22 October 2009

Another academic year has started for Enniskillen Campus with new equine students eager to take their first steps on the road to a career in the equine sector.

These students have commenced programmes ranging from a First Diploma in Horse Care to a BSc (Hons) Degree in Equine Management, according to their individual needs and abilities.

Coming to college is a new experience for all students – in a lot of cases it’s their first time being away from home but with a well planned induction programme prepared by the campus staff, our students’ apprehensions soon faded away. There’s nothing like being on a banana boat in Lough Erne at the Share Centre to focus the minds of the students on the importance of teamwork! An excellent Student Health Fair also took place at all three CAFRE campuses which was organised by our CAFRE Student Support Officer, Dr. Kate Semple. Our students at this event had the opportunity to participate in a number of health related exercises as well as getting their own health check for blood pressure, cholesterol and stress levels.

Our educational programmes are now “in full swing” and students are combining the theory that they are acquiring from their lectures with the practice gained during their skills sessions using the excellent equine facilities that we have. Students are gaining knowledge in all aspects of equine management including horse handling and exercise, horse care, equitation, racing, nutrition, equine health and veterinary science along with enterprise and business management. A number of equine visits to external establishments are also planned during this semester. These visits complement what the students are learning through their educational programmes as well as providing a very important source of careers advice to the students.  

A qualification from Enniskillen Campus thus equips students with the necessary skills and expertise to follow a rewarding career in the equine industry.

For further details of equine courses and other courses at CAFRE please contact the College on Freephone 0800 028 4291

Nessa Toher, Equine Instructor demonstrating the skill of “tacking up a horse” using “Necarne Molly” to First Diploma in Horse Care students Alexandria Ramsey, Hannah Eakins and Aobheann McCabe .

Teamwork is evident for first year equine students in Lough Erne!