A COLLEGE is to hold a short training course for new horse-owners.

East Durham College is to stage a four-week Association of British Riding Schools course, aimed particularly at new and potential owners at its Houghall campus in Durham.

The four week course is open to all ages and abilities and will cover basic anatomy, health and safety, handling grooming, tacks and rugs and catching and turning out.

The course will start on Saturday, February 6 and run for four weeks between 10am and 2pm each Saturday.

The full course costs £140, plus £25 examination fees, but anyone paying in full by January 8 can have a second place for free.

Equine programme leader Anne Symons said: “This is a great course for new horse owners or for anyone with an interest in the industry and would like to improve their horse skills and knowledge.

“We have a great team here and some brilliant facilities to help get people of all ages and ability through the course, and with the opportunity of sitting an optional exam at the end of the course you can come away with an accredited qualification.”

For more information visit www.eastdurham.ac.uk and to book a place call 0191 375 4716.