Students from CAFRE's Enniskillen Campus have returned from a four-day study tour in Belgium, where they explored international equine practices and facilities. The trip brought together those enrolled on the Foundation Degree and BSc Honours in Equine Management.

The tour, backed by CAFRE's Industry Support Programme, provided travel bursaries of £1,500 each after an application process. Funding came from Godolphin, Coolmore, The Irish Field, the Gerry Dilger Foundation, Ulster Carpets and the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation.

At the Irish College Leuven, students learned that Belgium's equine sector includes around 200,000 horses, generates approximately €1.4 billion annually and supports over 6,000 jobs. They later attended the Belgian Dressage Championships at Azelhof Arena, watching young rider and para dressage classes.

A visit to Equitom Equine Clinic, a referral hospital for sport horses, allowed students to observe advanced diagnostics such as MRI and CT scanning, as well as surgery. Foundation Degree student Hayley Anderson noted the value of seeing daily routines and procedures in person.

The group toured Ashford Farm, a show jumping training and sales operation established by Irishman Enda Carroll. Final year BSc student Nadia Donnelly described the experience as inspiring and said she plans to apply the insights to her future career.

At the breeding operation Stal de Muze, students examined genetics and embryo transfer techniques. The final stop at Stephex Stables illustrated how elite training, competition and event management can integrate. Final year student Sinead McKeon highlighted the dedication required and the breadth of career paths available.

CAFRE, based in Enniskillen, delivers equine management courses up to Honours degree level.