Foal sale honours for CAFRE students

Date published: 4 December 2025

Students from various courses and year groups gain valuable experience in the Campus Breeding Unit. During the second year of the BSc (Hons) Degree in Equine Management students take on a most comprehensive role, becoming fully involved in all aspects of yard management.

Students participate in weaning, preparation of stock for sales, stallion selection, record management, disease prevention, foaling down and assisting the vet and farrier.

CAFRE Equine Branch celebrated a major milestone at the Goffs November Flat Foal Sale, where a colt foal out of Zarak Star by Native Trail sold for an impressive €80,000. As the final lot on the last day of the sale, there were concerns that many buyers might have already departed. However, this outstanding foal defied expectations.

Commenting on this achievement Equine Lecturer Gayle Moane said, “This sale is particularly significant for CAFRE, marking our highest priced foal sold to date.” The journey began in November 2024 when CAFRE made the decision to invest in a flat broodmare. As part of their course students played a key role in the purchase process, reviewing the broodmare catalogue, identifying mares that met programme criteria, and creating a shortlist. Industry contacts generously provided feedback, helping to refine the selection.

“This year’s students from the Ulster University validated Honours and Foundation Degree programmes were central to preparing the foals for sale. Returning to college in mid-September, weaning slightly later than industry norms to allow them to experience the process, they undertook a six-week sales preparation programme,” explained CAFRE Equine Staff team member Lisa Doogan.  This hands-on training covered all aspects of readiness, including nutrition planning, exercise programmes, grooming, and handling techniques at the auction. The approach reflects CAFRE’s commitment to providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the Thoroughbred industry, blending classroom learning with real-world experience.

The sale outcome is a testament to the foal’s pedigree and quality, as well as the dedication and teamwork of students and staff, and it highlights the value of education-industry collaboration. CAFRE extends a special note of thanks to Redpender Stud, the purchasers of this exceptional colt, and wishes them the very best of luck with him going forward.

Second year degree student Amy Greaney tells us, “It was incredible to see the progress Benson made from the start of foal prep right through to stepping into the ring.  Watching him develop and then perform so well at the sales was really rewarding.  Goffs sales was a great experience.  We met some lovely people, and it was a pleasure to present Benson after all those weeks of hard work. I’d recommend that anyone who gets the chance to go to Goffs should definitely take it.”

CAFRE’s breeding unit continues to thrive as a dynamic learning environment, offering students an invaluable stepping stone. Whether they are new to breeding or looking to enhance and refine their existing skills, the unit provides hands-on experience that builds confidence and expertise.

Several CAFRE graduates work within the breeding industry. It is hoped that, using their experiences gained at Enniskillen Campus, more students will follow in their footsteps.

Are you interested in studying for a qualification in Equine? Applications are being accepted for courses starting in September 2026. For details on levels, entry requirements and how to apply visit the CAFRE website.