Equine students work up a sweat

11:21am Sunday 28th October 2007

HORSE Care students at Wiltshire College have been working up a sweat in fitness classes whilst studying for their NVQ at Lackham.

The purpose of these sessions, which include dance classes and circuit training, is to help the students reach peak fitness levels to enable them to properly manage and ride the horses that they work with.

Students who wish to pursue a career in the racing side of the industry are benefiting from support from Racing Welfare, racing's leading welfare charity, and with support from Devizes Council, all of the students have been attending regular Tuesday afternoon sessions at Devizes Leisure Centre.

Philip Grant, head of Equine at Lackham, said: "Most young people are shocked with the level of physical fitness that is required when working with horses.

"We are unlike other training providers - we really prepare students for a life long career with horses and equip them with the best foundation to achieve this."

Student Chun Lee, 16, said: "So far it's been fantastic. The sessions have really helped us to get to know each other. If you want to work with horses or like me, want to become a jockey it's important to keep fit."

He added: "I didn't expect to be participating in dance classes when I enrolled but I'm glad that I am."