes. To become a farrier you can complete an apprenticeship with a qualified farrier, complete a Certificate in Farriery through an accredited institution or attend an intensive course. EQUINE DENTIST Dental care in the horse involves the same principles as human dentistry. Many of the diseases seen in people's teeth are also diagnosed and treated in the horse. For example periodontal disease or disease of the structures surrounding the teeth are the number one cause of premature tooth loss in both horses and humans. Equine dentists work to ensure the continuing health of the horses teeth through the skilled use of a variety of dental tools. The path to become an equine dentist is through either training as a veterinarian and then specializing in equine dentistry or by studying a course in equine dentistry at a reputable college. EQUINE CHIROPRACTOR Equine Chiropractors perform spinal manipulation on horses to readjust misaligned spines and pelvic areas in horses which can cause great discomfort and loss of performance quality. It is important to know that reputable equine chiropractors will not perform any adjustments on a horse until after a very thorough veterinary examination has been completed. Some equine chiropractors are veterinarians, so they may do an examination themselves; otherwise, an equine chiropractor will require a veterinarian to check the horse first. This is to make sure that there are no other underlying health issues. Spinal adjustment techniques for horses—while similar in concept to those done for people—must be completed differently. Many equine chiropractors work to get the horse to generate the type of movement that will make the adjustment occur. Formal training and accreditation in Animal Chiropractic is only available in Australia through RMIT University in Melbourne, which is one of the three institutions providing human Chiropractic accreditation. The 2 year post-grad uate diploma, and 3 year Masters degree are only available to qualified, registered Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Veterinarians. The course has been running since 1998 and there are now about 150 qualified practitioners around the country & overseas. TRACK RIDER Exercise rider's teach a horse how to race, how to walk into the gate, and get the horses they ride used to conditions they may face during a race. An exercise rider has to be able to gauge a horse's fitness and relay this information to the trainer, as well as be able to identify soreness or lameness issues. Exercise Riders may be required to ride at particular speeds and be able to teach this to the race horse. An exercise rider has to be able to gauge a horse's fitness and relay this information to the trainer, as well as be able to identify soreness or lameness issues. There are no prerequisites to becoming a track rider other than to be able to ride and have good experience with horses. Much on the job training is completed before becoming a competent exercise rider. ........plenty more to come in the coming weeks.

The 2012 Gold Coast Show is currently seeking Ring Stewards for this years equestrian events. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the team at this wonderful yearly event.


The positions are on a volunteer basis. I you would like to be involved please contact Marj.Belsham, Chief Horse Steward

email : marjb@goldcoastshow.com.au

Sheridyn Ashwood - ASHWOOD PARK STUD

Position available:

Running the stables, managing the horses, taking care of literally everything. Opportunity for an aspiring dressage enthusiast to come here, learn, ride some very fancy horses and have constant tuition is now available. You must be a competent horse handler, have an understanding of Stallions and be able to ride young horses. Travel and Groom at shows and an opportunity to compete on my horses is available for the right person......

Immediate start:

Days Monday-thur and 1 day on the weekend

Aprox 5-8 hrs daily starting at 7am

You must be honest, trustworthy and reliable.

Call 0416262055