Excellence in Farriery at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus

Date published: 6 November 2025

Paudie Ryan and Dean Lennon successfully completed the prestigious International Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) examination in May 2025, marking a significant milestone in their professional development.

During the ceremony the two learners were presented with special awards in recognition of their commitment and endeavour throughout the programme:

The Forging Cup, presented by Mr. Paul Duddy AWCF, was awarded to Paudie Ryan for demonstrating outstanding commitment to the Farriery Upskilling Programme. The Paul Duddy Cup, recognising exceptional endeavour, was awarded to Dean Lennon.

A highlight of the ceremony was the attendance of John Cowper-Coles, Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, who presented a special Medal of Recognition to Paudie Ryan for his particularly high achievement in the International Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) examination. Both Paudie and Dean also received a signed copy of The Farrier and His Craft by Leslie Prince, gifted by the WCF.

Mr. Cowper-Coles expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus stating, “It was fascinating to look around your wonderful Equine facilities. I particularly enjoyed the visit to the breeding centre and seeing the young stock. It was also good to see the Forge and to learn how committed CAFRE is to Farriery training. I was particularly impressed by the happy atmosphere at your college and the academic and practical opportunities your students are lucky enough to enjoy.”

Enniskillen Campus continues to provide high-quality training and support for aspiring Farriers, and the Awards Ceremony was a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of its learners and staff.

Are you a working Farrier interested in formalising your skills with a qualification? The Farrier Upskilling Programme for 2026 is now open for applications. The course is designed to produce professional Farriers competent in all aspects of hoof care including the selection, fit and application of horseshoes. The course will be delivered part-time over two years. Students will attend Enniskillen Campus over two or three days each month, apart from July.

During each study block, students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in the on-site forge and to take part in theory sessions to further develop their knowledge. At the end of the course students can choose to take the International Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers exam which will give them a recognised qualification in Farriery.

For more information and to apply, visit the Equine Business Support area of the CAFRE website.