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2:38pm Tuesday 5th June 2007

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WOMEN are known to like shopping for bargains so here's one in the horse world that should come in really handy.

The British Horse Society, in conjunction with HGV recruiters Clearstone and the Skills for Logistics organisation, is offering 150 women in the horse industry a chance to obtain an HGV driving licence at only a third of the usual rate.

For an outlay of £400 you can get something that would normally cost around £1,200.

There are, of course, a list of conditions, but the good news for prospective applicants is that the offer is only open to women living in the West Midlands, East Midlands, London and the Home Counties.

So competition for places is restricted.

The ability to be able to drive a large horsebox is an invaluable asset for anyone who wants to make a career in the equestrian world.

If two people apply for a job in a yard and one has an HGV licence and the other hasn't, it's not rocket science to work out who stands the better chance.

But until this offer came along, obtaining the necessary qualification was an expensive business.

The non-horse owning section of the public probably think that, if you can afford horses, what's an extra £1,200 on top? They forget the reality that most of your money probably goes on feeding and keeping the animals, vets' fees and farriers' bills.

It is still possible for some people to drive some smaller horse boxes on a private car licence.

The safe bet, of course, is to go for the HGV C' driving licence.

To obtain a C' licence under the BHS initiative, candidates: 1. Must be more than 21 years old.

2. Must have held a driving licence for at least three years.

3. Must have a provisional C' licence (for which a medical certificate is required).

4. Must have passed a theory test (the cost of this is included in the price).

The offer is time sensitive and a commitment is required by August of this year, with the course taking place by March, 2008. For details contact Di Parkinson on 01926 707782