YOUNG people who like horses and don’t mind hard work and bad weather are being sought to become apprentices at an equestrian centre.

Holmside Equestrian Centre, in Burnhope, County Durham, is searching for two apprentices with a love of all things equine to take up training places and work towards achieving an NVQ Level 2 in horse care.

The successful applicants will work full-time at the yard and attend college on a day-release basis.

Yard owner Peter Quigley said: “This isn’t a job for the faint-hearted. It’s cold and involves working outside in all weathers. They’ve got to really want this for a career.

“The candidates need to be hardy characters. They will be mucking out, turning out and bringing in livery horses from grazing, assisting the farrier, dentist or vet and learning all aspects of care and grooming.

“But there will be a great return for their efforts. As well as a good wage, they will get two years’ training ... a solid grounding from us in all aspects of caring for horses.

“They will be given the means to progress in the industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the right person.”