Nicola Clarke – CAFRE Alumni
Nicola Clarke from Derryham, County Cavan a former CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus student, took some time out of her busy schedule to tell me about her education, career, and passion for horses.
Why did you decide to study at CAFRE?
I have always had a passion for horses and from an early age I knew I wanted to pursue a career with horses. 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 BSc (Hons) in Equine Management. I particularly enjoyed the mix of hands on experience out in the yard as well as classroom learning.
What is your current job and responsibilities?
I am the owner and manager of Derryham Stables, a Riding School based on 40 acres of farmland in Killinkere in the heart of County Cavan. I provide many services such as riding lessons, therapeutic coaching sessions and livery as well as pony camps and parties. I am lucky to have some great facilities at Derryham Stables which have really helped my business to grow. I have two outdoor arenas – a purpose built therapeutic sensory trail and miles of quiet hacking which means that there is something for everyone here. I teach the lessons and look after the general day to day management of the yard and the horses, so I’m really involved with all aspects of my business.
Do you have a typical working day?
Every day is a little different, but generally my day begins with checking on all of the horses and carrying out the morning yard routine. The next job on my list is the preparation for lessons. Midweek lessons usually start around 2.00pm and finish around 8.00pm and on weekends lessons run from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Lessons now run 7 days per week and I have another excellent instructor employed to assist me.
What is the best thing about your job?
I love owning my own business and living on site with a very short commute! The land here is a very special place to me, so being able to build my own yard here has been a dream. I love teaching clients and seeing them progress and grow in confidence, so this really is my dream job.
What is the greatest challenge of your job?
Owning a business comes with many challenges and extra responsibilities. It has been especially challenging this past year as many businesses faced difficult times, but I couldn’t imagine myself in any other job.
What is your fondest memory of your time at CAFRE?
I especially loved my first year at Enniskillen Campus. I took my own horse to the Campus and kept him in the student livery yard. I loved gaining an insight into different areas of the industry, and working with the foals was always fun! I would highly recommend studying at CAFRE to anyone with the interest in equine. It will equip you with employability skills for life and has superb facilities.
Have you undertaken further training since leaving CAFRE?
Yes, I am a BHSAI instructor and I also completed a Therapeutic Riding Coach course at Festina Lente.
Do you keep in touch with fellow students who were in your class?
Yes, there is always a great support network with other past students to catch up with after we graduate.
What advice would you give a new graduate?
There are many exciting and varied opportunities in the equine industry. Try and get involved in as much as possible. Give riding out on the gallops a go, stay up an extra few nights on foal watch, help with training the foals and youngsters, you will always learn something new!