Vet specialists ride into Lothians for fundraising class

A TEAM of eight veterinary specialists aiming to raise funds for two international animal charities will be heading for Oatridge College in West Lothian later this week on the Scottish leg of a 1200-mile motorbike ride in just four days.

Led by Derek Knottenbelt, the Professor of Equine Medicine at the University of Liverpool, they call themselves "Vets with Horsepower", and at Oatridge will deliver unique "masterclasses" to horse owners on how to deal with illnesses and injuries which can afflict their four-legged friends.

The team will charge 30 a head for the five-hour sessions, with the proceeds going to the World Horse Welfare's overseas charity work and The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad to help equip an equine clinic in the West African republic of Mali.

Professor Knottenbelt said: "I chose Oatridge for its central location and the proximity of the Scottish National Equestrian Centre and because I believe it is the best equestrian college in Scotland."

The Oatridge College session starts at 9.30am on Thursday and to book tickets visit www.worldhors ewelfare.org/horsepower.