Making great strides on the Level 2 Equine Apprenticeship with CAFRE

Date published: 4 February 2025

An Equine Apprentice works for a minimum of 21 hours per week in a Northern Ireland business and completes training one day per week.

Level 2 Equine Apprentice Jenna Harkness from Cookstown is making great strides in her equestrian career. Jenna is working at NK Sporthorses based in Templepatrick. As part of the Apprenticeship Programme, Jenna is working towards attaining her British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 2 qualification.

Jenna’s employment provides hands on experience in all aspects of horse care and stable management with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive work environment.

Apprenticeship training is delivered through online classes with CAFRE’s Equine Lecturers Jenny Richardson and Chris Bogues. The online sessions deliver the theory aspects with attendance at Enniskillen Campus for blocks of practical training.

Throughout her time at both CAFRE and NK Sporthorses, Jenna has demonstrated remarkable commitment to her training. Jenna has gained experience in areas such as feeding, grooming, horse transport, riding and understanding horse behaviour.

Commenting on her Level 2 Apprenticeship Jenna said: “Work is incredible. I’ve learned so much from the team. My confidence has developed as well as my skill set. I feel that I am learning every day between placement, online sessions and the practical elements at CAFRE. I really enjoy the blended learning at CAFRE. I like attending training at Enniskillen Campus as I meet other Apprentices who are also working in the industry. It is great to catch up with them and share equine experiences. Working towards my BHS Stage 2 qualification is a challenging but exciting step in my career, and I feel lucky to have this opportunity.”

If you are interested in, or working in the equine sector, applications are now open. Apply for Level 2 or Level 3 Apprenticeship training to attain a recognised Equine Industry qualification. Book to attend our course Open Day on Saturday 29 March at Enniskillen Campus.

For further information please visit the events section of the CAFRE website. For specific Equine Apprenticeship training enquiries contact Jenny Richardson at: Jenny.Richardson@daera-ni.gov.uk.