Students developing careers in racing and equine performance gained valuable competition experience in Armagh as part of a year of training and race outings with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Racing Club.
The club fielded three horses at the Farmacaffley Point-to-Point in Armagh, giving students and recent graduates the opportunity to ride on a demanding course and experience the pressures of a real racing environment. The meeting marked the beginning of a series of fixtures designed to build confidence and capability on the track.
Training before the races
The Racing Club is an extra-curricular activity for students at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus, where learners on equine courses can combine academic study with riding, horse care and competition. This academic year, a strong intake of new members worked to improve their riding ability while developing the fitness, strength and discipline required to handle racehorses.
A specialist schooling day in December was led by jockey coach Paddy Flood. Riders worked on their jumping technique and confidence over chase fences in both the outdoor arena and the schooling lane. Students also gained experience by working with racing prospects and experienced schoolmaster horses, while those observing and assisting were able to learn directly from an industry professional.
After Christmas, the horses and riders returned to a demanding training schedule. Faster work sessions at Moira Gallops helped prepare the team for racing, with both horses and riders continuing their development on the grass gallops despite difficult weather conditions.
Results and recognition
The club’s fixtures after Armagh included meetings at Portrush and Loughanmore. One notable result came from Level 3 Equine Management student Roisin Moore, who secured fifth place in her first race placing.
The season concluded at the two-day local meeting at Necarne. Performances across several races reflected the consistency of the training programme, while students were also praised for their professionalism and perseverance when faced with challenges.
CAFRE’s students achieved further recognition away from the race results. At every meeting attended, the team won ‘Best Turned Out’ awards, highlighting the preparation, grooming and attention to detail put into presenting the horses. The achievement also reflected the students’ responsibility, compassion and pride in representing CAFRE.
New horses were successfully introduced to the yard during the year, demonstrating the riders’ adaptability and the quality of the training, according to DAERA News.
Route into the equine industry
CAFRE says the Racing Club offers prospective students a practical route into racing and the wider equine sector alongside their academic course. The programme combines professional coaching, hands-on experience and competitive opportunities to develop skills, confidence and an understanding of the industry.
Equine courses at the Enniskillen Campus range from Level 2 to BSc (Hons), with apprenticeship options also available. CAFRE’s next Enniskillen Campus Open Day is scheduled for Saturday 10 October. Further information is available through the CAFRE website.