From Steppes to Stables – Discover how humans have shaped the domestic horse
A career as an equine historian offers an intriguing journey through the history of human-horse interaction. If you have a passion for history and a love for horses then this career is the perfect fusion.
Horses were first domesticated on the Russian steppes around 4,000 years ago. Since then, the horse-human relationship has been a fascinating journey of discovery, exploitation, and evolution. Studying this evolving relationship is the role of an equine historian.
What Is an Equine Historian?
An equine historian is a trained historian with an interest in horses. They study things like how humans have interacted with horses since domestication. In particular, equine historians explore how horses have shaped cultures, economies, and societies. From the early days of domestication to the modern equestrian world, these professionals study how breeding, training, and nutrition impacts the domestic horse.
Key Skills, Responsibilities, and Duties of an Equine Historian
Equine historians are a relatively new designation in the world of historians. In particular, the career has developed for those with an interest in horses and history. This unique field requires a specific set of skills, responsibilities, and duties, combining elements of both historian and equestrian.
Skill Requirements for a Equine Historian
To do well as an equine historian, you should have the following personal attributes and qualities…
Firstly an interest in horses: Obviously, you need to be interested in horses if you’re going to spend your life studying them.
Secondly, academic expertise: Strong foundation in history, particularly ancient, medieval, or early modern history, depending on specialisation.
Equally important – good research skills: Ability to gather and analyse information from diverse sources like archives, libraries, archaeological finds, and artistic representations.
Critical thinking: A capacity to evaluate evidence, identify patterns, and draw well-supported conclusions about equine history, evolution, and cultural impact.
Also important – writing and communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. You’ll need to convey complex historical information to various audiences through articles, books, presentations, and public outreach initiatives.
Language skills: Proficiency in relevant languages depending on specialisation. For example, Latin for ancient history or French for mediaeval cavalry studies.
And good digital skills: Familiarity with historical databases, digital archives, and research software.
Organisation and time management: Ability to manage multiple research projects, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
Aptitude for teaching: Many historians teach their subject, often at university level, colleges, or secondary schools. Subsequently this allows you to share your knowledge and passion for history with students.
Key Responsibilities and Duties of an Equine Historian
As an equine historian, your main responsibility is to document and interpret the history of the human-horse relationship. This involves extensive research, writing, and presentation skills. You may also:
Source historical materials: Gather materials from diverse sources, including archives, libraries, private collections, and archaeological sites.
Analyse historical data: Use critical thinking skills to identify patterns and potential biases in historical accounts and draw conclusions about events, trends, and the impact of horses on society.
Write research papers and articles: Produce research papers, articles, or books for academic or popular audiences, adhering to publication guidelines and maintaining historical accuracy.
Deliver presentations and tours: Prepare and deliver presentations, lectures, or tours on various equine history topics, tailoring content to different audiences.
Contribute to museum exhibits: Develop and curate museum exhibits related to equine history, ensuring accuracy and engaging storytelling.
Maintain research records: Keep detailed research records and document findings for future reference and potential publication.
Network with peers and enthusiasts: Collaborate with other historians, researchers, and horse enthusiasts to share knowledge, work on projects, and stay informed about the field.
Participate in public outreach: Engage the public by providing historical insights and educational experiences through lectures, workshops, media appearances, or historical re-enactments.
Educate and engage the public: Share insights into the profound impact horses have had on various aspects of human civilization through educational programs.
Embrace continuous learning: Maintain and expand your knowledge through continuous learning, attending conferences, and staying informed about new research and methodologies.
Contribute to preservation efforts: Play a role in preserving historical records and artefacts related to horses.
Engage in teaching: Many equine historians also teach at universities, colleges, or secondary schools, sharing their knowledge and passion for history with students.
Equine Historian Certifications and Licences
To become a professional equine historian in Australia, you will need a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History and also an Honours degree from a recognised tertiary institution, such as a university.
You may then pursue higher qualifications such as a Master’s or Doctorate. Depending on your interest and area of specialisation, you may also obtain qualifications in related fields like Archaeology, Ancient History, or Research.
While not mandatory, obtaining a Bachelor of Equine Science can be beneficial. Additionally, if you want to teach history, you’ll need a Diploma of Education (DipEd).
