Kevin O’Donovan, Pre-Farrier student, Enniskillen Campus

“I have been at CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus for about two months now studying on the First Diploma / Pre-farriery programme.

I have always had an interest in horses.  We have a livery yard at home in Bandon, Co. Cork which I have helped my brother to run.  We also take in horses for breaking and schooling.  

We started the course with an induction week which helped me to find my way about the Campus and the local town of Enniskillen. We had good fun during our team building day at the Share Centre. This helped me to get to know a lot of the other new students on the other courses offered at the College and the staff who teach us.  During induction we were told all about the safe procedures for working with the horses on Campus.  We also got familiar with the library and computer set up at the College.

After induction week had finished we started into our timetabled sessions.  I really love the sessions spent in the forge.  We have learnt how to operate the forges and are now practising making some of the initial pieces which we will be required to make as part of our final practical test.  I also enjoy learning the new skills in the other classes which involve practical work with the horses.

I also really like riding out on the point-to-point horses in the mornings prior to going to class.  At the minute there are twelve of these horses in work.

The social side of life at the College is good too.  I know that I am a long way from home but there is always plenty to do to keep me busy in the evenings and at weekends. We had a great Hallowe’en fancy dress party and I am looking forward to the Night at the Races which is due to take place after the half term break.

I am really interested in following a career as a farrier.  After completing the pre-farriery programme at CAFRE I would like to get a four year apprenticeship with an Approved Training Farrier to enable me to become a fully qualified farrier.”

Kevin preparing to ride out at Enniskillen Campus on “Master Florian”

Kevin at work in the forge shaping a metal staple