A RIDING centre is looking for people who are interested in horse care to apply for places on summer courses.

The Unicorn Centre, at Stainton Way, Hemlington - a member of the Riding for the Disabled Association - provides riding and therapy for disabled people, as well as training in horse care and management for able-bodied and disabled young people.

The two-week introduction to horse and pony care course starts on June 30. This is the compulsory assessment course for progression to the Unicorn Centre's one and two-year full-time NVQ courses starting in September. It can however, also be attended by anyone wanting to do a short course and receive a certificate.

The four-week basic skills in horse and pony care course will start on August 4. This also is an accredited pre-NVQ course, which has been designed by the Unicorn Centre, in conjunction with Middlesbrough College, to help people of 16 years and over, particularly those with learning difficulties, to assess their own capabilities and find out whether working with horses is viable for them.

Claire Pitt, Unicorn Centre manager said: "The NVQ courses have now been running for four years with a high success rate.

"The calibre of student completing the courses has been very high, resulting in the Unicorn Centre employing three of its past students."

Application forms for both courses are available from the Unicorn Centre, telephone (01642) 576222.