The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise Equine Show Team has completed another successful year, with students taking part in a season designed to build competition experience and practical industry skills.
The team is run annually as an extracurricular activity at CAFRE's Enniskillen Campus. It brings together members from further education and higher education courses, supported by grooms and other helpers involved in preparing for events and competition days.
This year's programme included a range of events, with a particular emphasis on Working Hunter classes. The discipline tests both flatwork and jumping ability, giving students experience across more than one part of equestrian competition.
CAFRE students competed at venues including Castle Irvine Necarne, Hagans Croft, Ardnacashel Equestrian and The Meadows. According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the group attended weekly training sessions and dealt with early starts during the competition season.
The season finished at the Northern Ireland Festival Working Hunter Final at Cavan Equestrian Centre. Combinations had to qualify at one of the qualifying shows before taking part, and CAFRE had three combinations representing the college at the finals.
One of the main results came from Level 3 student Madison McAfee, from Lisburn, riding CAFRE equitation horse Fred. The pair placed ninth in the 80cm Working Hunter Final and fourth in the 90cm Working Hunter Final.
CAFRE said the team also supports wider development for students taking part as riders, grooms and supporters. The college said participation helps build teamwork, communication, time management and organisational skills for future careers in the equine industry. CAFRE offers equine courses from Level 2 to BSc Hons degree level, with apprenticeship routes available, and said applications remain open for September.