EQUINE study courses run by Duchy college at Stoke Climsland this week got the seal of approval from two West Devon students.

The college offers a variety of courses for a range of abilities, with courses running from entry level all the way to degree level — therefore catering for complete beginners upwards.

The horse care introductory certificate course now on offer at Stoke Climsland is designed for those who have a small amount of riding experience and who have a great enthusiasm for learning more about all things equestrian.

Student Sarah Brimacombe, 19, from Tavistock, has progressed from an entry level Horse Care Pathfinder course onto the Horse Care Introductory Certificate course.

Sarah said: 'I have been riding in college for three years.

'I like riding and looking after the horses, my favourite horse at college is Storm, who I learned to trot and canter on.

'I am in college four days a week and on a Friday I go to work experience. When I leave college I want to look for a job working with horses or maybe an apprenticeship.'

Jason Kiddle, 17, from Okehampton, said: 'I like the course I am doing because I am a beginner rider and it lets me improve my riding skills, soon I will be entering a dressage competition.

'I have already competed in one gymkhana competition, where we came second.

'When I finish my course this year at Duchy I am progressing onto the level 2 National Certificate in the Management of Horses.'

Louise Garland, programme manager at Duchy College, said: 'We have some students on this course who come from urban backgrounds whose experience of horses is minimal, but students are able to ride everyday on this course on a variety of super horses.

'Our students also receive lessons in the theory of equestrian and get the opportunity to take part in competitions and complete BHS exams.

'On completion of this course we offer lots of opportunities for progression onto other courses or can help with finding employment in the equine industry.'

Dave Linnell, principal of Cornwall College, of which Duchy is part, said: 'We offer a wide range of courses for people of all abilities. I am pleased to see that students are achieving at all levels on Duchy Equine courses and wish them all the best in their future plans.'

For more information please contact Duchy College, Stoke Climsland on 01579 372233 or visit http://www.duchy.ac.uk">www.duchy.ac.uk