Breeding
The breeding facilities at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus are designed to promote the highest standards of equine welfare while providing students with a safe and practical learning environment.
The purpose-built breeding barn comprises 10 individual stables, including spacious foaling boxes equipped with internet-enabled foaling cameras, AI foaling monitoring systems and artificial lighting systems to support breeding management. A range of loose housing pens, all-weather turnout areas, grass paddocks and active turnout facilities encourage movement, supporting the healthy growth and development of youngstock and broodmares.
The breeding unit is home to a range of Thoroughbred and Sport Horse broodmares and their youngstock, providing students with the opportunity to develop practical skills throughout the breeding cycle. Students are actively involved in broodmare management, foaling, youngstock handling, stallion selection and preparing foals and weanlings for sale, developing the industry-relevant skills required within the modern breeding sector.
Students gain practical experience using industry-standard facilities, including handling stocks, cross-tie bays, wash bays, a weighbridge, lunge pen and indoor arena. A fully equipped tack room is available for teaching and practical sessions, while safe hacking facilities support the delivery of youngstock management modules.
A key feature of the unit is the opportunity for students to participate in the annual foaling programme and foaling rota, allowing them to experience every stage of mare and foal management within a commercial breeding environment while reinforcing the theory learned in the classroom. This unique learning experience combines scientific knowledge with practical husbandry skills, helping students develop the confidence and expertise required for careers in equine breeding, stud management and youngstock production.