Happy Horse Retirement Home
Winner
The owners of the first private retirement home for horses in Great Britain are passionate about developing staff through Apprenticeship Programmes. Nicky and Ray Van Dijk, owners of Happy Horse Retirement Home in Crai, near Brecon, opened the centre in 1989 and now have eight staff who care for 50 horses.
The company has helped train nine apprentices in the past five years, most of whom have gone on to careers in the equine industry. One former apprentice represents Great Britain in harness driving. Training ranges from Foundation Apprenticeships to a Higher Apprenticeship, delivered by Coleg Cambria.