NAGS bulletin: Weekend courses

The Open College of Equine Studies (TOCES) is running short-stay residential equine courses from its new base on the picturesque Boxted Estate in the Glem Valley, Suffolk. The weekend courses, which cover a range of equin subjects, are aimed at students, equine professionals and horse-owners with an interest in the topic.

Forthcoming courses include:

Equine Stud Management: 13-14 September, led by Dr Nicky Holdstock
EquineTherapies: 20-21 September, combines class-room based lectures with practical ‘hands-on’ sessions with qualified practitioners.
Equine Behaviour and Welfare: 11-12 October, led by Dr Amanda Badnell-Waters. Includes a range of lectures and practical activities including looking at behavioural problems and their management. Equine behavioural therapist Cathy Tindall will demonstrate ‘join-up’ techniques.Course fees are £245 per person for enrolled TOCES studentsand £285 for non-TOCES students. Fees include: lunch, dinner, drinks and accommodation for Saturday night, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.For more information contact The Open College of Equine Studies (tel: 01787 282123) or visit www.equinestudies.co.ukHorses help disabled studentsLouise Ball, a lecturer in equine studies at Oaklands College, Hertfordshire, has been examining how working with horsescan to help educate people with learning difficulties and has found that “Equine Facilitated Learning” can help improve their self-esteem, communications skills, patience and concentration.The positive results of this type of learning have been proved through two of the college’s Landmark students, Kelly Darvelle and Philip Palmer, who competed in the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College recently. Tutors have seen a noticeable change in students since the beginning of the course.Louise says: “I am very proud of how the students conducted themselves at the event and that they have come on in leaps and bounds in terms of confidence and self esteem since beginning the course. The fact that they have been ableto perform for the Eastern region at a national level is a real achievement for them.”The Landmark programme has been designed for students with learning disabilities. Students can enroll for one, two, or three-year courses and work towards an EdExel entry-level Skills for Life qualification.For more details contact Oaklands College (tel: 01727 737080) or visit: www.oaklands.ac.ukBusiness seminars from BlacupThe Blacup Training Group, sponsors of NAGS, are planning two one-day seminars for equestrian business people in Yorkshire. Specialist speakers will talk on a wide range of subjects from employment law to business planning and marketing.The seminars will cost £25 per person including lunch and are limited to 20 delegates per day. If the days are over subscribed then Blacup will run more seminars to accommodate demand.Blacup’s Stephen Place says: “If they are successful wewill roll them out nationally later in the year.”Blacup is hoping make the seminars free of charge in the future. For more details contact Blacup (tel: 01484 723074).Become a memberMembership of NAGS is free to all bona fide grooms and students. Benefits include: Horse & Hound subscription at £1 per copy, £3 discount voucher on a sack of Blue Chip Dynamic, 10% discount on Splash Equestrian equipment and clothing, no P&P charges from Equestrian Vision mail order and eligibility for NAGS-only competitions and offers.If you are interested in becoming a member, write to: NAGS, Room 2018, Kings Reach Tower, Stamford Street, London SE1 9LS (tel: 020 7261 6993), or e-mail: nags@ipcmedia.comAnd remember, the club is open to all students, not just those studying for an equine qualification.