Rhiannon Campbell – CAFRE Alumni
I successfully completed the two-year course, Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus in Summer 2022. Prior to this, after my Irish Leaving Certificate, I had completed the one year Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care programme also at Enniskillen, ,.
I grew up in Donegal having a love for horses and knowing that I wanted a career in the equine industry. When I heard about CAFRE I thought it sounded perfect for me. It combined my love for horses and learning by doing, alongside achieving a qualification.
When I first arrived at CAFRE I knew this was the place for me; the facilities, the horses, and the lecturers are fantastic. I loved being able to ride as part of my Level 2 course, we had weekly lessons in both flat and jump, which really helped everyone to improve their riding.
In the Level 3 programme I enjoyed a wide range of modules, honing my skills in a range of areas within the Equine Industry. We studied Anatomy and Physiology, Behaviour and Welfare, Feeding and Nutrition, Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy, Event Management, Work Placement and The Principles of Competition Grooming. My favourite part of the Level 3 course was the second-year module, The Principles and Practices of an Equine Stud. I really enjoyed the practical aspects of looking after the mares prior to and after foaling, and particularly working with the foals, weighing them, grooming and teaching them to lead. We were also involved in the decision making when picking suitable stallions to cover the mares with after they foaled.
As part of the Level 2 course I completed work placement at Knowth Stables, a racing yard in Co. Meath. I worked with a range of Thoroughbred racehorses, youngstock and mares and foals. I was involved in teaching foals to lead and taking horses to fast work on different gallops. I even managed to get a nice Thoroughbred mare of my own out of it!
These courses really suited me as they combine theory with as much practical work as possible. I was particularly impressed with the support I received from staff and other students during my studies at CAFRE. I felt able to approach staff if I had any issues and they were very welcoming and helpful.
Completing the Level 2 in Equine Care first, enabled me to establish a good foundation of equine knowledge as well as becoming comfortable with the assessment processes, before moving onto the Level 3 course and I felt it allowed me to perform better at Level 3.
The opportunities that have been made available to me during my time at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus outside of class time have been excellent. I have taken part in the Racing Club which starts each morning at 7am. I was also delighted to get the opportunity to complete my British Horse Society Ride Safe award. There are also many fun activities such as trips to Airtastic, Halloween walks and fitness classes are held in the evenings.
After I graduated from the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management, I began work with Castlebridge Consignment, Co. Meath and I am now currently working in the prestigious Coolmore Stud, Ireland, working with mares and foals and I love it!