By Zara Doyle, Foundation Degree in Horse Management, Enniskillen Campus

Balmoral Show opened its doors this year on Wednesday the 15 May. However for competitors, Balmoral preparations started many months prior. This too was the case for me Zara Doyle a student at Enniskillen Campus CAFRE. My fellow students and I, spent several weeks in preparation for our outing to Balmoral with training on grooming, trimming and ring craft techniques, complimenting the teaching we received through out the year.

Preparations included trials, schooling sessions, and competitions. We all gained valuable experience packing the lorry, travelling the horses, grooming and riding at various venues. In the run up to Balmoral we had a number of successful outings which included Northern Ireland Working Hunter Championships at Knockaview and a Pre Balmoral at Lusk’s Equestrian. Though our hard work and efforts we achieved three Seconds, three Thirds a Fourth and a Fifth Prize at these events.

Riders from Enniskillen Campus included Darren McKay, Honours Degree (Newry), Sarah Donald, Honours Degree (Guilford), Lisa Doogan, Foundation Degree (Enniskillen), Samantha Balfour, National Diploma (Kesh) and of course the Head Groom myself Zara Doyle, Foundation Degree (Dublin).

Final Year Degree student Sarah Donald rode CAFRE’s Necarne Libby in the Small Hunter Class at Balmoral on Wednesday taking a creditable tenth in a very strong class. Friday saw the seven year old horse and above Working Hunter Class. Here Final Year Degree student Darren McKay rode his way to a commendable Fourth place on CAFRE’s ISHD Cool Customer, achieving one of only seven clear rounds in an extremely challenging class. Both horses performed admirably at one of the top National Shows against many of the industry’s professionals. Balmoral Show was the highlight of the year for me making all the early mornings and late nights worth while.

With our exams and assignments now behind us for this year, the students are all looking forward to a well earned summer break. The final year students are also looking forward to their graduation at Enniskillen Campus in June, while the rest of us are anticipating another exciting and successful new academic year commencing in September 2009.  

Zara Doyle and Necarne Molly at the Northern Ireland Working Hunter Association Qualifier

Sarah Donald and Necarne Libby at Balmoral Show in the Small Hunter Class