Emma McCabe – CAFRE Alumni

My name is Emma McCabe. I chose to study equine at CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus because of my passion for horses and the mix of theory and practical experience offered throughout the course. 

I completed the Foundation Degree and then ‘topped up’ to the Honours Degree in Equine Management. During my studies on the Foundation Degree we were given the opportunity to undergo work placement which was a huge turning point for me. This is where I found that my core interest was in the Racing Industry.  

I decided to progress on to the BSc Honours Degree and pursue my interests and studies further. I was awarded the Horse Racing Ireland Bursary for their Social Media and Marketing Campaign.  This led me to choose my honours dissertation which was based on the growth rates of Thoroughbred foals.  

During my final year I applied and was interviewed for an internship. I was lucky enough to obtain the Coolmore Internship. This resulted in me spending six months working in Coolmore Australia and then a further six months working with Coolmore in Ireland. I loved this experience and it led me to my career in the industry today.  

I now work as a Stallion Stud Secretary and Client Relations for Kia Ora Stud (Scone, Australia). I am the main point of contact for our Stallion side of the business. My job involves selling nominations, booking covers and organising Stallion Parades and Open House Days. I am also responsible for keeping our clients up to date with their stock and advising clients on how to create profitable processes. I act as a point of contact for any issues that may arise. 

My role varies depending on the time of year which I love. I go to sales all around Australia, guide our sales team on what horses to show to potential buyers and advise them on each individual yearling with the hope of selling them to the most appropriate and profitable buyer. I assist our stud director with budgeting and short-listing possible purchases.  

The range and breadth of the theory and practical aspects of the courses at Enniskillen Campus allowed me to develop many of the skills I have today. Through many of the additional opportunities such as Careers day and Stud trips I developed valuable industry contacts. This opened many doors and connections for me that would not have been possible without the diversity and range of modules on this course. I also loved being involved with the Breeding unit and helping to care for the mares and foals at Enniskillen Campus. 

I look back at my time in CAFRE and can easily say it was one of the greatest and key parts of my life. I was given the opportunity to grow and to discover myself in a place where I felt safe to ask questions.  I was given the confidence that with the right guidance I would be set on the right path. I truly believe that the diversity that this course offers, being able to work academically in a classroom and also being able to be hands on in the industry, will stand to anyone who can make the most of these opportunities.