CAFRE celebrates student success at annual Equine Awards Ceremony

Sport Certificate in Horse Care Management learners received their qualifications at the Equine Awards Ceremony at Enniskillen Campus. Pictured are Abbie Thompson from Antrim, Aine Sweeney from Burtonport, Co Donegal, Alisha Cooper from Kells and Maria Elliott from Ballinamallard along with CAFRE Equine Lecturer, Dr Rachel Annan.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) hosted its annual Awards Ceremony on Friday 17 October 2025, celebrating the outstanding achievements of its Further Education Equine students at Enniskillen Campus.

Family members, friends, and invited guests gathered to mark the success of students completing Level 2 Technical Certificates in Equine Care and Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diplomas in Equine Management.

The event also recognised part-time learners undertaking Apprenticeships and online programmes at Levels 2 and 3.

In his address, Mr Paul McHenry, CAFRE Director, highlighted the college’s strong partnership with the equine and agriculture industries, noting the crucial role of collaboration in enriching student learning. He praised industry partners for their “valuable partnerships that enhance both education and knowledge transfer at the campus” and expressed his gratitude for their continued support.

Senior Lecturer, Shelley Stuart, congratulated all students and recognised the top achievers on the full-time programmes.

Among those honoured were Aine Cunningham, from Newbliss, Co. Monaghan, who completed the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management, receiving four awards, and Chloe Killeen from Claremorris, Co. Mayo, who was named top student on the Level 2 Technical Certificate, earning two awards.

Nicole McClements from Ballymena would completed a Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management

The college was also pleased to welcome John Cowper-Coles, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, who presented Paudie Lennon from Charleville, Co. Cork, with a medal in recognition of attaining the highest marks on the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers International Programme.

Guest speaker Ruth Morrison, General Manager at Downpatrick Racecourse, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt address to students.

Sharing her journey through the equine industry, she reflected on her early life on a family farm and her progression from reluctantly riding ponies to earning a jockey’s licence at just 16.

Ruth emphasised the importance of seizing opportunities and broadening horizons through experience and travel.

“Travelling offers opportunities to make valuable contacts,” she said, “and helps you learn more about yourself.”

Encouraging students to stay curious and adaptable, she added:

“Today you’ve built a strong foundation of knowledge, but your real classroom will be in the field, the yard, or the racecourse. The world we live and work in is rapidly changing, and we must adapt to meet customer expectations, innovation, and sustainability demands.”

She concluded with an inspiring message for the next generation of equine professionals:

“Work hard, gain respect, be humble, and develop curiosity.”

CAFRE’s Level 2 and Level 3 Equine programmes equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue diverse careers within the equine sector.

Graduates of the Level 3 course may also progress to Ulster University validated Foundation or Honours Degree programmes at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus.

In addition to the awards for full-time and part-time learners, several students were also recognised for outstanding accomplishments as they continue their studies at CAFRE.

For those considering a career in the equine industry, CAFRE offers Further Education courses for applicants with GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, and Foundation and Honours Degrees for those holding A-Levels or equivalent.

Applications are now open for courses starting in 2026.

To find out more, visit www.cafre.ac.uk and discover how you can study Equine at Enniskillen Campus and take the first step towards an exciting career in the equine sector.