CAFRE equine study tour opens doors to international careers

Date published: 21 July 2026

The trip brought together students enrolled on both the Foundation Degree (FdSc) and BSc (Hons) Degree in Equine Management, offering an opportunity to explore international best practice and develop valuable industry connections. 

Supported by the CAFRE’s Industry Support Programme, the tour was designed to enhance students’ academic learning while exposing them to cutting-edge equine facilities and global career pathways. Travel bursaries of £1,500 were awarded to students through an application process, helping make the experience accessible and rewarding academic excellence and initiative. The bursaries were awarded by Godolphin, Coolmore, The Irish Field, The Gerry Dilger Foundation, Ulster Carpets and the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation. 

From the outset, the trip combined cultural exploration with professional development. Students began their experience with a guided walking tour of Leuven, one of Belgium’s historic university cities. This introduction encouraged students to engage with European culture, broadening their perspectives and highlighting the importance of cultural awareness in a globalised equine sector. 

At the Irish College Leuven, students explored the economic and structural importance of the equine industry in Belgium. They learned that the equine sector includes approximately 200,000 horses, generates around €1.4 billion annually, and supports over 6,000 jobs. This reinforced the scale and global significance of the industry, while also highlighting challenges such as profitability and sustainability within equine businesses. 

Students then witnessed elite competition at the Belgian Dressage Championships at Azelhof Arena. Observing both young rider and para dressage classes gave them insight into top-level training, preparation and inclusivity within the sport. The opportunity to compare international riding styles and coaching approaches encouraged critical reflection and enhanced their understanding of performance standards worldwide. 

A major highlight of the tour was a visit to Equitom Equine Clinic, a leading international referral hospital specialising in sport horse care. Students observed advanced diagnostic technologies, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanning. FdSc student, Hayley Anderson stated: “I am grateful of the valuable insight gained, particularly being able to observe surgery and the daily routines within each department at the clinic.”

Exposure to such cutting-edge veterinary practices allowed students to appreciate the importance of a multidisciplinary, horse-centred approach to treatment and recovery. 

The group also visited Ashford Farm, a top European show jumping training and sales operation founded by Irishman Enda Carroll. Here, students gained valuable insight into the production of elite horses, including training systems, horse selection, and the commercial aspects of the industry. 

Final year BSc (Hons) degree student, Nadia Donnelly described Ashford Farm as one of her highlights of the trip, “It was inspiring to see such high standards of work up close and to learn from such a well-regarded establishment. I hope to take what I observed and learned into my future career.” 

At Stal de Muze, one of the world’s most renowned sport horse breeding operations, students explored the science and strategy behind producing high-performance horses. They learned about the role of genetics, embryo transfer, and long-term planning in breeding programmes. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of breeding technologies and highlighted career opportunities beyond riding and stable management. 

The final visit to Stephex Stables showcased a world-leading equine enterprise that integrates training, competition and event management. Students observed elite horses in preparation for international competition and gained insight into the professionalism, organisation and attention to detail required at the highest level of the sport. Reflecting on her trip, final year BSc (Hons) student, Sinead McKeon described the visit: “It highlighted the dedication and teamwork required within the industry and has emphasised the wide range of roles available in the industry.” 

Overall, the Belgium study tour provided an outstanding learning experience, combining academic knowledge with real-world application. By engaging directly with leading industry professionals and facilities, CAFRE students have returned with renewed inspiration, enhanced skills, broadened horizons and a clearer understanding of the diverse career opportunities available within the international equine sector. The experience highlighted the importance of adaptability, teamwork and continuous learning.

If a future in the equine industry excites you, CAFRE offers courses from Level 2 to BSc (Hons) degree at Enniskillen Campus, applications for September 2026 are still open. For more information please visit the CAFRE website.