Adam Morgan – CAFRE Alumni

Adam Morgan from Warrenpoint County Down, a former CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus student, took some time to tell us about his education, career, and passion for horses and showjumping. 

Why did you decide to study at CAFRE and how has it influenced your career? 

I have always had a passion for horses and from an early age I knew I wanted to pursue a career in showjumping. My cousin had previously completed at course at CAFRE and highly recommended it so I attended an open day at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus where I learnt more about the courses and received a tour of the extensive facilities on offer. It was then I knew that studying at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus would provide me with a great opportunity to start my career. I commenced a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Equine Management, in 2013. It is a two year course with a good balance of classroom based and practical opportunities; the facilities are excellent! During first year, I participated in an Erasmus+ study programme during which we visited international dressage and showjumping yards in Holland. During this trip, I found a work placement at the stables of Olympian, Piet Raijmakers. The work placement gave me an insight into the management and operation of international showjumping stables. We also visited the impressive facilities at Zangersheide Stud and I was inspired by the standard of riding. I dreamed of returning here someday! 

What was your first job? 

After completing my Extended Diploma I wanted to develop my competition experience, so after I graduated from CAFRE, I worked with Linda Courtney in Nutts Corner and Michael McCann in Banbridge to develop my skills further and gain experience working in a competitive yard. Afterwards I was fortunate to secure a job at Zangersheide and there I benefited from training by international riders and trainers such as Christian Ahlmann and Judy Ann Melchior.  

Tell me a little about your current job? 

I am currently working in Munich, Germany with Simone Blum, individual gold medallist at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. I am working as a rider and I have horses from 5 year olds to older horses jumping up to 1m45 so far. I travel to a lot of international shows for example Gorla Minore (Italy), Oliva Nova (Spain) as well as national and international shows in Germany. It has been a great opportunity to train with Simone and her husband Hansi Blum as I have learnt so much from the both of them. My biggest achievement to date was winning a 1.35 Grand Prix at Olivia Nova last year. My aim for this year is to place in a 2* Ranking class or Grand Prix.  

What advice would you give a new graduate? 

There are many exciting and varied opportunities in the equine industry. I would recommend a new graduate to travel, especially if you are thinking of going down the route of rider or groom for showjumping or dressage. I moved to Europe when I was 19, to work in Zangersheide, Belgium and I would highly recommend it as it was a great opportunity to see a different culture and I learnt so much.   

Would you recommend studying at CAFRE? 

I would highly recommend studying at CAFRE to anyone with the interest in equine and showjumping. It will equip you with employability skills for life and has superb facilities. I was able to gain knowledge into other elements of the equine industry such as stable management and business which are all very important. Being able to work and study something you are passionate about makes life easy!