Enthusiastic about Equine? Study at Enniskillen Campus
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College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Equine Management degree student Miceál O’Mahony is on the final year of his course. Reflecting on his time at Enniskillen Campus, he shared with us his journey and why studying at CAFRE is the perfect choice for him.
Miceál grew up in Ballygarvan, a small village in County Cork, on a family farm with beef cattle, sheep, and National Hunt broodmares. His love for horses started early, attending sales with his dad and learning about Thoroughbreds. Although he gave up riding aged ten to focus on other commitments, his passion for horses never faded. Today, he’s back in the saddle, riding out CAFRE racehorses alongside his degree course.
For Miceál, studying at CAFRE is offering him the opportunity to gain an Ulster University validated degree in a subject he truly enjoys. The combination of theory-based learning and practical skills was a major draw. “It’s not just about sitting in a classroom,” he explains. “You’re out there gaining real-world experience that employers value. From learning equine business and management principles to riding and schooling racehorses, every day brings something new. One of my highlights has been learning how to school racehorses with jockey Paddy Flood. Those practical experiences are unforgettable.”
A component of Miceál’s Honours Degree course is the completion of a research project. Using CAFRE’s on-campus resources he’s demonstrating his ability to combine academic study with industry relevance.
“For my research I am comparing the effects of interval training versus continuous training on the cardiovascular fitness of racehorses. Using heart rate monitoring, I track fitness improvements to determine which method delivers better results. The findings aim to support evidence-based training decisions, helping trainers optimise performance while safeguarding equine welfare.”
The future is bright for Miceál. He already operates a Thoroughbred consigning business and plans to expand it after graduation. He also hopes to travel and gain international experience in the Thoroughbred industry.
When asked if he would recommend studying for a BSc (Hons) Equine Management, Miceál said: “Absolutely. If you enjoy a mix of theory and practical skills and want real opportunities in the equine industry, CAFRE delivers.”
If you are interested in studying for a qualification in Equine, visit the CAFRE website to find out more about the course we offer. Applications are now open for courses starting in September 2026. You can book your place at our next Open Day on Saturday 7 March 2026. Visit the events section of the CAFRE websitefor details.
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