Career Paths for Equine Historians
Historians, including equine historians, can choose between becoming a research historian or a practical historian. Both offer diverse career paths, depending on your preferences as a historian.
Research Equine Historian
If you love digging into the past and uncovering new things about horses, this path is for you. You’ll study specific topics in depth and write a dissertation to graduate.
As an equine research historian, you may:
- Conduct in-depth investigations: Use archives, libraries, and various historical sources to gather extensive information about breeding practices, training methods, and the broader cultural impact of horses.
- Uncover new insights: Contribute to expanding historical knowledge by uncovering previously unknown details about specific horse breeds, historical equestrian events, or influential figures in the equine world.
- Develop a nuanced understanding: Use a research-oriented approach to understand the complexities of the human-horse relationship. Challenge existing narratives, question assumptions, and also provide a comprehensive view of how horses have shaped different societies and times.
Practical Equine Historian
This path is for historians who want to apply their historical knowledge in real-world contexts. It is ideal if you want to work in practical situations like museums, historical sites, heritage preservation initiatives, or media.
You may:
- Curate museum exhibits and preserve heritage: Carry out practical activities such as curating exhibits that showcase the historical significance of horses. Present information in a visually appealing and educational manner that engages the public and fosters an appreciation for equine history.
- Develop educational programs and public history projects: Create workshops, guided tours, or educational materials for diverse audiences. This includes schools, equestrian clubs, and the public. You may also work on initiatives involving live demonstrations, re-enactments, or educational programs featuring horses. Practical experience with horses is necessary for these activities.
- Advise on historical aspects of urban planning: Contribute to the preservation of historical aspects related to horses in urban planning and development projects. Significantly, you may advise on integrating equestrian heritage into public spaces or developing areas with historical significance to the equine community. For this, hands-on experience and understanding of contemporary horse-related practices, competitions, and events are beneficial.
- Consult for historical accuracy: Offer expertise as a consultant for historical accuracy in films, books, or other media projects featuring horses. This is important because ‘horse folk’ tend to notice glaring inaccuracies in these contexts!
- Teach: Obtain a DipEd and become a teacher. You may also engage in educational programs, workshops, or lectures to share your expertise with students and the broader community.
Work Environment of Equine Historians
Your working environment will depend on the type of historical work you do.
Research Historians
If you are a research historian, most of your work will be indoors in office environments, libraries, and archives. Importantly, you’ll be diving into dusty archive boxes, trawling through treasure troves of information, and possibly even boning up on ancient horse bones!
Practical Historians
If you are a practical historian, your work environment may vary depending on the task. You may:
- Research and observe horses in both their natural or managed environments.
- Explore areas where horses play a significant historical role, such as racetracks, farms, or historic equestrian sites.
- Travel to different locations, both within Australia and internationally, to explore historical equestrian contexts.
- Engage with local communities, equestrian groups, and historical societies to foster connections and promote awareness of equine history.
- Dig up and preserve artefacts from historic equestrian sites. A degree in archaeology can be beneficial here.
Salary Range for Equine Historians in Australia (2024)
The salary for equine historians in Australia can vary based on experience, education, and the nature of the role. On average, you can expect a starting salary of around $60,000 AUD per year. With several years of experience and expertise, this figure can rise to $80,000 to $100,000 AUD annually. Specialisations or roles in academia may command higher salaries.
Job Outlook for an Equine Historian in Australia
The job outlook for equine historians in Australia is promising, with opportunities in academia, museums, and cultural institutions. As public interest in history and equestrian activities grows, there is a demand for experts who can bridge the gap between these two realms. Networking, staying updated on industry trends, and showcasing your expertise through publications and presentations will contribute to a positive career outlook.
Overview of a Career as an Equine Historian
To summarise, a career as an equine historian is a unique and rewarding journey for individuals passionate about history and horses. Whether you find yourself in the archives of a library or amidst the stables of an equestrian centre, the role offers a dynamic blend of research, storytelling, and community engagement. By honing your skills, embracing diverse opportunities, and staying connected with the equestrian community, you can contribute significantly to the preservation and appreciation of the rich history shared between humans and horses in Australia.
