Develop your knowledge of equine through flexible study with CAFRE

CAFRE’s online and short courses offers the best of both worlds to develop your knowledge and skills

For people working in the equine industry, balancing education with employment, family commitments and the demands of horse care can be a significant challenge. CAFRE is aiming to bridge that gap with a range of flexible online and blended-learning equine courses designed to fit around busy lives.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is encouraging prospective learners to explore opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and qualifications through a variety of short and part-time equine programmes delivered by staff based at Enniskillen Campus.

Those interested in learning more will have the opportunity to join a free online information webinar on Monday 22 June at 7pm, where teaching staff and current learners will outline the range of study options available and explain how flexible learning can support career progression within the equine sector.

Flexible learning designed around modern life

CAFRE says its courses have been developed specifically to support people who may not be able to commit to full-time education but still want to gain recognised qualifications and industry knowledge.

Delivered through online and blended-learning formats, the programmes allow learners to study from home while continuing to work and manage other responsibilities.

One of the flagship offerings is a two-year part-time programme validated by Ulster University and delivered entirely online.

The Certificate in Higher Education in Equine Science and Management enables students to study from anywhere in the world while working towards a recognised higher-level qualification.

CAFRE says the programme is particularly suited to those already employed in the equine industry who wish to strengthen their expertise and continue their professional development without stepping away from their careers.

Industry skills and recognised qualifications

Join CAFRE’s webinar to hear about online and short courses in equine.

Alongside its higher education provision, CAFRE also offers accredited short courses for those looking to begin or expand their equine studies.

These include:

• Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horse Care

• Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Horse Care and Management

The 1st4sport-approved qualifications are delivered through a blended-learning format combining online lectures, interactive video sessions and an on-campus examination.

CAFRE says the courses provide a practical and flexible route for learners seeking to enhance their knowledge of equine care while gaining recognised industry qualifications.

In addition, a range of specialist online short courses is available, covering topical areas of equine care and management through pre-recorded lectures that can be accessed at a time and place that suits individual learners.

Helping learners build careers in the equine sector

Laura Smith, Senior Technologist at CAFRE, highlighted the importance of flexibility in making education more accessible to people already working within the industry.

She said:

“One of the greatest advantages of our suite of equine short courses is their flexibility. Many professionals in the industry balance long working hours with personal commitments, making full-time education impractical.

“We offer courses delivered through online or blended learning formats, addressing this challenge by allowing learners to study at their own pace while continuing to work.

“This flexible approach ensures that a wider audience, from school leavers to experienced professionals, can access training without stepping away from their careers.

“It also enables learners to immediately apply what they have learnt in real-world settings, reinforcing their skills and improving outcomes for both horse and rider.”

Free webinar offers opportunity to find out more

CAFRE says the webinar will provide an opportunity to hear directly from teaching staff about course structures, learning formats and qualification pathways, while current learners will share their experiences of studying through flexible delivery methods.

Whether participants are seeking to improve their qualifications, pursue a new career direction or simply build confidence and knowledge within the equine sector, the college believes its courses can provide a valuable route into further professional development.

The free online webinar takes place on Monday 22 June at 7pm and is open to anyone interested in exploring CAFRE’s equine online and short-course opportunities.

For those considering their next step in equine education, it could provide an accessible starting point towards developing new skills and advancing a career in the industry.