By Kelly Eve

Published at 08:52, Saturday, 21 November 2009

APPLEBY horse lover Nina Gasgarth is the first person to complete an apprenticeship in animal care at the Newton Rigg university campus near Penrith.

Saddle do nicely! Nina Gasgarth is the first student to pass the animal care apprenticeship course at Newton Rigg

The 25-year-old of Sommerwood Close, Long Martin, is the first student at the University of Cumbria to pass the course – and she completed it in half the time.

Nina said: “It’s a fantastic feeling being the first to get through.

“My passion has always been to work with horses.

“They are such intelligent, amazing animals, so I hope that this qualification will boost my career prospects in this field,” added Nina.

After leaving Appleby Grammar School at the age of 16, Nina studied horse care and management at Kendal College before passing her British Horse Society Level 1 exam at Newton Rigg.

She also worked in various jobs, including a pot washer at a hotel, a trek leader at an activity centre, and a school supervisor.

Ann Ferguson, NVQ Animal Care course leader at the Newton Rigg Campus, said: “Nina is absolutely passionate about animals, horses in particular, and she has been a delight to teach.

“After leaving college Nina worked for a few years before returning to education and I think it’s given her a really well-rounded approach to life which has helped her with these latest studies.

“She has always been keen and determined to do well and she is very popular at Newton Rigg.”

The apprentice course is normally taken over two years but Nina completed it in just half the time.

Nina’s ultimate ambition is to become a horse whisperer – the name given to a trainer who adopts a sympathetic view of the motives, needs, and desires of the horse.

“Intelligent horsemanship is a fascinating subject and I would love to get into this field of work,” said Nina.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk