Careers in the spotlight at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus

Date published: 4 February 2025

Recently, during a Careers Panel discussion hosted by the college at Enniskillen Campus, students received valuable insights from industry experts. The discussion was led by Leo Powell, Master of Ceremonies, who with the panellists provided guidance and advice to aspiring equine students.

The panel comprised of renowned industry representatives, two of whom were CAFRE graduates. The panel members were Clare Abbott, Conor Chapman (online), Amy Marnane, Paddy Looney and Holly Roeder. Leo conducted individual interviews with each of the panellists.

Leo first introduced CAFRE graduate and Bloodstock Agent Amy Marnane, Bansha House, and talked about the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ITBA) ‘Next Generation Award’ which Amy had achieved. Amy also talked about the good foundation she gained at CAFRE and the importance of those connections that you make in the industry. Amy commented that the highlight of her career had to be buying ‘Givemethebeatboys’ for £11,000 and selling him for £1.1million. Her advice to students was to show attention to detail in everything you do, and to work hard and play even harder!

Clare Abbott, Irish Olympic Event Rider, Clare Abbott Eventing, remembers watching elite level of equestrian sport, particularly Badminton, as she grew up.  She had told herself that: “Someday I’ll have a horse that I can do that on.” Clare explained to the audience that she always really enjoyed learning and discussed the importance of starting at the bottom and working your way up, and the value of personal determination. Clare’s career highlights have been not just completing at the 2016 Rio Olympics, but the first time she produced and sold a first-class horse and following that horse’s progress. Clare’s advice to students was to put ten out of ten effort into everything you do.

Conor Chapman, Assistant Stud Manager, Watership Down Stud, joined online, and talked about his education, and the importance of the support and passion for the industry from stud owners Andrew and Madeleine Lloyd Webber. When reflecting on career highlights, Conor described, “those nights when you think you’re about to lose a foal, then seeing them in the paddock two weeks later doing well, and in the future ready to run”.  Conor’s advice to students was to not ever be afraid and keep pushing yourself.

CAFRE graduate Paddy Looney, Aloga Equestrian, talked fondly about his time at college and his lack of fear with horses.  He loved the mix of practical and classroom learning on the course and felt this prepared him well for his career, with Horseware, Anglesey Lodge, and Aloga, with “communication is key” being a mantra throughout his employments. Paddy felt his career highlight so far has been with Aloga; producing a horse blanket from start to finish. His advice to students was: “Things aren’t always going to go your way.  Build your own self resilience.”

Holly Roeder, Racing Secretary, PA Bloodstock, advised the audience: “In life it’s about who you know.”  She talked about having the confidence in herself to start up ‘The Bloodstock PA’ and her advice to students was to have an open mind; don’t be afraid to try something new.

The college would like to extend a sincere thank-you to all the Career Discussion Panellists, and Leo Powell for providing an entertaining and educational discussion. The panellists each gave open accounts of their careers and demonstrated to CAFRE’s Equine students that anything is possible if you set your sights on it.

Enniskillen Campus offers equine courses from Level 2 through to BSc (Honours) Degree level. The campus is hosting an Open Day on Saturday 29 March, book to attend via the events section of the CAFRE website.