Producing youngstock at CAFRE

FdSc students Rachael Lamont (Coleraine) hacking Pepsi for the first time, led by Margaret Jane McGivern (Aghadowey) on Cleo.

The horses are part of the youngstock unit, which is offered to students in their second year of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management. Students who are studying their second year of the Foundation and Honours degree in Equine Management can also take part in the ‘unit’ as an optional choice.

Through the youngstock unit students learn about the theory of handling foals from when they are born until they are broken. They also learn about different illnesses or diseases that may affect youngstock. Students are involved with getting foals used to being handled and introducing them to being restrained by cradling them when going in and out of the field. This progresses onto foals being introduced to head collars and being led as well as being comfortable with having their feet lifted and being groomed.

This year CAFRE Enniskillen has two three year old horses for the students to ‘break’. This process begins with the young horses getting used to voice aids when leading. The students then introduce the two horses to tack, lunging and long reining. This is a great opportunity for students to obtain an insight into the process of breaking and backing young horses, especially if they have an interest in progressing this in the future.

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management students long reining youngstock on the hacking track.

The three year olds have now been backed and are riding in the company of an older horse around the hacking track. The students involved have stated that they feel they have a great sense of achievement for reaching this goal with the horses.

For further information on the equine courses offered at Enniskillen Campus check out the website on www.cafre.ac.uk or follow at DiscoverCAFRE on Facebook.