NAGS Club bulletin: 6 March

Environmentally friendly

The University of Lincoln launches a new course in timber extraction this month with help from an 18hh working Clydesdale called Roddy.

Ten-year-old Roddy from Axholme Heavy Horses, will teach students environmentally friendly methods of extracting timber in a one-day course designed to complement the School of Agriculture’s woodland management programme.

The course demonstrates an alternative way of clearing woodland areas that does not threaten the environment, as well as promoting the Clydesdale breed, which is on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s “at risk” register.

Grooming, harnessing, and long-reining are among the practical elements of the course. Steve Fox, forestry tutor at Lincoln, believes the coursewill educate and cut down on students’ stress.

“Roddy is a wonderful horse and very relaxing to work with, which is why we are also offering the course to the public as a means of stress relief. It really is a great experience and very therapeutic,” he said.

If you are interested in taking this short course, it will be run on Saturday, 22 and Sunday, 23 March and costs £85. Applicants must be over the age of 14.

For more details contact (tel: 01522 882000)

New foundationcourse

The University of Wales, Aberystwyth, is launching a new three-year foundation degree in equine studies, which includes one-year working in the industry.

The course covers equine anatomy and performance, breeding and stud management, general horsemastership skills, equine nutrition, grassland management, business skills with optional modules including equitation.

Once students have completed the three-year course, they can choose to upgrade to an honours degree via the university’s one-year equine studies course.

Application for 2003 entry is through UCAS and open days will be held on 2 July and 22 October.

For more information (tel: 01970 623111).

Become a member

Membership 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.com

And remember, the club is open to all students, not just those studying for an equine qualification.

If you have any news or information you think would make a story for the NAGS weekly bulletin, please e-mail details to: kerry_bowness@ipcmedia.com