A successful year for CAFRE’s Showjumping Team
Date published:
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Equine Show Team has completed another successful year, providing students with valuable opportunities to gain competition experience and develop practical industry skills.
Ran annually as an extracurricular activity, the CAFRE Show Team comprises members from across the further education and higher education courses taught at Enniskillen Campus, alongside dedicated grooms and supporters. The team competes in a variety of events throughout the season, with a particular focus on Working Hunter competitions, which test both flatwork and jumping ability.
Competing at venues including Castle Irvine Necarne, Hagans Croft, Ardnacashel Equestrian and The Meadows, students demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm, attending weekly training sessions and embracing early starts on competition days.
The season concluded at the Northern Ireland Festival Working Hunter Final at Cavan Equestrian Centre. To compete at this event, combinations must first qualify at one of the qualifying shows. CAFRE was delighted to have three combinations represent the college at the finals.
A particular highlight was the success of Level 3 student Madison McAfee (Lisburn) and CAFRE equitation horse, Fred, who achieved outstanding results by placing ninth in the 80cm Working Hunter Final and fourth in the 90cm Working Hunter Final.
Beyond competition results, the CAFRE Equine Show Team plays an important role in developing students' wider skills. Through participation as riders, grooms and supporters, students gain invaluable experience while developing teamwork, communication, time management and organisational skills that will benefit them in their future careers within the equine industry.
If you are looking for a career in the dynamic Equine sector, CAFRE offers courses from Level 2 to BSc (Hons) degree with apprenticeship routes available. Applications are still open for September, to find out more visit www.cafre.ac.uk
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