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  • CAFRE Equine students receive financial awards

    Date published: 9 March 2026

    Equine students attended a ceremony hosted at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s (CAFRE) Cookstown campus to formally present Bursary Awards.

    Hayley Anderson from Westmeath was awarded the Coolmore bursary. Hayley is studying for a Foundation Degree in Equine Management at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus.

    Over the years CAFRE’s Equine students have benefitted greatly from the generous support and close partnerships built with industry professionals across Ireland and beyond, established through Enniskillen Campus.

    The 2025 - 2026 Industry Support programme at Enniskillen Campus awarded £24,000 to Equine students pursuing Certificate of Higher Education, Foundation Degree, and Bachelor’s Honours Degree courses.

    Addressing the audience at the Industry Support Programme presentation event, interim CAFRE Director, Paul McHenry remarked: “The Equine sector operates on an all-island basis and is a vibrant and growing sector of the economy. Today we are delighted to welcome key Equine industry representatives to the college and acknowledge the international partnerships we have developed with businesses who are part of our programme but are unable to be present to celebrate with us today.” 

    This year sixteen businesses generously offered support to Equine Management students studying Ulster University validated courses at CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus. They included: Coolmore Stud, Danske Bank, Derrinstown Stud, Downpatrick Racecourse, The Gerry Dilger Foundation, Godolphin, Horse Racing Ireland, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Juddmonte Ireland, Pearse Lyons Ace Foundation, Show Jumping Ireland, The Irish Field, The Vaughan Trust, Tinnakill House Stud, Tyrone Farming Society and Ulster Carpets.

    Many of these organisations have been long standing supporters of the CAFRE Bursary programme offering tangible support to Equine students. “I am delighted that this year six of the bursaries awarded have been allocated to support students as they travel to learn more about equine businesses and their operations in Belgium”, commented Gayle Moane, Lecturer at Enniskillen Campus.

    “At CAFRE, our partnership with the equine industry is something we’re incredibly proud of. It shows just how powerful collaboration can be. By working side‑by‑side with industry professionals, we make sure our students gain the real‑world skills and confidence they need to thrive in a fast‑moving equine world. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of equine talent,” commented Jane Elliott, Head of Equine at Enniskillen Campus.  

    If you are interested in studying Equine and want to connect with a college who can help set your career off to a flying start, apply now to study Equine at Enniskillen Campus. For information on CAFRE’s Equine full-time, part-time and short courses, visit the CAFRE website.

    Notes to editors:

    1. Follow DAERA on X formerly called Twitter and Facebook.
    2. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.

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