IF YOU'RE interested in working with horses, The Irish Field, an Irish Times publication has produced a supplement detailing educational opportunities in the area.

Courses range from a degree in equine science, offered by the University of Limerick, to trainee apprenticeships.

Francis McGourty, course director in UL, compares the horse industry to agriculture 15 years ago, when a concerted effort was made to increase standards and apply scientific knowledge.

"The University of Limerick is unique in Ireland, and also probably in Britain, in the emphasis it puts on relevance to the industry," McGourty says.

There are a number of new courses offered by Post Leaving Cert colleges. There are no fees for PLC courses but students do not get maintenance grants.

The Army Equitation School has produced some of the country's best riders, but there is fierce competition for limited places. Those interested in apprenticeships might consider setting their sights on the Racing Apprentices Centre of Education, which offers a 42 week course, during which students reside at the RACE custom built facility on the edge of the Curragh.

The Irish National Stud offers a course which aims to educate young people in the science of mare management as well as breeding, and involves all stud farm activities such as foaling, mucking out, stallion handling and lab work.

For information on these and other courses in the horse area, write to The Irish Field, PO Box 74, 11-15 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 for a free copy of the supplement.