From CAFRE Enniskillen to Florida: Ryann’s Year with Swail Equestrian

Date published: 3 March 2026

I’m from Omagh and, although I don’t come from a farming background, my love for horses began early. I started riding at five years old at Clanabogan Stables and later competed on the Drumragh College showjumping team. The encouragement I received during those years helped shape my passion for the sport.

After completing my A Levels, CAFRE was the natural next step. Its combination of practical experience, academic study, and strong industry links made it the ideal place to pursue my career in the equine sector. The idea of spending each day learning about and working with horses felt like a dream come true.

As part of my degree, I chose to complete a placement year and was fortunate to secure my Diploma in Professional Practice International (DPPI) placement in the United States with international showjumper Conor Swail. Swail Equestrian, based in Wellington, Florida, competes across the United States and Canada, and is internationally recognised for its professionalism and high-performance standards. Working within this fast‑paced team has been both challenging and inspiring. It pushed me to elevate my standards, improve my practical skills and understand what is required to succeed at elite performance level.

No two days are ever the same, but my responsibilities include:

• Daily yard duties such as mucking out, feeding, grooming and tacking up
• Preparing horses for travel and competition
• Assisting at shows and travelling with the team
• Monitoring horse health and reporting concerns

The work is intense, but the learning has been invaluable. I’ve developed confidence, independence and strong professional awareness, and I am proud to contribute to such a high‑performance environment.

Everything I learned at CAFRE - from anatomy and nutrition to stable management - proved essential during my placement. The practical training meant I arrived prepared, while the theory helped me understand the reasoning behind decisions on the yard. Seeing classroom concepts applied in real‑world situations brought my studies to life. 

One of the highlights has been my involvement in major competitions. Travelling with the horses, supporting the team, and watching world class riders compete up close is something I’ll never forget. These experiences helped me build knowledge of the professional showjumping industry, built my confidence and strengthened my connections.

My DPPI placement has been one of the most rewarding parts of my degree. It challenged me, strengthened my skills and confirmed that I am on the right career path. For anyone considering the BSc (Hons) Equine Management degree at CAFRE, I highly recommend the placement year. It opens doors, builds professional confidence and provides a true insight into working in the equine industry.

Explore the wide range of opportunities available at CAFRE by joining us at the Equine Open Day, Enniskillen Campus, Saturday 7 March. Book your place now at the CAFRE website.