Shelley Annan - BSc in Equine Studies

Shelley completed the National Diploma in Horse Management at Enniskillen Campus and then progressed onto higher-level courses before graduating with an Honours Degree in Equine Studies.  She has gained a wide variety of experience working in British Horse Society approved yards where she attained her BHS Stage 3 and developed her skills in breaking and schooling young horses.  Shelley has worked for a large yard in North Carolina working with show jumpers, attending shows on the Florida Circuit and helping out on their Thoroughbred stud.  ‘I really enjoyed the variety of life at Enniskillen Campus, I was involved with the equitation, racing and breeding yards.  I developed my equitation skills, rode the racehorses every morning and during my third year of the HND gained valuable experience running the breeding unit.’

Gillian Folan - BSc in Equine Studies
Laboratory Manager, Westgate Biological

I graduated from the BSc Equine Studies course having also gained my British Horse Society Assistant Instructor during my work placement year.  After graduation I worked in Donegal in an Equestrian yard where I taught riding and was involved in the breaking and schooling of horses.  I then decided to move to Dublin and took a job in a life science company, Westgate Biological, based in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin.  

Through my position with Westgate Biological I found that I really enjoyed laboratory work and decided to do part-time research for a MSc in Physiology.  

I am still working for Westgate Biological as a laboratory manager.  I manage seven staff and I am responsible for co-ordinating output from the research laboratory in the lead up to the commercialisation of the Westgate portfolio of products.  I have also decided to continue in research, and I will start a PhD shortly.  As my degree afforded me an element of business studies, a background that my employer would like to develop, I am also interested in Business Management qualification.

Mary Louise Robson - BSc (Hons) in Equine Studies

Mary-Lou is currently studying for the BSc (Hons) in Equine Studies at Enniskillen Campus.  During her course she has developed both her academic and practical skills, taking part in an exchange programme between Enniskillen campus and Michigan State University, USA.

During her year on work placement Mary-Lou worked at Sarah Mullins Yard enabling her to attend the Singles World Championship Horse Driving Trails as well as helping out at the Paralympic World Championship.  

Mary-Lou has also concentrated on her riding and stable management skills gaining her Pony Club ‘H’ test.  She was also a member of the Intervarsities dressage team who came second in the National Equestrian Intervarsity Championships.  Mary-Lou has based her thesis on Multiple Intelligence Theory where she identifies students’ different learning styles in order to produce easily accessible study guides.  This work has given her interest in psychology and Mary-Lou intends to further her studies in this field.

Claire Schaefer - FdSc in Equine Management

Claire completed her National Diploma in Horse Management at Enniskillen Campus before progressing onto the FdSc in Equine Management.  While on placement Claire worked for Yvette Truesdale and really enjoyed the opportunity to be part of a team, work with horses up to Grand Prix level as well as getting the chance to travel with Yvette when she competed in Spain.  Claire has a strong interest in eventing, she has competed at one star level and was awarded the Junior Eventing Ireland Training Bursary.  Claire has now developed a keen interest in racing.  She enjoys working with fit race horses at the College’s racing unit where she rides out most mornings.

‘I really enjoy the opportunity to combine my love of eventing and racing, I love riding and schooling the race horses and hope to go for my Qualified Riders Licence shortly. I have also a young event horse on livery at the College, which enables me to develop her education and compete in the showjumping and dressage leagues.’

Claire Cassidy - National diploma in Horse Management

Claire Cassidy completed her National Diploma in Horse Management at Enniskillen Campus.  During her time at College Claire obtained her British Horse Society Stage 1 and Stage 2 qualifications and competed regularly in show jumping and dressage competitions held at Enniskillen Campus, Necarne Castle.

After graduation Claire decided to progress onto a Higher National Diploma in Animal Management at the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education. Claire has found that the knowledge and skills acquired in both the science and business units of the National Diploma programme have been useful to her in her progression onto higher education. Claire is currently very busy settling into her new life in Belfast and in her spare time is competing her horses at SJAI level and is involved in schooling young horses.

Ryan Potter - First diploma in Horse Care

Ryan completed the First Diploma in Horse Care and whilst at College also studied the Pre Farriery course gaining the Forging Certificate and units of the NVQ in Race Horse Care. Ryan was an active member of the Racing Club and Show Jumping Club representing the campus in the Intervarsity Competition.

Since completing the course Ryan has now taken up an apprenticeship in England where he is working to become a qualified Farrier.

“The First Diploma is a practical course that has given me a good practical and academic grounding enabling me to progress in my chosen career.”

Rachel McGuigan - NVQ Awards in Racehorse Care and Management with Breeding Option

Rachel recently completed her NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Care and Management at the same time as securing a 2:1 Honours Degree in Equine Studies.  After leaving the College she worked for a local Racehorse trainer before moving to Dubai to work for a world renowned flat trainer.

“I have always had an interest in working with and riding racehorses, I joined the College Racing Club where I got the opportunity to ride in races, being lucky enough to ride 5 winners. The NVQ gave me a recognised industry qualification to take with me into the industry.”

Shelly Annan - NVQ Level 2/3 Awards in Racehorse Care and Management

Shelly recently completed her NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Racehorse Care and Management at the same time as studying towards her ND in Horse Management and then her HND in Equine Studies.  She is now employed by an International Three Day Eventer where her main responsibilities include: breaking and schooling young horses, grooming at events and exercising and caring for competition horses.

“I enjoyed the practical content of NVE Level 2 & 3 especially riding out the racehorses and leading up at races.  Having this qualification was a great asset when looking for employment”.